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- Tasks: Shape and lead planning policy to support productive farm businesses.
- Company: Join the UK's largest farming organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health cash plan, performance pay, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Influence key policies and champion improvements for farming interests.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of planning or policy with relevant degree or experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 43000 £ per year.
Salary: c. £43,000 (Negotiable dependent on skills and experience)
Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract until 31 December 2026
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is the biggest farming organisation in the UK. We are 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:
As the NFU's national planning policy expert, you'll shape and lead planning policy development to support farm businesses to be more productive and profitable. You'll monitor key policy changes, influence government and national stakeholders, and ensure members and colleagues receive clear, timely guidance. Working across England and Wales, you'll champion improvements to the planning system, strengthen the NFU's voice, and help secure a supportive environment for farming interests.
What you'll bring:
You'll bring strong knowledge of planning or policy, backed by a relevant degree or significant experience. Skilled in analysing and communicating complex planning developments, you'll build credibility with farming and rural communities and form effective relationships across government and industry. Your excellent communication, problem-solving and prioritisation skills will help you navigate fast-moving policy environments, while your initiative, analytical ability and organised approach will support high-quality advice, research and lobbying on behalf of NFU members.
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 pro rata 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.
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.
Adviser (Planning) employer: NFU
Contact Detail:
NFU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adviser (Planning)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the farming and planning sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Adviser role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your knowledge of planning policy in detail during interviews. Bring examples of how you've influenced policy or supported businesses in the past. This will help us see how you can contribute to the NFU's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your communication skills. Focus on articulating complex ideas clearly, as this is key for the Adviser role. We want to hear how you can simplify planning issues for our members.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the NFU team. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Adviser (Planning)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Adviser (Planning) role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at NFU, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant knowledge!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves influencing stakeholders and providing clear guidance, it’s essential to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities in your written application. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience: We’re looking for someone with strong knowledge of planning or policy, so be sure to detail any relevant experience you have. Whether it’s a degree or hands-on work, let us know how your background prepares you for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for the Adviser (Planning) position without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at NFU
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and developments relevant to the farming sector. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Build Relationships in Advance
Before the interview, try to connect with current or former NFU employees on LinkedIn. Understanding their experiences can give you valuable insights into the organisation's culture and priorities, which you can reference during your interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific planning challenges. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex situations, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Show Your Passion for Farming
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the agricultural sector and the NFU's mission. Share any personal connections to farming or relevant projects you've been involved in, as this will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the industry.