Policy Adviser (Horticulture & Potatoes) in Kenilworth

Full time Permanent Salary: c. £40,000 - £42,000 (Dependant on Skills and Experience) Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working Working Hours: 35 hours per week Contract Type: Permanent

Join the team at the heart of shaping the future of the British Horticulture and potato sector. It’s an exciting time for British growers of fresh produce, potatoes, ornamentals and the cut flower sector. The government have committed to focus on a growth strategy for the sector, to make it competitive, productive and profitable. The NFU plays a critical role in achieving the right policy and political environment that delivers for growers.

Are you commercially aware with industry knowledge and experience of the fresh produce or broader horticulture sector, or politically astute and passionate about the future of British fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers? This is an opportunity to use your industry knowledge, policy experience or understanding of the supply chain to make a tangible difference for growers. You might currently work for a producer, trade association or government department. Alternatively, you may have experience elsewhere in the supply chain with a strong understanding of the commercial and policy challenges facing horticultural businesses.

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 accessing labour and water to funding for productivity on farms.

Purpose of the role & how you will contribute:

You’ll play a key role in supporting and shaping policy across the horticulture and potatoes sectors. As Policy Adviser for Horticulture and Potatoes, you will help develop and deliver policy that supports productive, profitable and resilient farming and grower businesses. Working closely with growers (including national sector leaders), packers, industry bodies, government officials and colleagues across the NFU, you will identify emerging issues, understand their commercial impact and turn industry evidence into practical and persuasive policy positions. You will become a trusted source of expertise for NFU members and colleagues. You will also help strengthen the NFU’s reputation as the leading voice for growers by communicating complex issues clearly and influencing the people whose decisions affect horticultural businesses across England and Wales. This is a varied and outward-facing role for someone who enjoys building relationships, solving problems and moving issues forward.

What you’ll bring:

We're looking for an energetic, proactive and motivated professional with a strong knowledge or practical experience of the fresh produce, horticulture supply chain. This can be from production and packing through to retail, or in a related policy engagement role, who can combine strong relationship building skills with commercial awareness and sound judgement. You'll be an excellent communicator, capable of presenting complex information clearly across a wide range of audiences including members, civil servants, policymakers, trade associations and other industry stakeholders. You'll bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to engage directly with growers and understand the commercial pressures facing their businesses, be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, and have the confidence to influence others to ensure policy work reflects commercial realities and represent the organisation at government, industry and stakeholder meetings. A genuine enthusiasm for the produce, horticulture and potatoes sectors, combined with a positive, can-do approach, will help you thrive in this role.

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 to help with everyday costs; dental, optical, physiotherapy etc.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
• Performance-related pay
• Competitive Pension and Life assurance (4 x Salary)
• 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 43,000 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.

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.