At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic policy development and champion farming interests across England and Wales.
- Company: Join the NFU, the leading voice for British agriculture and horticulture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and company car or allowance.
- Other info: Flexible working options and extensive learning opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of British farming and inspire change.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience and deep knowledge of agricultural policy required.
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
You will 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.
Benefits
- 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
- Health insurance
- 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 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.
Join us
We're committed to recruiting a diverse and highly‐talented workforce. We support you by providing extensive learning and development opportunities and building a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments, including discussions around agile and flexible work options.
Director of Policy in Birmingham employer: Shanghai Hippo Animation Design Company
The NFU is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a company car or allowance, generous holiday entitlement, and health insurance. Located in the heart of Warwickshire, our modern office fosters a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to grow through extensive learning opportunities and flexible work arrangements, all while championing the interests of British agriculture and making a meaningful impact in the sector.
Contact Detail:
Shanghai Hippo Animation Design Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Policy in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the agricultural sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former NFU employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for agriculture! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your genuine interest in the farming community and its future. Share your insights on current policies and how they impact the industry – it’ll show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the NFU’s recent campaigns and initiatives. Knowing their current focus areas will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re aligned with their mission. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points to impress the interviewers!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply 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. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Policy in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Policy role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and knowledge of agricultural policy, as these are key to impressing us at NFU.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging diverse audiences, demonstrate your excellent communication and influencing skills in your application. Use examples that show how you've navigated political sensitivities in the past.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your genuine passion for agriculture and member-focused outcomes to connect with our values.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shanghai Hippo Animation Design Company
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest agricultural policies and government initiatives. The NFU is all about shaping the future of British farming, so being well-versed in current issues will show that you're genuinely interested and knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Policy, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. This will help you stand out as a credible leader.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Your communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics. Think about how you can engage diverse audiences and navigate political sensitivities effectively.
✨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.
