At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead national policy and champion farming interests across England and Wales.
- Company: Join the NFU, the voice of 43,000 British farmers and growers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and company car or allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on British agriculture and shape its future.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience and deep knowledge of agricultural policy required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and extensive learning opportunities available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive, dependant on skills and experience, plus company car or car allowance
Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with regular travel
Contract Type: Permanent
The NFU is the most influential representative body for agriculture and horticulture in England and Wales. Representing more than 43,000 farming and growing businesses, the NFU campaigns for a sustainable and profitable future for British agriculture, champions the industry in the media, and provides expert advice, services, and support to its members. With national reach, a strong regional presence, and commercial subsidiaries delivering specialist services, the NFU is uniquely placed to shape the future of British farming.
With our current Director of Policy moving into a new Director role within the organisation, an opportunity has arisen for a new Director of Policy to provide strategic leadership, shape national policy, and champion the interests of farming businesses across England and Wales.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership by shaping national policy and championing the interests of farming businesses across England and Wales.
What you’ll bring
- You will bring significant strategic leadership experience, with deep knowledge of the agricultural policy landscape, government policymaking, and the farming and rural sectors.
- A credible and authentic leader, you will inspire trust and confidence, role model NFU values, and work collaboratively across the organisation to develop high-performing teams.
- Your excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills will enable you to engage diverse audiences and navigate political sensitivity with sound judgement.
- Analytically strong and resilient, you combine calm decision making under pressure with a genuine passion for agriculture and member-focused outcomes.
Location
This role is based at NFU’s Stoneleigh office; however, the ability to travel frequently within the UK, including occasional short‑notice trips and overnight stays is essential. Flexibility and a willingness to be mobile are critical to successfully delivering in this senior leadership role.
Why choose us?
- Company car or car allowance
- Generous holiday allowance (30 days a year pro rata + Bank Holidays), plus 1 annual company day
- Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave
- Company funded health Cashplan
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- 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 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. 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.
Director of Policy in Kenilworth employer: NFU (National Farmers' Union)
Contact Detail:
NFU (National Farmers' Union) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Policy in Kenilworth
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the agricultural sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current NFU members. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your knowledge of agricultural policy and your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've influenced policy or led teams to success in the past.
✨Be Ready to Travel
Since this role involves regular travel, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to hit the road. Mention any previous experiences where you successfully managed travel for work, as it shows you're ready for the demands of the job.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through the NFU website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team and contributing to the future of British agriculture.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Policy in Kenilworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the NFU's mission. Highlight your experience in agricultural policy and how it aligns with what we do. This shows us you're genuinely interested and knowledgeable.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Director of Policy role. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in the agricultural sector. We love a good success story!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at NFU (National Farmers' Union)
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest agricultural policies and government initiatives. Being able to discuss current issues and how they impact farming will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about the sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. The NFU is looking for someone who can inspire trust and confidence, so be ready to share stories that highlight your strategic leadership experience and ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics. Strong communication skills are key for this role, so consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as both credible and authentic.
✨Be Ready to Travel
Since the role requires regular travel, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to be mobile. Highlight any previous experiences where you've managed travel effectively, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the demands of the position.