Job opportunities

The Kennel Club is committed to activities that promote the culture of equality of opportunity. We recognise the worth of every individual and appreciate the benefits to be gained from making full use of people's talents to enhance our business performance.

We are committed to ensuring that recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion procedures result in no job applicant or employee receiving less-favourable treatment on the grounds of:

• race
• age
• gender reassignment 
• religion or belief
• disability
• marriage or civil partnership
• sex
• sexual orientation 
• pregnancy or maternity

The Kennel Club's objective is to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and otherwise treated solely on the basis of their relevant aptitudes, skills and abilities. All employees are responsible for ensuring that our equal opportunities policy is adhered to.

To work for The Kennel Club you need to be passionate about making a difference for dogs. We believe that the unique skills and dedicated work of our staff should be rewarded. Below are some of the benefits we offer our staff:

Salary

We offer salaries that reflect the market we operate in and regularly check ourselves against similar roles in other organisations.

• Employer pension contributions double the percentage of your plan earnings, up to 8%
• Life assurance equivalent to three times your basic salary (two times your basic salary for non-pension scheme members)

Work-life balance

• 23 days annual leave, increasing up to 27 days, in addition to statutory holidays. Staff may also receive additional days for any approved business closure days over the festive period in December
• Option to buy up to five days of annual leave per year
• Flexible working – formal and informal flexible working arrangements. The options available will depend on individual circumstances, and the demands and priorities of the department in which employees are based
• Family leave; including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, parental and dependant leave
• Sabbatical leave

Health and wellbeing

• Healthcare cashback programme with a fixed contribution paid for by The Kennel Club
• Free eye tests with a voucher towards the cost of your spectacles
• Employee assistance programme, providing access to independent advisors and counsellors for staff and their immediate families
• Occupational health which we can refer staff if there are any health concerns
• Flu vaccination vouchers
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme

Learning and development

We aim to create an environment where individuals are able to take responsibility for their own learning and development; an environment which recognises learning as an important element of organisational and individual achievement. We aim for continuous improvement in everything that we do.

• Dedicated Senior Learning and Development Officer
• Learning Management System which consists of over 500 courses
• Open Training Programme with a spectrum of both in-house and external courses, comprising both practical skills and personal development opportunities which are supported by access to internal coaching
• Financial support for professional and vocational qualifications, with five days' study leave provided
• Free access to The Kennel Club Library and Art Gallery

Financial Benefits

• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Lifestyle discounts via our EAP and healthcare cashback programme
• Discounts on The Kennel Club products and services
• Complimentary staff tickets to Crufts and Discover Dogs

Recognition

• Referral program – we are constantly looking for ways to attract and recruit the best talent possible who share our core values and aspirations
• Values nomination – we encourage colleagues to nominate individuals and teams who they believe have displayed behaviour that demonstrates The Kennel Club values
• Long service - to show our appreciation, staff would receive monetary rewards and a thank you card from our Chief Executive for their 10, 20 and 25 years’ service milestone

At The Kennel Club we promote and encourage our oneKC values.  They are called ‘oneKC’ because we believe that all employees are integral in embedding our values in the culture of the organisation.

Our oneKC values are:

Respect

Recognise and appreciate the value that each person contributes and treat each other with dignity.

Growth

Everyone is open to learning and adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

Teamwork

Our collective ambition can only be achieved by supporting, sharing and working together as oneKC.

Ownership

We accept the responsibility for our decisions, workload, and the way we interact with others.

Excellence

We take pride in our work. We aim high and celebrate excellence in achieving and surpassing our goals.

Future Focused

The world is changing faster than ever before. We must be future focussed to remain relevant, impactful and inclusive.

The purpose of our values is to:

• Create a shared set of behaviours
• Help build a common purpose that we stand for
• Enable more transparency and consistency across the breadth of our work
• Provide guidance – we are more likely to make the right decisions in the right way and achieve our vision and goals
• Deliver a stronger framework for recruitment, progression, feedback – the ‘how’ is as important as the ‘what’

Permanent - Full Time 

Location: London/Hybrid 

Salary: Competitive

Closing date: 6 June 2025 

First interviews week commencing: 9 June and 16 June 2025 

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The Kennel Club is embarking on an ambitious growth journey and seeks an exceptional Chief Financial Officer to steer our financial strategy. 

You will own the end-to-end finance agenda: directing budgeting, forecasting and reporting; embedding rigorous controls, risk management and procurement best practice; and leading the roll-out of a modern finance system that turns data into actionable insights. Clear, user-friendly dashboards will give real-time visibility of performance while holding budget owners to account. 

