At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and engage with the dog community, shaping activities and events for the Royal Kennel Club.
- Company: Join the prestigious Royal Kennel Club, dedicated to improving dog welfare since 1873.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, enhanced family pay, discounts, and free tickets to Crufts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the dog world while honouring traditions and fostering innovation.
- Qualifications: Deep experience in the dog community and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This is a rare opportunity to join the Executive Team of a respected institution.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Royal Kennel Club is appointing a Chief Canine & Membership Engagement Officer. We are especially interested in candidates with deep experience and connections within the dog community. This role requires lived understanding of the dogdom alongside leadership capability. The successful appointee will work alongside Executive Team colleagues to ensure the dog world remains the living heart of the organisation.
Central to this role is stewarding the relationship between the Royal Kennel Club and the communities that sustain it, ensuring trust, engagement and lasting impact. It calls for a leader whose authority and credibility in the dog world come from being part of it, built through trust. The successful appointee can advance our impact in this area while respecting its traditions and creating room for innovation.
This senior management role will strategically shape how the Royal Kennel Club listens, leads and evolves for membership, canine activities and events, ensuring these are valued, well governed and fit for the future. To lead and inspire across canine activities, events and education programmes, as well as membership engagement, while honouring the Royal Kennel Club’s heritage and traditions. You will ensure cohesive governance, build strong trust with stakeholders, and drive high quality performance across all areas. Delivery is achieved through senior direct reports.
This is a rare opportunity to join the Executive Team of one of the most respected institutions in the dog world. We welcome interest from within the dog community: applicants who are visible, trusted, bring the right experience, judgement and commitment to dogs, respect for the Royal Kennel Club ethos and its values.
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.
About the Royal Kennel Club: Formed in 1873, The Kennel Club exists to make a positive difference for dogs and their owners. Our key areas of activity include:
- Helping potential dog owners find the right dog for them, and work with the dog breeding community to ensure those dogs are healthy and happy.
- Supporting dog owners to access high quality training and pet insurance and provide a range of advice and support to help ensure the ongoing wellbeing of dogs.
- Working with breeders, judges, competitors and exhibitors to organise world-class events and to develop the resources they need to thrive.
The primary objective of the Royal Kennel Club is to improve in every way the welfare, health, and general wellbeing of all dogs throughout their lives, by means of various research and educational programmes, and our Charitable Trust. The Royal Kennel Club is an organisation committed to promoting and protecting dogs’ varied roles in society and defending the interests of all dog owners.
Benefits: 25 days annual leave, which will increase by one day for every full year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days). Employees contribute a minimum of 3%, while we contribute double the percentage, up to a maximum of 8%. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay. Discounts on The Kennel Club products and services. Discounted gym membership. Free eye tests. Complimentary staff tickets to Crufts.
Chief Canine and Membership Engagement Officer employer: The Royal Kennel Club
Contact Detail:
The Royal Kennel Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Canine and Membership Engagement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get involved in the dog community! Attend local events, meet fellow dog lovers, and network with professionals. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Chief Canine and Membership Engagement Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for dogs! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, share your experiences and stories about your journey in the dog world. Authenticity goes a long way in building trust.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Royal Kennel Club thoroughly. Understand their values, history, and current initiatives. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Royal Kennel Club and making a difference in the dog community.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Canine and Membership Engagement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Dogs: When writing your application, let your love for dogs shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your connection to the dog community. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Chief Canine and Membership Engagement Officer role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant connections within the dog world. We’re looking for someone who understands both tradition and innovation!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the dog community. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all the necessary information in the right format. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Royal Kennel Club team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Kennel Club
✨Know Your Dogdom
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the dog community. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key figures, and issues that matter to dog owners. This will show your genuine passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire trust and engagement within the dog community, as this is crucial for the Chief Canine & Membership Engagement Officer role.
✨Connect with Stakeholders
Think about how you can build strong relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss strategies for fostering trust and collaboration, as this will be a key part of your role in shaping the Royal Kennel Club's future.
✨Respect Tradition, Embrace Innovation
Be prepared to discuss how you can honour the Royal Kennel Club’s heritage while also bringing fresh ideas to the table. Show that you understand the balance between tradition and innovation, which is essential for driving high-quality performance.