Head of Policy - Agriculture

Job summary

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Policy to join as a senior leader in our Economics and Analysis directorate. This role is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape AHDB's policy thinking and influence across the agriculture, food, land and environmental sectors.

In this role, you will play a key part in developing AHDB's policy position on the issues that matter most to levy payers. Working closely with the Chief Economist and senior stakeholders across industry, government and trade bodies, you will lead a team of policy professionals to deliver evidence-based analysis, shape policy options and ensure AHDB's insights influence future decision making.

We are looking for a strategic leader with significant policy expertise and a passion for British agriculture. You will be comfortable operating at senior levels across government and industry, building influential relationships, shaping policy debates and leading a team that delivers evidence-based insights and practical solutions for levy payers.

Regular travel across the UK is required, along with a full UK driving licence. The role involves working on a hybrid basis from our Coventry headquarters and remotely.

About AHDB

We are the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British producers in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers, growers and processors, often where no one else can or will.

We share the expert, evidence-based research and reports that inform on-farm decision making. We promote British produce to the UK public through domestic marketing campaigns, and we identify and open new global export opportunities to help farm businesses grow.

We help levy payers learn more, sell more and export more to remain sustainable and profitable. Together, we deliver the insights, the influence and the impact that farmers need.

Job description

• Lead AHDB’s policy development activity, shaping positions on key agricultural, food, land and environmental issues
• Build and maintain influential relationships with government departments, trade associations and industry leaders to support evidence-based policy outcomes
• Collaborate across AHDB’s Centre of Excellence functions and wider business to ensure policy, economic analysis and market intelligence outputs are aligned
• Provide strategic insight into industry challenges, opportunities and long-term trends affecting levy payers
• Lead and develop the Policy team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement
• Oversee the delivery of high-quality policy and economic analysis projects, ensuring impact, quality and value
• Act as a senior ambassador for AHDB, representing the organisation at industry events, conferences and stakeholder forums
• Deputise for the Chief Economist where required and contribute to the leadership of the Economics and Analysis directorate

Person specification

• Significant experience delivering policy, economic or strategic analysis within agriculture, food, environmental or related sectors, along with degree-level qualification in economics, agriculture, politics or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrable experience leading and developing high-performing teams while delivering strategic objectives
• Strong knowledge of UK agricultural and food supply chains, policy frameworks and market dynamics
• Proven ability to build credibility and influence with senior stakeholders across government, industry and trade bodies
• Excellent communication, influencing and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, impactful recommendations

Benefits

• 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday, to include hybrid working
• 33 days of annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Life assurance cover (4x salary)
• A market-leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
• Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, subject to length of service
• A paid day each year to volunteer and make a difference in your community
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
• Recognition awards throughout the year
• Reward Gateway membership - this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

To apply, simply upload your CV and Cover Letter via our careers portal by clicking the ‘Apply’ button on this page. Our hiring managers will review your application, and we’ll be in touch with the outcome shortly after the closing date.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial interview via MS Teams. If successful, a second-stage face-to-face interview will be held at our HQ in Coventry, Warwickshire, following our competency-based framework.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : recruitment@ahdb.org.uk
• Email : recruitment@ahdb.org.uk
• Telephone : 02476 935722

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ahdb.org.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles of the Civil Service, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the Head of HR via email: hr@ahdb.org.uk