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- Tasks: Lead and enhance canine activities while building strong community relationships.
- Company: Join the Royal Kennel Club, a leader in the dog community.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact in the canine world.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of canine activities.
- Qualifications: Deep understanding of canine activities and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Royal Kennel Club is recruiting a Head of Canine Activities and Engagement, a leadership role at the operational heart of all canine activities. We want to hear from people with deep roots in the dog community who understand canine activities from the grassroots and are motivated to strengthen trust, participation and quality across the sport.
Reporting to the Chief Canine and Membership Engagement Officer, this role provides senior operational leadership across canine activities, judges education, ensuring delivery, performance and continuous improvement. You will provide visible, credible leadership, act as the senior point of escalation for complex operational or reputational issues and ensure the dog community's voice and experience inform organisational decision making.
Primary areas of responsibility:
- Building strong, trusted relationships with exhibitors/participants, breed clubs, show secretaries, judges, volunteers and partners
- Leading operational delivery and continuous improvement of senior operational teams, ensuring high standards, consistency and compliance
- Working with sporting committees to support development, participation and long-term sustainability
- Strengthening regional support networks to increase local engagement and impact
- Balancing participation, quality and financial viability across activities
This is a highly visible, hands-on role for someone with credibility, empathy and practical understanding of how canine activities operate in practice. We welcome interest from within the dog community who bring the right experience, judgement and commitment to dogs.
For enquiries or to apply, please contact lee.martin@royalkennelclub.com. Applications close 28 February 2026.
Additional Information:
Please be advised that we cannot provide sponsorship for this role. If you are a member of the Royal Kennel Club and are successful, you will need to relinquish your membership.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
The Kennel Club welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Head of Canine and Membership Engagement employer: The Kennel Club
Contact Detail:
The Kennel Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Canine and Membership Engagement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the dog community. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for dogs! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your love for canine activities shine through. Share your experiences and insights from the grassroots level to demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about the challenges faced in canine activities and how you would tackle them. Being ready with thoughtful responses will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a potential leader who can drive change and improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for the role right from the start. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Canine and Membership Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The Royal Kennel Club is all about the dog community, so make sure your application reflects your passion and knowledge about canine activities.
Showcase Your Experience: We want to see your journey! Highlight your relevant experience in the dog community, especially any leadership roles or initiatives you've been part of. This is your chance to show us how you can strengthen trust and participation.
Be Clear and Concise: When it comes to written applications, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kennel Club
✨Know Your Canine Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the dog community. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and key players in canine activities. This will not only show your passion but also help you speak confidently about how you can strengthen trust and participation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in operational roles. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams to improve performance and deliver high standards. Highlight any specific initiatives you've implemented that resulted in positive change.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you would build strong relationships with various stakeholders like exhibitors, judges, and volunteers. Prepare to share strategies on how you would enhance engagement and support networks within the dog community.
✨Be Ready for Complex Scenarios
Anticipate questions about handling complex operational or reputational issues. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, demonstrating your judgement and commitment to the dog community's voice in decision-making.
