Senior Policy Manager For Food & Farming Team

Representing some 9,000 farmers, crofters, and other rural businesses across the country, NFU Scotland’s mission is to promote and protect the interests of its members by influencing government and the supply chain to secure a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture. We are recruiting, due to relocation, for a person to join our widely respected Policy Team to take the lead on all issues relating to arable production.

About the role

The ideal candidate will have current experience of leading a team of professionals, preferably in a policy or related area. You will be experienced in coaching and developing a team as well as empowering them to develop. You will be a collaborative worker who can manage a varied work environment.

You should have knowledge and experience of cropping production systems and issues that affect the arable and potato sectors. You must have the ability to work alongside colleagues on key issues across agriculture sectors, advising on appropriate policy lines, providing technical guidance, and taking the lead on projects and initiatives.

You need to be comfortable dealing with several different issues at one time and be able to articulate them clearly and in a convincing manner to a wide variety of audiences. We want someone with a can-do attitude. What we do makes a big difference to farm businesses across Scotland, so we need someone who thrives on challenges and is solutions-focused.

Some selected aspects of the role

• To lead, develop, coach, motivate and empower the Food & Farming team, to deliver and perform to their full potential.
• Formally and informally influence the development and delivery of all aspects of agricultural policy and regulation that relate to crops and potato production in Scotland.
• Influence the supply chain associated with all the mainstream crop types of interest to arable and potato production in Scotland.
• Provide specialist and timely support and advice to elected representatives, head office-based colleagues, regionally-based colleagues, and members of NFU Scotland.
• Provide concise written materials with regard to consultations and briefings for a variety of related purposes as necessary.

Key Skills Requirements

• Degree in a relevant discipline and/or relevant working experience.
• Current line management experience of at least three years in a related context.
• At least three years’ experience working on issues related to policy development -preferably in the context of arable and potato production and/or policy development but not limited to.
• The ability to find solutions to problems and mediate conflict.
• A self-starter and a strong team player, with the confidence and experience to

mentor less experienced team members.

• The skills to interpret detailed and complex information and present it clearly

and concisely to different audiences and suggest pragmatic and credible

courses of action.

• Capable of dealing with different demands at one time while clearly prioritising

to ensure outcomes are achieved.

• A positive and reassuring manner with an ability to deliver challenging

messages effectively.

• Confidence in speaking to a variety of audiences, including colleagues,

members, officials, and the media, including radio and TV interviews when

required.

What 's on offer including some of our staff benefits

• Annual salary of £40,000 - £50,000 commensurate with demonstrable knowledge, competence and experience.
• Full-time permanent contract (35 hours per week)
• Hybrid working
• Generous 38-day holiday entitlement per year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life Assurance (3 years annual salary)
• 10% Employer-contributed pension
• Free onsite parking
• Membership to NFU Scotland, giving access to a range of discounts.

You will be based in NFU Scotland’s Head Office in Ingliston (near Edinburgh Airport), with regular travel throughout Scotland and the UK and occasionally beyond. A current driver’s license is essential for this role.

We’re committed to recruiting a diverse and highly talented workforce. We’ll support you by providing you with learning and development opportunities and building a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments.

How to Apply

The interview process will start the following week.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor’s (preferred)

Experience:

• Sustainable agriculture: 3 years (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newbridge, EH28 8LT

Application deadline: 16/03/2025
Expected start date: 01/05/2025