At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development in food, farming, and environmental issues.
- Company: Join the National Farmers' Union, a key voice for UK farmers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health insurance, generous holidays, and more.
- Other info: Flexible working and career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK food and farming policies.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in policy development and advocacy.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Salary: Circa £90k to £100k plus competitive benefits package including company car or car allowance
Location: Stoneleigh Based - Agile working and travel as required
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Shape the Future of UK Food, Farming and the Environment
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) represents 43,000 farmers and growers across England and Wales, producing over 60% of the UK's food and managing 75% of its land. As a trusted and influential voice, we work to ensure policymakers and the food supply chain support British farming. The NFU plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes towards British farming and driving progress on the most critical issues facing food, farming and rural communities.
With a strong presence in Westminster and the media, and a nationwide network of regional and county offices, we deliver real change for our members where it matters most.
The opportunity
We're seeking an experienced, inclusive leader who can translate complex policy into clear, compelling messages. You'll thrive in a fast‑paced, political environment and bring a strong track record in policy development, advocacy and strategic influence. You will enjoy the challenge of leading multi‑disciplinary teams and want to be involved in highly topical, politically charged issues that will impact the nation's food and environmental resilience.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead NFU policy across food, farming, animal and plant health
- Drive work on key issues including food security, supply chains, farm assurance, and climate and environmental policy
- Strengthen relationships across the food supply chain and ensure farmers' voices are heard
- Provide strategic leadership across policy teams and support NFU governance and boards
- Influence government policy to deliver fair outcomes for farmers
Tasked with giving strategic oversight and leadership to the NFU's sector and cross sector policy department, you will ensure that the NFU delivers effective and relevant representation on all policy issues to farmers and growers throughout England and Wales. You will lead engagement with NFU governance structures, including Officeholders, Sector Boards and the Food, Farming and Environment Board, ensuring timely support, effective decision‑making and strong contribution to cross‑cutting policy development.
About you
Acting as a vital connector, you'll bring together expert policy insight, member priorities and external influence to ensure that the experiences of farmers on the ground shape policy development, and that NFU positions are both credible and impactful. You will lead a large team and believe in taking people with you, wanting to motivate and inspire your team to deliver the best outcomes for our farming members. If you are motivated by challenge and want to make a tangible difference to UK food, farming and environmental policy, this is a role where your leadership will have real impact.
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:
- Company car or car allowance
- Private Health insurance
- Generous holiday allowance (30 days a year pro rata + Bank Holidays), plus 1 annual company day
- Option to buy and sell annual leave
- Company funded health Cashplan
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- Performance‑related pay
- Competitive Pension and Life Assurance (4x salary)
- Access to interest‑free loans for cars, bikes, season tickets and driving lessons
- Employee Assistance programme to help you deal with life's challenges
- Discounts on 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 extensive learning and development opportunities and the opportunity to build a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments, including agile and flexible working.
Head of Policy (Food, Farming and Environment) in Kenilworth employer: AgHires
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is an exceptional employer that champions the voices of farmers and growers across England and Wales, offering a dynamic work environment in Stoneleigh. With a commitment to employee growth through extensive learning opportunities, competitive benefits including a company car or allowance, and a generous holiday package, NFU fosters a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, empowering you to make a meaningful impact on UK food, farming, and environmental policy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy (Food, Farming and Environment) in Kenilworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food, farming, and environment sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry leaders on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the NFU and its current policies. Understand their key issues and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you articulate your vision and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style and policy expertise can drive change at the NFU. Keep it concise and impactful – remember, you want to leave them wanting to know more about you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission. So, get your application in and let’s shape the future of UK food and farming together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy (Food, Farming and Environment) in Kenilworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Policy role. Highlight your experience in policy development and advocacy, and show how your skills align with the NFU's mission. We want to see how you can make a real impact!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to motivate and inspire teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past, especially in fast-paced environments. We love seeing strong leadership in action!
Be Clear and Compelling:When writing your application, aim for clarity and impact. Use straightforward language to convey complex ideas, just like you would in policy communication. We appreciate applicants who can translate intricate topics into engaging messages.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into current food, farming, and environmental policies. Familiarise yourself with recent developments and challenges in the sector. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you motivate teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams or influenced policy changes. This will help the interviewers see how you can inspire and drive results at NFU.
✨Connect with Their Mission
Understand the NFU's mission and values. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you'd handle specific challenges in the food and farming sector. Think through potential scenarios and your strategic responses. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness to tackle real-world issues.
