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Overview
The Head of Membership is a senior leadership role focused on managing and enhancing member engagement and satisfaction within a well-established industry organisation. With a high proportion of the sector already represented, the role centres on maintaining strong, long-term relationships, ensuring members receive maximum value, and supporting high retention levels. A strategic emphasis is also placed on expanding the Associate (supplier) membership category.
This is a relationship-led position rather than a high-volume sales role. However, you will work closely with the Senior Membership Co-ordinator to generate sponsorship and advertising revenue from Associate members, and lead on other commercial initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure the organisation consistently delivers excellent service to members, maintaining retention and satisfaction levels above 95%.
- Act as key account manager for the top 20 member companies, alongside the CEO, with direct oversight of the top 4 members (including declarations and directory listings).
- Apply the "three-by-three" principle to ensure key accounts are actively engaged and making full use of core member benefits.
- Lead recruitment efforts for both Associate and Full members, with support from senior leadership and the wider team.
- Drive sales of exhibition and sponsorship opportunities at events, and advertising in the organisation’s publications. Ensure advertisers are well supported and represented.
- Promote participation in industry statistics programmes as a core member benefit.
- Collaborate with regulatory, sustainability, and public affairs teams on joint member visits, and assist in managing any public complaints regarding members’ products.
- Provide guidance to marketing and administrative teams on events and publications, and advise membership and regulatory teams on member-related matters.
- Lead the organisation’s Brand Owners Forum, including planning and delivering the annual meeting.
- Oversee the annual subscription renewal process in partnership with finance and administration teams.
Travel Requirements
This role involves regular travel across the UK to meet with member companies in person. You will act as the primary liaison, attending meetings, visiting sites, and building relationships face-to-face. Travel is expected up to three days per week. Remote working is available on non-travel days, particularly for those not based near the organisation’s headquarters.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong listening skills and ability to understand member needs
- Excellent relationship-building and maintenance capabilities
- Diplomatic, trustworthy, and professional
- Consultative sales approach
- Proactive team player with initiative
- High attention to detail, with strong IT and organisational skills
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a commercial role
- Experience within the relevant industry is desirable
- Familiarity with trade associations or membership organisations is advantageous
- Willingness to travel extensively within the UK
- Degree-level education preferred but not essential