A champion of cultural change, you’ll foster commercial thinking across the organisation, build a high-performing Finance team and embed a value-for-money mindset in everything we do. You’ll evaluate opportunities, optimise cash and capital structure, and represent The Kennel Club to banks, auditors and investors. 

We’re looking for a qualified accountant with extensive CFO experience in dynamic environments, proven success driving strategy, systems and cost discipline, and the gravitas to influence at senior levels If you pair analytical excellence with collaborative leadership and a passion for purpose-driven growth, we’d love to meet you. 

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Please see full job description below: 

The CFO will be responsible for directing and overseeing all financial activities, including the preparation of financial reports, budgets, financial planning, risk, procurement and planning. They are responsible for driving the RKC’s strategic direction by providing financial leadership and aligning fiscal strategy with long-term objectives.  

Job Purpose: 

To play a leading role in the development and implementation of the growth strategy for The Kennel Club. 

Providing in-depth and insightful analysis ensuring evidence-based decision making.   

Accountabilities and Deliverables: 

• Overseeing all financial operations and direct corporate financial planning and structure.
• Coordinating, analyzing, and reporting the financial performance to Management and Board of Directors (financial performance, projections, and other special projects as required).
• Preparing short and long-term financial forecasts of financial performance for use with internal management and external parties.
• Overseeing the audit and tax functions, coordinate activities with outside audit firms, and review firms' performance.
• Managing the development, implementation, and maintenance of accounting and administrative policies and procedures for a wide-ranging set of activities including financial accounting and reporting.
• Overseeing and owning the budget process and guiding cross-functional teams in creating, maintaining, and reporting against financial goals.
• Supporting senior leadership in operational strategy, including developing and refining business models, assessing new initiatives, and participating in key decisions as a member of the executive team.
• Leading financial due diligence of business projects and product development, including financial and tax guidance on any proposed business projects, for example joint ventures or partnerships.  
• Overseeing compliance with all regulations as well as professional standards.
• Managing the development and implementation of effective internal controls to ensure the integrity of all financial reporting and practices.
• Representing the company to financial partners, including financial institutions, investors, auditors, public officials, etc.
• Overseeing the implementation of a new financial system, forecasting and reporting that support the RKC growth plans.
• Embedding financial practice and financial competency across the organisation.
• Embedding cultural change within the organisation to ensure a more commercially minded approach.
• Managing capital structure, including debt and equity financing, to optimise the company's financial position and cost of capital.
• Evaluating investment opportunities and potential acquisitions to support the company's growth strategy. Conduct due diligence and financial analysis for potential mergers and acquisitions.
• Overseeing cash flow planning and management to maintain liquidity and optimise cash resources.
• Managing relationships with banks and financial institutions to secure competitive financing and banking arrangements.
• Manage The Kennel Club’s procurement service incorporating the best practice for the size and type of organisation, supporting and training KC staff to enable them to carry out procurement practices in line with policy and playing a leading role in major procurement projects. Ensuring value for money
• Embed a risk management culture into TKC, driving a robust process with the RAC and Board
• Drive and deliver the strategy, including development of the corporate plan. Working closely with Executive and Board. Ensure alignment with the budget and financial commitments.

Key Performance Indicators: 

• To review the current accuracy of the financial position of the RKC and discuss with the Board.
• Establish the annual RKC budget. Ensuring department and budget holders are accountable for all budgetary control, including embedding a financial awareness culture.
• Develop the newly appointed Finance team to ensure robust processes, procedures and controls are adopted throughout the organisation.
• Recommend the purchase of an end-to-end finance system to take the RKC to 2028.
• Develop consistent Board, executive and budget holder reporting with clear, user-friendly, high-quality visuals.
• Control the business case financials, project budget and monitor the benefits of projects to ensure P&L delivery.
• To oversee the delivery of a clean year end and audit, a quality annual report and AGM pack.
• Cultural change to a commercial approach and product profitability.
• Embed a risk management culture. 
• Reduce costs by embedding a procurement process and ensuring value for money with key suppliers
• Deliver a robust strategy, supported by an achievable corporate and financial plan.

