Principal Livestock Consultant

ADAS, part of the RSK Group, is seeking a Principal Livestock Consultant on a full-time permanent basis. This is a hybrid or home-based role within England or Wales. Our poultry specialists are recognised leaders within the industry, valued for their independent advice and technical expertise. With continued growth in demand for our consultancy services, we are expanding the team and seeking experienced professionals who can help shape the future direction of our poultry business, contribute to the development of colleagues and progress into increasingly influential leadership roles.

We are seeking an experienced Poultry Consultant to join our specialist livestock team and play a leading role in delivering and growing our poultry consultancy services across the UK poultry sector. We welcome applications from individuals currently working within the poultry industry who are looking to apply their technical and commercial expertise in a consultancy environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially aware poultry professional with strong technical expertise and established industry knowledge to work with producers, supply chain businesses, industry organisations and government bodies.

The role is predominantly home-based, with regular engagement with ADAS colleagues and clients across the UK. The successful candidate will lead the delivery of technical and strategic consultancy projects, providing expert advice and insight to a broad range of clients. They will be responsible for developing new opportunities, maintaining key industry relationships and contributing to the continued growth and reputation of ADAS's poultry consultancy services. The role requires the ability to analyse complex data, interpret industry trends and produce high-quality technical reports and recommendations. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, as the role involves working closely with producers, integrators, industry bodies, policymakers and other key stakeholders across the poultry sector.

Applicants should have substantial poultry industry experience and a strong understanding of current sector challenges and opportunities, including production systems, economics, policy developments, sustainability, animal health and welfare, and market trends. Experience in consultancy, research, technical services, commercial management or a related field would be highly advantageous. From the outset, the successful candidate will take ownership of projects and client relationships, with opportunities to lead major industry initiatives, develop new areas of expertise and contribute to the strategic direction of our poultry work. Whilst the primary focus of the role is poultry, there may be occasional opportunities to support wider livestock projects where relevant expertise can add value.

Whilst much of the work will be home or office-based, the applicant must also be able to travel throughout England and Wales and occasionally Ireland and elsewhere for short periods of time. This will be for meetings with existing and prospective clients and to attend relevant events to represent ADAS and for networking.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver technical and strategic consultancy projects for poultry sector clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with producers, supply chain businesses, industry bodies and government clients.
• Analyse technical, economic and industry data to develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Produce high-quality reports, presentations and technical publications.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the poultry sector.
• Prepare proposals and costed bids for consultancy projects.
• Represent ADAS at industry meetings, conferences and stakeholder events.
• Support and mentor colleagues within the wider livestock team.

Attributes Required

ADAS requires its employees to demonstrate energy, responsibility and curiosity, which lead to the delivery of results. In addition to these general attributes, applicants will need to demonstrate/possess the following:

• Significant experience within the poultry sector, ideally gained through technical, commercial, consultancy, research or operational roles.
• A working understanding of policy, environmental and efficiency drivers affecting the poultry sector.
• A degree or a postgraduate qualification relevant to agriculture, or a related degree (e.g. in another science subject) with relevant practical experience.
• A broad understanding of the structure and key players in the UK poultry sector.
• Evidence of strong leadership skills with the ability to develop collaborative relationships both internally and externally.
• Excellent report writing skills, an ability to evaluate information and to draw conclusions and recommendations.
• Good computer literacy, using the full suite of Microsoft Office programs including MS Word to write reports and MS Excel for data handling.
• The ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner, in English.
• Full driving licence and own transport.
• Flexibility in the range of work undertaken.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Sales experience, generating consultancy or other work within the agricultural sector.
• A working understanding of the UK pig sector, key players and current issues.
• Experience in managing and/or mentoring staff.

Salary and benefits

Negotiable depending on experience. Contributory Pension Scheme and Life Assurance. Health Cash Plan. We encourage Continuing Professional Development. Flexible benefits programme with the option to buy additional holidays and private health care. RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.