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- Tasks: Lead agricultural science policy and drive innovation for UK farming.
- Company: Join the NFU, a key player in shaping the future of UK agriculture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, health insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food security and sustainability in agriculture.
- Qualifications: Expertise in agricultural science and proven policy development experience required.
- Other info: Diverse workforce with extensive learning opportunities and modern office perks.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 76000 £ per year.
Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
Salary: c£67,000 (dependent on skills & experience) + benefits
Are you passionate about agricultural transformation and the future of food production? The NFU is seeking a visionary and collaborative expert to lead our policy on science, innovation and productivity a role that will directly shape the future of UK farming.
As the NFU\’s national executive lead, you\’ll champion policies that harness science and innovation to strengthen farm businesses, support environmental goals, and enhance the nation\’s food security. You\’ll drive strategic policy development, foster connections and partnerships, and influence government, research partners and global networks to deliver positive outcomes for our members.
What You\’ll Be Doing
Leading the NFU\’s policy on agricultural science, innovation
Working collaboratively across cross cutting policy teams to drive the measures to unlock productivity improvement
Promoting advances in R&D and technology into real-world opportunities for UK farmers
Shaping cross-cutting policy strategies and activity that promote long-term farm productivity
Building strong linkages with UK and international science, innovation and R&D networks
Representing NFU in high-level lobbying, influencing UK government departments, research funding bodies, NGOs, and industry organisations
What We\’re Looking For
An exceptional collaborator with deep expertise in agricultural science, innovation or related fields
Proven experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy
Strong ability to connect science with applied on-farm benefits
Confident communicator and relationship-builder across technical and policy circles
Join us to make a real difference at the forefront of UK agriculture and help shape a more resilient, productive and sustainable future for our farmers and the food system.
Why choose us?
At the NFU 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 (30 days a year pro rata + Bank Holidays), plus 1 annual company day
Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave
Company funded health Cashplan
Health insurance
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
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 find the right person for the role, we reserve the right to withdraw this advert and close applications before the closing date
.
You may also have experience in the following roles: Policy Adviser, Senior Policy Officer, Agricultural Policy Specialist, Science Policy Manager, Innovation Strategy Lead, Research and Development Manager, Agricultural Technology Adviser, Policy Development Manager, Strategic Policy Lead, etc.
REF-222 964
Chief Adviser (Science, Innovation & Productivity) employer: NFU
Contact Detail:
NFU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Adviser (Science, Innovation & Productivity)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the agricultural science and innovation sectors. Attend industry conferences, webinars, and local events to meet key players and learn about current trends. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest developments in agricultural policy and technology. Follow relevant publications, blogs, and social media channels to understand the challenges and opportunities in the field. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your collaborative skills by seeking out opportunities to work on cross-disciplinary projects. Highlight any experience where you've successfully brought together different stakeholders to achieve a common goal, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced policy or driven innovation in previous roles. Be ready to articulate your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you’ve connected scientific advancements to practical applications in agriculture.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Adviser (Science, Innovation & Productivity)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Adviser position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially in agricultural science, innovation, and policy development.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in agricultural science, innovation, and policy advocacy. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to connect science with practical applications on farms.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for agricultural transformation and your vision for the future of food production. Mention how your expertise aligns with the NFU's goals and how you can contribute to their mission.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Emphasise your experience in collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse teams or influenced policy decisions in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFU
✨Show Your Passion for Agriculture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for agricultural transformation and food production during the interview. Share specific examples of how your passion has driven your work in the past, and how you envision contributing to the NFU's mission.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
As a Chief Adviser, collaboration is key. Prepare to discuss instances where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams or stakeholders. Highlight your ability to build relationships and influence others in both technical and policy circles.
✨Connect Science to Practical Applications
Be ready to articulate how scientific advancements can translate into real-world benefits for farmers. Discuss any relevant experiences where you've bridged the gap between research and practical implementation in agriculture.
✨Prepare for Policy Development Questions
Expect questions about your experience in policy development and advocacy. Have examples ready that showcase your strategic thinking and ability to influence government and industry organisations effectively.
