At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the dog community while enhancing membership engagement and canine activities.
- Company: Join the Royal Kennel Club, a respected institution in the dog world.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, enhanced family leave, and discounts on products and services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the dog community while honouring its traditions.
- Qualifications: Deep experience in the dog community and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This is a rare opportunity to join the Executive Team and shape the future of dog welfare.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get involved in the dog community! Attend local events, meet fellow dog lovers, and network like a pro. 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 in every conversation. Whether it's discussing training techniques or sharing stories about your furry friends, let your enthusiasm shine through. This will help you build trust and credibility within the dog world.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Royal Kennel Club's values and traditions. Understanding their ethos will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to their mission. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Canine and Membership Engagement Officer in London
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.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience within the dog world. Whether it's leadership roles, community engagement, or event management, we want to know how your background makes you the perfect fit for this position. Be specific and showcase your achievements!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and values mentioned in the job description. We appreciate candidates who take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us 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 and breeders. 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 and engage others, especially within the context of canine activities and events. This is crucial for demonstrating your fit for a senior management role.
✨Build Trust and Credibility
Think about how you can convey your authority and credibility in the dog world during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that illustrate your deep connections and trust within the community. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Align with the Royal Kennel Club’s Values
Research the Royal Kennel Club’s ethos and values thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their mission to improve the welfare and wellbeing of dogs. This will show that you respect their traditions while also being open to innovation.