Senior Programme Lead (Education and Market Development) in Coventry

We are currently recruiting for an accomplished Senior Programme Lead (Education and Market Development) to join our award‑winning team, working on a hybrid basis with two to three days per week from our HQ in Coventry and the remainder working remotely, Monday to Friday. Flexibility to travel offsite and a full UK driving licence are essential. This unique opportunity allows you to shape and deliver high‑impact programmes that connect education with food and farming, inspiring future generations while driving meaningful engagement through strategic partnerships.

In education, you’ll oversee initiatives that bring food and farming to life for primary and secondary school audiences. In market development, you’ll lead collaborative programmes with retailers, brands and key partners, creating opportunities to increase awareness, engagement and demand for sector products. As a senior team member, you’ll play a key role in developing people and leading a high‑performing team to achieve ambitious goals. We’re looking for a collaborative, commercially minded leader with strong stakeholder management and programme delivery skills. With proven programme or project leadership experience, you’ll drive innovation, continuous improvement and high standards across your portfolio of work.

About AHDB: We are the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British producers in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers, growers and processors, often where no one else can or will. We share expert, evidence‑based research and reports that inform on‑farm decision making, promote British produce to the UK public through domestic marketing campaigns, and identify and open new global export opportunities to help farm businesses grow. We help levy payers learn more, sell more and export more to remain sustainable and profitable, delivering the insights, influence and impact that farmers need.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the operational delivery of AHDB’s education programmes (primary and secondary school) and, as required, wider market development projects in line with agreed strategies, plans and KPIs.
• Translate strategic objectives into clear delivery plans and ensure consistent execution across programmes.
• Manage programme performance against KPIs, proactively addressing risks and issues.
• Oversee budgets and ensure effective use of resources, demonstrating value for levy payers.
• Line manage and develop team members, providing direction, support and performance oversight.
• Build and manage relationships with internal stakeholders, strategic partners and external agencies.
• Ensure effective governance, reporting and evaluation, capturing insight to improve future delivery.
• Contribute to wider business planning and support cross‑team collaboration.

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience leading complex programmes or projects from planning through to delivery, ideally in the education sector.
• Understanding of food or farming sectors is desirable but not essential.
• Previous experience in marketing and/or communications is ideal, supported by relevant qualifications.
• Strong stakeholder management and partnership working skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• Experience managing budgets and ensuring value for money.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into practical plans and deliver against KPIs.
• Experience of leading or managing teams, with a collaborative and supportive style.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem‑solving skills.

Benefits:

• 35 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, including hybrid working.
• 33 days of annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays).
• Life assurance cover (4× salary).
• A market‑leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General.
• Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service.
• A paid day each year to volunteer and make a difference in your community.
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
• Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan.
• Recognition awards throughout the year.
• Reward Gateway membership – giving you access to a wide range of discounts and savings.

Apply now, or email if you require any further information. Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, including flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.