Knowledge and Experience 

• A strong background in finance and accounting, proven leadership abilities, and the ability to thrive in a challenging environment.
• Qualified accountant with proven experience in changing environments.
• Extensive experience in a previous CFO role.
• Strong understanding of finance and performance management principles.
• Excellent knowledge of corporate financial law and risk management practices.
• Solid knowledge of financial analysis and forecasting.
• Experience in implementing accounting and financial software.
• Strong analytical, presentation and influencing skills at a senior/board level.
• Experience of strategic planning, engaging exec and Board to ensure delivery.
• Experience of embedding a risk management culture.
• Experience across a variety of business projects including joint ventures and partnerships. 
• Experience of developing and embedding robust procurement processes.

Equal Opportunities & 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.  

Job Details:

Permanent - Full Time

Location: London/Hybrid

Closing date: 6 June 2025

First interviews week commencing: 9 June 2025 and 16 June 2025

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Are you a strategic leader ready to shape the future of people and culture at The Kennel Club? We are seeking an exceptional Chief People Officer to join our Executive Team and lead our people strategy through transformation and growth.

This is a unique Executive opportunity and deliver a 3–5-year People & Culture strategy aligned with our vision and brand values. In this pivotal role, you'll guide executive development, lead complex organisational change, and build a data-led, progressive HR function. You'll ensure our talent, reward, and engagement strategies support commercial success and foster a workplace where people thrive.

We’re looking for a commercially astute, CIPD Level 7 qualified HR leader with deep experience in strategic people leadership, complex employee relations, and culture development. 

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Please see job description below:

Job Purpose:

Create a collaborative work environment that attracts, retains and develops customer centric talent, whilst driving organisational change and development, and a high-performance culture, to enable business success and commercial growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creating and implementing a 3–5-year People and Culture strategy within The Kennel Club in alignment with business vision, strategy and brand values.
• Providing commercial, business strategy advice to both Executive and Board level
• Member of Executive Team and Remuneration Committee
• Driving a high-performance culture to facilitate business success through the organisation
• Creating and managing complex organisational change programmes, including taking an active role managing complex employee relations issues & mediating in disputes
• Guiding and developing Executive Leadership Team, including the development and implementation of the Unleashing Potential development programme
• Budget development and management
• Line Management of People & Culture Team

Accountabilities and deliverables:

• Develop the People and Culture Strategy
• Design, lead and deliver a 3-5 People & Culture strategy that is aligned with The Kennel Clubs business strategy and brand values
• Continuously develop and lead a clear Employee Value Proposition for The Kennel Club.
• Define and regularly review data led people metrics to measure organisational health, people engagement and progress against the People strategy (including defining and measuring team against key KPIs)
• Design and lead a DEI strategy for The Kennel Club. Ensure best practice policy and analytics in relation to EDI. Executive Development
• Guide and develop members of the Executive team, with input from the CEO to strengthen Executive Leadership team
• Act as business strategy advisor to Executive team and Board, reporting on key initiatives and recommended changes to drive business success
• Act as key member of Remuneration Committee
• Facilitate any senior level disputes Develop and Manage HR Function
• As a key member of the Executive Leadership Group provide leadership, advice and guidance at all levels to drive forward The Kennel Club’s ambitions. Role model the behaviours and ways of working that will embed change within The Kennel Club.
• Lead a team of HR business partners to provide commercially focused advice and guidance to The Kennel Club
• Act as the primary point of contact for all employee grievances and complaints ensuring they are resolved promptly and in line with company policies and applicable laws.
• Develop a team who advise and coach managers and their teams on employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Translate the People and Culture Strategy into a programme of change projects and plans. Utilise both the People Team and work collaboratively with other areas such as project management, marketing and communications and digital. Inspire, empower and coach a team of business partners who each have their own specialist area on a rotating basis.
• Manage the People and Culture budget and ensure ROI.
• Ensure policies and procedures are developed in line with best practice legal requirements
• Develop robust approach to planning headcount and resource. Ensure cross functional teamwork Talent and High Performance At a strategic level, lead all aspects of talent and performance including: 
• Attracting the best talent to fill key roles using clear employer branding · Ensuring a consistent process for onboarding that takes advantage of digital opportunities whilst integrating new employees into new ways of working and The Kennel Club brand.
• Regular objective setting and career conversations for all against The Kennel Clubs KPIs and brand values. 
• Defining an approach to talent management which includes clear career paths, learning and development opportunities and succession planning.
• A robust approach to managing performance and capability issues including taking an active role in managing complex Board and employee issues and mediating in disputes
• Oversee apprenticeships and other workplace responsibility initiatives. Learning and Organisation Development 
• Lead a programme of upskilling The Kennel Club in areas which have been identified as core skills for example: management skills, digital, upselling and customer focus.
• Support The Kennel Club to manage knowledge effectively including innovative ways to transfer knowledge and skills.
• Design and lead a DEI strategy for The Kennel Club.
• Oversee apprenticeships and other workplace responsibility initiatives.
• Ensure best practice policy and analytics in relation to EDI. Employee Engagement
• Partnering with the Executive, Leadership and Communications team to foster a positive, empowering and collaborative workplace culture through:
• Clear communication channels including employee events and updates.
• Establishing forums to hear the employee voice across a range of topics.
• Develop a programme of recognition and celebration, wellbeing and flexible working initiatives and professional development frameworks.
• Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture.
• Evaluate engagement levels on a regular basis via pulse checks and employee surveys taking clear action steps as appropriate. Reward and Recognition Lead clear and transparent approach to reward and recognition that aligns with The Kennel Clubs values and goals. 
• This is likely to include:
  • Regular benchmarking activity on salary and benefits including variable pay · Clear pay bandings that underpin career paths and talent.
  • Taking the ‘total compensation’ approach to reward and communicating this through reward statements, the intranet and other routes.
  • Ensure recognition programmes are regular and timely in support of new ways of working. · Oversee an accurate and efficient payroll process that partners effectively with the Finance function.

