At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development in food, farming, and environmental issues for the NFU.
- Company: Join the National Farmers’ Union, a key voice for UK farmers and growers.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private health insurance, generous holiday allowance, and more.
- Other info: Flexible working options and extensive learning opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK food and farming policies while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in policy development and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Full time Permanent 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.
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—ensuring 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:
- 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
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 Food, Farming and Environment in Kenilworth employer: National Farmers Union
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on UK food, farming, and environmental policy. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including private health insurance and generous holiday allowances, and a culture that values inclusivity and collaboration, NFU empowers its staff to thrive while shaping the future of British agriculture. Located in Stoneleigh, the NFU provides a modern office setting with agile working options, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of 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 industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals 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 in the food and farming sector. Keep it concise and impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement that highlights your unique value.
✨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 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 Food, Farming and Environment role. Highlight your experience in policy development and advocacy, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led teams and influenced policy in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to motivate and inspire others, especially in a fast-paced environment.
Be Clear and Compelling:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use straightforward language to convey complex ideas, just like you would when translating policy into messages for our members.
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Farmers Union
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in current food, farming, and environmental policies. Brush up on recent developments and be ready to discuss how they impact the NFU and its members. This shows your commitment and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in multi-disciplinary teams. Think about how you’ve motivated others and driven change in previous roles. This is key for a position that requires inspiring a large team.
✨Connect with the NFU's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the NFU’s goals and values. Be ready to articulate how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of supporting British farming and influencing policy.
✨Prepare for Political Discussions
Given the fast-paced political environment, be prepared to discuss how you would navigate complex political landscapes. Think about strategies you've used in the past to influence policy and engage stakeholders effectively.
