Nutrient Management Specialist

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is the biggest farming organisation in the UK. We are proud to make a difference for all our members, by shaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from climate change and food standards to rural crime and broadband rollout.

Purpose of the role & how you will contribute: An exciting opportunity has emerged to become a key player in the NFU's Environment team as a Nutrient Management Specialist. In this role, you will lead our policy work, shaping the NFU's stance on various water and air quality issues, emphasising the critical role of nutrient management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy Development: Craft and implement policies on water and air quality, addressing challenges and identifying opportunities for the farming sector through nutrient management.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Keep NFU policy teams, office holders, and members informed about policy and legislative developments related to water and air quality.
• Representation: Represent the NFU in meetings, discussions, and consultations with government departments, national agencies, and NGOs. Utilise your strong relationship-building and negotiation skills to maximise the NFU's influence and protect members' interests.
• Consultation Leadership: Lead our engagement and responses to key government consultations, working with government and sector partners to shape a policy landscape that supports the sustainability and growth of our members' businesses.
• Technical Authority: Be or progress into a technical authority on nutrient management, supporting NFU commodity boards and leading industry initiatives in areas such as the circular economy.

What you'll bring:

• A degree or equivalent, in Agriculture, Geography, Environmental Science or a related field.
• Experience in working or advising farmers on environmental matters.
• Proven experience in policy development, communication and negotiation.
• A strong understanding of water and air quality issues, with FACTS accreditation or have a willingness to work towards FACTS accreditation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to maintain strong working relationships with farmers and stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

If you are passionate about environmental policy and want to make a significant impact on the farming sector, we would love to hear from you!

Why choose us? Join us and you'll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. In return you will be rewarded with a full range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance (starting at 25 days a year pro rata + Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days pro rata with length of service), plus 1 annual Christmas company day.
• Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
• Company funded health Cashplan.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.
• Performance-related pay.
• Competitive Pension and Life assurance.
• Access to interest-free loans for cars, bikes, season tickets and driving lessons.
• Employee Assistance program to help you deal with life's challenges.
• Discounts on a range of new vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing and lifestyle and many more.
• Attractive, modern office, with on-site restaurant and free parking.

Who we are: Every day, we're the voice of around 44,000 British farmers and growers who produce food, making sure their concerns are heard at the heart of government both online and locally. This means developing strong relationships with everyone from NFU colleagues to government ministers. Working in the policy team, you'll take an active role in developing and influencing the policies that benefit farming businesses across the UK.

It's exciting, complex work, covering every area of farming and dealing with a range of stakeholders, from government ministers, civil servants and the media, to local NFU branches. The sheer variety of our work means you can be involved in a wide range of projects from initial research to policy delivery. Our collaborative approach means you'll find plenty of opportunities to build your knowledge - it's up to you to take them.

Join us. We're committed to recruiting a diverse and highly talented workforce. We'll support you by providing you with extensive learning and development opportunities and build a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments including discussions around agile and flexible work options.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If we decide we've found the right person for the role, we reserve the right to withdraw this advert and close applications before the closing date.