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- Tasks: Lead relationships between NFU members and the food supply chain, influencing government policy.
- Company: Join the NFU, the UK's largest farming organisation, advocating for farmers and growers.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, flexible working, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to create a sustainable future for British farming while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in the UK food supply chain is preferred.
- Other info: Opportunities for learning and development with a commitment to diversity and flexible work options.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)
Salary: c. £45,000
Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: 12 months Fixed Term Contract
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is the biggest farming organisation in the UK. We\’re 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:
You will be part of a team that leads and manages the relationship between NFU members and the food supply chain. You will use your skills and experience to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with our key stakeholders in the foodservice and public sector supply chain as well as with retail and processor contacts. Managing a Food Business Relationship Adviser and being an active part of the team, you will help the NFU to influence Government policy on topics such as supply chain fairness, sustainability, food labelling and much more.
What you’ll bring:
Educated to degree level (or equivalent level of experience), you will be a confident relationship builder who ideally has experience of working in the UK food supply chain.
You’ll be a great communicator with an ability to concisely and clearly get your points across to farmers, processors and retailers alike whether in written form or face to face. Your passion for food production and building a more sustainable future for our Farmer and Grower members will shine through.
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 + Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days 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. So, as well as having a high profile in both the media and Westminster, we work with and support local members through a network of regional and county offices across England and Wales.
Policy and Trade & Business Strategy
This team takes an active role in developing and influencing the policies that benefit farming businesses across the UK. This means keeping up to date with and responding to national and international developments, engaging with and advising NFU members, and putting their decisions into action.
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.
You may also have experience in the following: Policy, Advisory, Procurement, Sustainability, Supply Chain, Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Retail & FMCG, Food and farming strategy, Government food policy adviser, Food standards and regulation, Agricultural policy advocacy etc
REF-222 741 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement) employer: AWE
Contact Detail:
AWE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current issues in the UK food supply chain, especially those related to sustainability and government policy. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food service and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, which can give you insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your relationship-building skills by thinking of specific examples from your past experiences. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships and influenced outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the National Farmers' Union and its initiatives thoroughly. Understanding their mission and recent projects will allow you to align your values with theirs and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the food supply chain, procurement, and policy advisory roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your relationship-building skills and knowledge of sustainability in food production.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food production and sustainability. Clearly outline how your background aligns with the NFU's mission and the specific requirements of the Senior Adviser role. Be concise but impactful.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication skills, consider including a brief example in your application that illustrates your ability to convey complex information clearly, whether in writing or face-to-face.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your educational background and any relevant qualifications that meet or exceed the degree level requirement. If you have additional certifications related to food policy or sustainability, include those as well.
How to prepare for a job interview at AWE
✨Research the NFU and Its Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the National Farmers' Union's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives, especially those related to food supply chain fairness and sustainability. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As a Senior Adviser, you'll need to build strong relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed relationships in the food supply chain or similar sectors. Highlight your communication skills and how you've navigated complex discussions.
✨Prepare for Policy-Related Questions
Given the role's focus on influencing government policy, be ready to discuss your understanding of current issues affecting the food supply chain. Think about recent developments in food standards, sustainability, and agricultural policy, and be prepared to share your insights on how these could impact the NFU's members.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food Production
Your enthusiasm for food production and sustainability should shine through during the interview. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that reflect your commitment to these areas. This will help convey your alignment with the NFU's mission and your dedication to supporting farmers and growers.
