Policy Adviser; Horticulture & Potatoes

Position: Policy Adviser (Horticulture & Potatoes)
Job Title:

Policy Adviser (Horticulture & Potatoes)
Salary:  c. £40,000 - £42,000 (Dependant on Skills and Experience)

Location:

Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working

Working Hours:

35 hours per week
Contract Type:  Permanent
Join the team at the heart of shaping the future of the British Horticulture and potato sector.
It's an exciting time for British growers of fresh produce, potatoes, ornamentals and the cut flower sector. The government have committed to focus on a growth strategy for the sector, to make it competitive, productive and profitable. The NFU plays a critical role in achieving the right policy and political environment that delivers for growers.
Are you commercially aware with industry knowledge and experience of the fresh produce or broader horticulture sector, or politically astute and passionate about the future of British fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers?
This is an opportunity to use your industry knowledge, policy experience or understanding of the supply chain to make a tangible difference for growers. You might currently work for a producer, trade association or government department. Alternatively, you may have experience elsewhere in the supply chain with a strong understanding of the commercial and policy challenges facing horticultural businesses.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is the biggest farming organisation in the UK. We're proud to make a difference for all our members, by shaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from accessing labour and water to funding for productivity on farms.
Purpose of the role & how you will contribute:
You'll play a key role in supporting and shaping policy across the horticulture and potatoes sectors. As Policy Adviser for Horticulture and Potatoes, you will help develop and deliver policy that supports productive, profitable and resilient farming and grower businesses.
Working closely with growers (including national sector leaders), packers, industry bodies, government officials and colleagues across the NFU, you will identify emerging issues, understand their commercial impact and turn industry evidence into practical and persuasive policy positions.
You will become a trusted source of expertise for NFU members and colleagues. You will also help strengthen the NFU's reputation as the leading voice for growers by communicating complex issues clearly and influencing the people whose decisions affect horticultural businesses across England and Wales.
This is a varied and outward-facing role for someone who enjoys building relationships, solving problems and moving issues forward.
What you'll bring:
We're looking for an energetic, proactive and motivated professional with a strong knowledge or practical experience of the fresh produce, horticulture supply chain. This can be from production and packing through to retail, or in a related policy engagement role, who can combine strong relationship building skills with commercial awareness and sound judgement. You'll be an excellent communicator, capable of presenting complex information clearly across a wide range of audiences including members, civil servants, policymakers, trade associations and other industry stakeholders.

You'll bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to engage directly with growers and understand the commercial pressures facing their businesses, be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, and have the confidence to influence others to ensure policy work reflects commercial realities and represent the organisation at government, industry and stakeholder meetings. A genuine enthusiasm for the produce, horticulture and potatoes sectors, combined with a positive, can-do…