Job opportunities at UK Pet Food

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We are recruiting!  

We’re looking for a creative, digitally savvy Communications & Engagement Manager to join us at UK Pet Food.

Apply by 18 October. 

To: [email protected]

Communications & Engagement Manager Job Description

Reports To: Head of Communications & External Relations

Location: London / Hybrid

Hours: Full time

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working with regular attendance at UK Pet Food’s central London office and at external meetings and events, as required.

About UK Pet Food

UK Pet Food is the trade association representing the UK's pet food industry. Our members range from global manufacturers to specialist businesses, united by a shared commitment to pet health and wellbeing, sustainability, responsible production, and high standards across the industry.

We work with government, regulators, industry partners and stakeholders to provide trusted expertise, advocate for our sector and help shape the future of pet food in the UK.

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for a creative, digitally savvy communications professional who wants to make a real impact and take the next step in their career. The Communications & Engagement Manager role sits at the heart of our organisation. It will support the delivery of UK Pet Food's strategy by helping shape our member and stakeholder communications, digital engagement, content creation, and the overall member experience.

The role combines responsibility for digital communications, website management, CRM-driven engagement, membership services and organisational support activities.

Working closely with the Head of Communications & External Relations, the successful candidate will help raise UK Pet Food’s profile through engaging campaigns, content and a strong digital presence. The role will also help deliver a high-quality member experience, ensuring members can easily engage with UK Pet Food, access the information they need and participate in our activities through our digital channels.

As the newest member of our small and dynamic team, the successful candidate will be enthusiastic and proactive, take ownership of their work, and contribute ideas that strengthen communication, audience engagement, member experience, and organisational effectiveness.

UK Pet Food is investing in systems, digital capability and AI-enabled ways of working. As these capabilities develop, the role is expected to evolve, with increasing emphasis on communications, digital engagement, content creation and audience growth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help shape this.

Key Responsibilities

Communications & Digital Content

  • Create, publish and maintain engaging content and stories across UK Pet Food's communications channels, including the website, newsletters and social media.
  • Lead the day-to-day management, development and optimisation of the UK Pet Food website, ensuring it remains a trusted source of information, insight and member value.
  • Develop and deliver communications plans to support UK Pet Food events, webinars and industry activities.
  • Draft and distribute newsletters, member updates and digital communications.
  • Manage UK Pet Food’s social media channels and support audience growth and engagement, including advising on social media channel and content strategy and tailoring content for different channels and audiences.
  • Coordinate content planning and communications scheduling.
  • Monitor communications performance, digital analytics and audience engagement, using insight to inform future activity.

Member Engagement

  • Support the development of a strong and engaging member experience, from onboarding through to ongoing engagement and retention.
  • Act as a key point of contact for members and stakeholders, supporting a responsive and high-quality membership service.
  • Use the CRM to support targeted member communications, audience segmentation and the development of engagement strategies.
  • Help develop a data-driven approach to member engagement, using CRM data and insights to inform communications, engagement activity and decision-making.
  • Support membership renewals and engagement initiatives, helping to strengthen understanding of the value members receive from UK Pet Food.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen member engagement and participation in UK Pet Food activities.
  • Produce reports and insights to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Events

  • Support the planning and delivery of events, webinars, conferences and member meetings.
  • Develop communications and engagement activity around events to support participation and maximise their value.
  • Assist with event administration, delegate communications and event logistics.

General

  • Support the wider work of UK Pet Food as required.
  • Contribute ideas, identify opportunities and advise on approaches to improve communications, member engagement, systems and ways of working.
  • Work collaboratively across the Secretariat, supporting colleagues and contributing to shared organisational priorities.
  • Use digital tools and AI appropriately to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Undertake other duties commensurate with the level of the role.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Experience in communications, digital engagement, marketing, membership, or a related role.
  • Excellent written communication and content creation skills, with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and channels.
  • Experience managing websites, social media and other digital channels.
  • Experience using CRM, database or audience management systems.
  • An understanding of digital communications and audience engagement, with the ability to use analytics and insight to inform activity and priorities.
  • Strong organisational and project coordination skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to work independently and take ownership within a small team environment.
  • Confidence using digital tools and technology.

Desirable

  • Experience working within a membership organisation, trade association, charity or not-for-profit environment.
  • Experience supporting committees, boards or volunteer groups.
  • Experience using communications analytics and reporting tools.
  • Experience supporting events, conferences or webinars.
  • Experience using AI tools in a professional setting.
  • An interest in food, sustainability, policy, science or animal welfare.

Personal Attributes

  • Proactive, positive and self-motivated, with the confidence to take initiative, solve problems and spot opportunities for improvement.
  • Creative, curious and results-focused, turning ideas into action.
  • Collaborative and adaptable, enjoying working as part of a small, supportive team where flexibility and teamwork are essential.
  • Strong relationship builder, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, build networks and represent UK Pet Food professionally.
  • Accountable and delivery-focused, taking ownership of projects from concept to completion and consistently delivering high-quality results.
  • Keen to develop new skills, embrace emerging technologies and continuously learn in a fast-paced environment.
  • Energetic and enthusiastic, with a willingness to attend events, build connections and contribute positively to the team's culture and success.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join UK Pet Food at an exciting point in its development, working within a small, collaborative team and helping shape how we communicate, engage our members and build our digital capability. The role offers the chance to work with senior leaders from across the pet food sector and gain exposure to a wide range of issues, from public affairs and sustainability to science and animal welfare, with opportunities to learn and develop along the way.

Salary & Benefits 

• Salary £35,000–£40,000, depending on experience.

• We offer a competitive benefits package, including an attractive pension, private healthcare and opportunities for professional development.

• This role offers flexible, hybrid working, with a mix of home working, time in our central London office and external meetings and events as required. A minimum of one day per week in the office is required, with additional time during the onboarding period.

How to Apply

To apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter to [email protected]

Deadline: 18 October 2026                   

The interview process will commence shortly after.