Lead Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

This is a pivotal clinical leadership opportunity at Cinque Ports Hawkhurst, a fully equipped first-opinion practice in Kent. You’ll balance hands-on nursing work with meaningful team leadership—managing rotas, mentoring nurses and student veterinary nurses, and setting the clinical standard for the branch. With a 90% clinical focus, you’ll stay connected to the cases you love while building a supportive nursing culture.

Based in Springfield, Cranbrook Road, Hawkhurst, you’ll work 40 hours across 5 days (8-hour shifts), with weekend work compensated by time off in lieu or additional pay. This is a permanent, full-time role offering genuine scope for clinical leadership without losing the hands-on work.

Key Responsibilities

• Line manage 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses and 4 Client Care Associates, providing guidance, mentoring, and performance support
• Oversee nursing rotas and holiday planning to ensure smooth branch operations
• Manage controlled drugs cupboard, stock control, and health & safety compliance across the nursing team
• Maintain clinical standards in anaesthetic monitoring, nurse consultations, and routine procedures
• Handle administrative tasks including reporting, filing, and external company liaison
• Support workflow efficiency and colleague welfare across the practice
• Contribute to team culture through participation in branch meetings, team events, and social activities

Requirements

• Minimum 4 years veterinary nursing experience
• Strong clinical competence and confidence, including anaesthetic monitoring and routine procedures
• Have some leadership experience (previous Lead Nurse experience not essential)
• Highly organised and able to work independently on your own initiative
• Friendly, professional, and approachable manner with colleagues and clients
• Effective communicator with vets, team members, and external contacts
• Team player with ability to build positive working relationships within the branch

Benefits

• Salary: £33,200 (depending on experience) + £1,000 joining bonus
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays
• Extensive free online CPD program via Linnaeus
• Clear career progression routes: Branch CNM, Branch Manager, and wider Linnaeus group opportunities
• Staff discount schemes
• Life assurance and enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Employer pension contribution
• Comprehensive wellness program including employee assistance, eyecare vouchers, free annual flu jab, and cycle-to-work scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme

About the Practice

Cinque Ports Hawkhurst is a fully equipped first-opinion practice offering outstanding care for small animals. The branch features modern surgeries, treatment rooms, a dedicated dental suite with dental X-ray, ultrasound facilities, in-house blood analysis, and ophthalmology capabilities. You’ll work alongside a small, dynamic team including 3 RVNs, 4 Client Care Associates, and a Branch Manager, with responsibility for supervising student nurses.

Cinque Ports is part of Linnaeus, which is owned by Mars Veterinary Health—the world’s largest family-owned veterinary company. This private ownership allows the group to invest long-term in people, facilities, and patient care, with a workforce of over 6,000 across the Linnaeus network. The practice is committed to clinical excellence, inclusive culture, and supporting the wellbeing of its team.