Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) | Senior Consultant

About the job: SAC Consulting is seeking a Senior Agricultural Consultant to join our Ayr team on a full-time permanent basis. You will work within a team of six consultants and two agricultural technicians to deliver advice to farmers and land managers. The successful candidate will need to be versatile and be willing to be involved in a range of consultancy services. Key Responsibilities: The main purpose of this role is to provide expert technical and business consultancy services to customers throughout the region. The role will require flexible working hours and regular travel to accommodate customer needs. You should also be able to harness your knowledge and experience for the benefit of both your customer and your colleagues. For the candidate, with the right skills, there are always opportunities to quickly progress to other roles within the company. Key elements of this role include: Manage, mentor and develop a team of local consultants and technicians in order to ensure customer delivery success and to develop the teams skills and careers Financial responsibility for the performance of your team and the management of the workflow Providing technical, business, specialist expertise and financial consultancy services to customers and their farming businesses Identifying solutions for customers as they adapt to changes in regulation, Government policy and evolving markets Winning and delivering new business, through maximising opportunities to introduce the customer to the most appropriate consulting services we can offer in order to support their business Building networks and maintaining relationships with key staff in organisations with rural interests; including our partners, public and industry bodies, regulators, banks, or commercial companies The opportunity to facilitate or assist in the delivery of content and events for the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) In conjunction with our communications team, you will contribute to writing and devising technical content for press and newsletter articles, case studies and podcasts for a variety of publications, shows and events. These should of benefit to the customer while developing you own network and profile within the industry. Where and when appropriate, use your skills and knowledge to provide training and insight for others within SAC Consulting Minimum qualifications and experience: Educated to at least SCQF Level 8 or. Degree Level (or equivalent) in a related subject (Biological or Agricultural) or equivalent experience. BASIS, FACTS, and FBAAS would be desirable qualifications. Whilst an agricultural qualification is desirable you may have a qualification within an area of business, finance or land-based sectors. Equally your qualification could be in a transferable area such as teaching but backed up by your farming experience. Experience working in the rural sector; an awareness of the challenges faced by agricultural business would be extremely beneficial. A broad knowledge of many farming enterprises and systems with a deeper level of knowledge in a specific area of interest. Strong people development and management skills and a high level of confidence in working across teams and projects. The ability to drive your own success whilst also working as part of a team. Curiosity to ask questions and the courage to give advice. A commercial awareness of the value of your expertise and the ability to use the team around you to get the best result for the customer. Effective use of IT, Team Player, Analytical thinking, self-motivated, project management Significant proven previous consultancy experience. Good awareness and understanding of agricultural frameworks and funding. Proven effective written and verbal communication skills. Full driving licence and own transport Eligibility for Sponsorship: This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker you will need to ensure you have an appropriate visa to evidence the necessary right to work in the UK. Salary and benefits? Up to £55,580 depending on experience. Generous annual leave Enhanced pension contributions to contributory pension scheme Cycle to work scheme Discounted RAC Membership Generous family leave Flexible working patterns considered Hybrid working solutions (in some areas) We encourage Continuing Professional Development with a tailored investment in an individuals’ learning and development How to Apply: Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”. Full details can be found in the Job Particulars document downloadable from the link above. About The Team: SAC Consulting is one of the leading agricultural consultancies in the UK uniquely placed to support the sustainable growth and prosperity of agriculture and land-based businesses. Our Agricultural Advisory business believes in being local which is why we have 85 consultants and a further 35 technicians and administrators in 23 offices across Scotland, and more in Northern England, providing local knowledge and farming expertise to 9,000 farmers and crofters. The SAC Consulting Solutions Group provides an unrivalled level of consultancy service to farmers, crofters, and the wider rural sector throughout Scotland. SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy. SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter. SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046 JBRP1_UKTJ