Knowledge and Experience

• Extensive HR experience and proven success at c-suite level in high-
• change, growth environments
• Knowledge and experience of how the People agenda influences commercial growth.
• A deep understanding of the HR Business Partner model.
• CIPD Level 7 required along with evidence of continued professional development activities.
• Significant experience of dealing with complex HR/legal issues including first-hand experience of Tribunal claims, creating legal argument to manage high risk situations & dispute resolution.
• Qualified Leadership Coach preferred

Equal Opportunities & 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.  

Job Details:

Job Title: Financial Controller

Salary: Circa £80,000

Location: London/Hybrid

Closing date: 6 June 2025 

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Join our team as a Financial Controller!

As Financial Controller you will provide strategic financial oversight across reporting, budgeting, compliance, and internal controls to ensure robust and accurate financial management. This role will act as a key business partner to the senior executive team, providing financial insight and leadership to support strategic decision-making. You will also be responsible for leading accounting operations, managing cash flow, audits, and financial risk while developing and guiding a high-performing finance team.

The Financial Controller will lead and develop The Kennel Club’s financial accounting and controls function to ensure compliance with statutory and fiduciary responsibilities while maximising asset value. Additionally, they will oversee the delivery of accurate and timely group month-end accounts, support business analysis, and contribute to the company’s growth strategy.

Strategic Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team, offering insightful financial analysis and constructive challenge to enhance performance and decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with department heads to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Providing support to the CFO on growth strategies, specific projects and ad-hoc business analysis requests.

Financial Control and Risk Management

• Leading accurate and timely delivery of the monthly and year-end close processes.
• Oversee the risk management process and act as main liaison during annual audits.
• Oversee all transactional and financial accounting operations, ensuring strong internal controls and compliance.

Reporting

• Developing and maintaining financial and operational dashboards for internal stakeholders.
• Presenting performance reports with recommendations to improve efficiency and revenue

Finance System Management & Improvement

• Leading the implementation of a new finance system to meet the growing needs of the business.
• Identifying opportunities for automation and improved reporting tools moving from existing accounting system to new accounting system. 

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, grow and mentor a team of qualified finance professionals, fostering growth and accountability.
• Creating a culture of commercial awareness and professionalism within their team and with stakeholders, focusing on outcomes, maximising efficiency and effectiveness 

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as directed by the CFO or Chief Executive.
• Delivering the production of the financial accounts, including the financial statements section of the Annual Report, ensuring full compliance with accounting regulations
  

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role
• Fully qualified accountant (CA) with strong technical accounting knowledge – CA qualified achieved in an accounting practice.
• Proven experience in leading or supporting the implementation of an ERP system such as NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms
• Proven experience in designing and leading implementation from the finance team perspective of an ERP system such as NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms including the preparation of records for cut-over to a new ERP solution.
• Proven experience managing a team of five or more staff and developing and growing a high-performing finance team.
• Strong understanding of statutory accounting requirements, audit processes, and financial risk management
• Previous experience in working with senior stakeholders and providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making
• Advanced Excel skills for analysis and reporting

Additional Information:

• If you are a member of The Kennel Club and are successful, you will need to relinquish your membership.
• Please be advised that we cannot provide a sponsorship visa for this role.