Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)
Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)

Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)

Derby Full-Time 39000 - 51000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • 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, performance pay, and discounts on vehicles and lifestyle.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and food production while building valuable relationships.
  • Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in the UK food supply chain required.
  • Other info: Agile working options available; join a diverse team committed to your growth.

The predicted salary is between 39000 - 51000 £ 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 youll 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.
Youll 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 youll 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 lifes 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.
Its 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 youll find plenty of opportunities to build your knowledge its up to you to take them.
Join us
Were committed to recruiting a diverse and highly talented workforce. Well 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

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Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement) employer: NFU

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is an exceptional employer that champions the interests of British farmers and growers, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With generous benefits such as a competitive pension scheme, extensive holiday allowance, and opportunities for agile working, NFU fosters a collaborative environment where your passion for sustainable food production can thrive. Located in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, you will be part of a dynamic team influencing key policies while enjoying modern office facilities and a commitment to work-life balance.
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Contact Detail:

NFU Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the food service and procurement sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with key stakeholders and gain insights into current trends and challenges in the UK food supply chain.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the National Farmers Union (NFU) and its recent initiatives. Understanding their current projects and priorities will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience in building relationships within the food supply chain. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders, as this will showcase your ability to fulfil the role's requirements.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on government policies related to agriculture and food standards. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only enhance your discussions but also position you as a well-informed candidate who can contribute to influencing policy effectively.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)

Relationship Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Policy Development
Procurement Knowledge
Sustainability Awareness
Food Supply Chain Expertise
Negotiation Skills
Analytical Skills
Project Management
Public Sector Understanding
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Food Standards and Regulations
Passion for Agriculture and Food Production

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 role's requirements and how you can contribute to the NFU's mission.

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 and concisely to various stakeholders.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your educational background and any relevant qualifications or certifications that relate to agriculture, food policy, or sustainability. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at NFU

✨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 industry. Think about recent developments in food standards, sustainability, and procurement practices. Being able to articulate your thoughts on these topics will show your expertise and readiness for the role.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food Production

The NFU is looking for someone who is passionate about food production and sustainability. Be prepared to share your personal motivations and experiences that have shaped your views on these topics. This will help convey your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you hope to make within the organisation.

Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)
NFU
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  • Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)

    Derby
    Full-Time
    39000 - 51000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-02

  • N

    NFU

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