Director of Policy Headquarters Policy
Director of Policy Headquarters Policy

Director of Policy Headquarters Policy

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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NFUonline

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic policy development and advocate for farming interests across England and Wales.
  • Company: Join the NFU, the leading voice for agriculture in England and Wales.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and company car or allowance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on British agriculture and shape national policy.
  • Qualifications: Proven 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.

What you’ll 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 Headquarters Policy employer: NFUonline

The NFU is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, where you can make a significant impact on the future of British agriculture. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including a competitive salary, company car or allowance, and a supportive culture that values diversity and collaboration, the NFU empowers its staff to thrive both professionally and personally. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to championing the interests of farming businesses across England and Wales.
NFUonline

Contact Detail:

NFUonline Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Policy Headquarters Policy

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the agricultural policy scene. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.

✨Show Your Passion

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for agriculture shine through. Share your insights on current policies and how they impact farming businesses. This will show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about the industry.

✨Prepare for the Interview

Do your homework before any interview. Understand the NFU’s mission, recent campaigns, and key challenges in the agricultural sector. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the Director of Policy role.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the NFU team and making a difference in British agriculture.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Policy Headquarters Policy

Strategic Leadership
Knowledge of Agricultural Policy
Government Policymaking
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Negotiation Skills
Analytical Skills
Decision Making Under Pressure
Relationship Building
Team Development
Political Sensitivity
Resilience
Member-Focused Outcomes
Flexibility
Willingness to Travel

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The NFU is all about agriculture and policy, so make sure your application reflects your knowledge and passion for these areas. Tailor your language to resonate with their mission and values.

Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant achievements in the agricultural policy landscape. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've influenced policy or led teams effectively. This will help us see your potential impact at NFU.

Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your genuine passion for agriculture and how it aligns with NFU's goals. This will help us connect with you on a personal level and see you as a credible leader.

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at NFUonline

✨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 genuinely passionate about the sector.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire trust and confidence, as well as how you've navigated challenges in a collaborative way. This is key for a senior role like Director of Policy.

✨Communicate Effectively

Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to demonstrate your influencing and negotiation skills, so think about how you can engage diverse audiences and handle political sensitivities with ease.

✨Be Ready to Travel

Since the role requires regular travel, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to be mobile. Share any relevant experiences where you've successfully managed travel commitments while maintaining productivity.

Director of Policy Headquarters Policy
NFUonline
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