Senior Policy Manager - Climate, Land & Business

Representing some 9,000 farmers, crofters, and other rural businesses across the country, NFU Scotland’s mission is to promote and protect the interests of its members by influencing government and the supply chain to secure a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture. We are recruiting for an experienced person to join our widely respected Climate, Land & Business Team to take the lead on the delivery of the NFUS Climate strategy and overarching environmental policy work.

The ideal candidate will have current experience of leading a team of professionals, preferably in a policy or related area. You will be experienced in coaching and developing a team, as well as empowering them to develop. You will be a collaborative worker who can manage a varied and fast-paced work environment. You should have broad knowledge and experience of current issues relating to climate and environmental policy that affect Scottish agriculture. You must have the ability to work alongside colleagues on key issues across the agriculture sector, advising on appropriate policy lines, providing technical guidance, and taking the lead on projects and initiatives. You need to be comfortable dealing with several different issues at one time and be able to articulate them clearly and in a convincing manner to a wide variety of audiences. We want someone with a can-do attitude. What we do makes a big difference to farm businesses across Scotland, so we need someone who thrives on challenges and is solutions-focused.

Some selected aspects of the role:

• To lead, develop, coach, motivate and empower the Climate, Land & Business team to deliver and perform to their full potential.
• Formally and informally influence the development and delivery of all aspects of agricultural policy and regulation that relate to climate and land-based policy in Scotland and the UK.
• Influence legislation, regulation, commercial practice and public debate around climate and environmental issues.
• Represent NFU Scotland member interests on relevant stakeholder groups and forums.
• Provide specialist and timely support advice to elected members, wider NFU Scotland members and colleagues.
• Provide high-quality, concise written materials with regard to consultations and technical briefings for a variety of related purposes as required.

Key Skills Requirements:

• Degree in a relevant discipline and/or relevant working experience.
• Current line management experience of at least three years in a related context.
• At least five years’ experience working on issues related to policy development - in the context of climate and environmental policy issues.
• The ability to find solutions to problems and mediate conflict.
• A self-starter and a strong team player, with the confidence and experience to mentor less experienced team members.
• The skills to interpret detailed and complex information and present it clearly and concisely to different audiences and suggest pragmatic and credible courses of action.
• Capable of dealing with different demands at one time while clearly prioritising to ensure outcomes are achieved.
• A positive and reassuring manner with an ability to deliver challenging messages effectively.
• Confidence in speaking to a variety of audiences, including colleagues, members, officials, parliamentarians, and the media.

What’s on offer including some of our staff benefits:

• Annual salary of £45,000 - £55,000 commensurate with demonstrable knowledge, competence and experience.
• Full-time permanent contract (35 hours per week).
• Hybrid working (at least 2 days in the office).
• Generous 38-day holiday entitlement per year.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Life Assurance (3 years annual salary).
• 10% Employer-contributed pension.
• Free onsite parking.
• Membership to NFU Scotland, giving access to a range of discounts.

You will be based in NFU Scotland’s Head Office in Ingliston (near Edinburgh Airport), with regular travel throughout Scotland and the UK and occasionally beyond. A current driver’s license is essential for this role.

We’re committed to recruiting a diverse and highly talented workforce. We’ll support you by providing you with learning and development opportunities and building a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments.

How to Apply: We encourage you to apply as soon as possible with a cover letter and CV to recruitment@nfus.org.uk. If we decide we’ve found the right person for the role, we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy and close applications before the closing on Friday, 20 June 2025. First interviews will take place on 25-27 June via Teams. Second interviews will be in person on 23 or 24 July.