Chief Adviser (Land Management, Planning & Infrastructure)

NFUonline; Stoneleigh; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance 30 days

Annual company day

Health Cashplan

Health insurance

Enhanced parental leave

Performance-related pay

Pension and life assurance

Interest-free loans (cars, bikes, etc)

Employee Assistance program

Vehicle discounts

Office restaurant on-site

Free parking

Job summary

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is seeking a Chief Adviser to lead the Land Management, Planning and Infrastructure Policy Team from its Stoneleigh HQ. The role includes directing policy development, engaging with government and industry, and shaping strategies that support farmers and rural businesses.

You will lead a skilled team of advisers and surveyors, driving evidence-based policy and influencing high-level decisions. The position offers agile working and a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Experience leading policy development in rural land management, planning, or infrastructure.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with ability to influence at government and industry levels.
• Ability to develop robust, evidence-based policy and lead high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy development on land management, planning and infrastructure to shape farming policy.
• Direct a team of advisers and surveyors, delivering policy that supports NFU members.
• Influence decision-makers and stakeholders across government, industry, and local forums.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Rural land management

Planning & infrastructure

Public speaking

Team leadership

Job description

Chief Adviser (Land Management, Planning & Infrastructure)

Job Title:Chief Adviser (Land Management, Planning and Infrastructure)

Salary: £75,000 (negotiable dependant on skills and experience)

Location: Stoneleigh (HQ), with agile working

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Are you passionate about helping shape the future of British farming?

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is looking for an experienced and influential leader to head our Land Management, Planning and Infrastructure Policy Team.

Purpose of the role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead policy development on some of the most significant issues facing agriculture today. From planning reform, infrastructure projects and agricultural tenancies, to digital connectivity, access and rural crime, you will play a central role in shaping policy that supports farmers and rural businesses across the country.

Leading a team of highly skilled advisers and surveyors, you will drive the development of robust, evidence-based policy, influence decision-makers at the highest levels, and ensure the interests of NFU members are effectively represented in government, industry and wider stakeholder forums.

You'll provide expert leadership, influence government and industry stakeholders, build strong professional networks, and champion policy solutions that support profitable, productive and progressive farming businesses. Through collaboration and strategic thinking, you'll help ensure members’ interests are represented at the highest levels.

What you’ll bring

You'll bring significant professional experience in rural land management, planning, property, infrastructure, compensation or a related discipline, together with strong leadership and people management skills. An accomplished communicator and presenter, you'll be confident influencing stakeholders at all levels, including government, industry partners and the media. You'll combine technical expertise with political awareness, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities, while developing high-performing teams and delivering practical solutions that make a difference for members.

Why choose us?

Join us and you'll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. In return you will be rewarded with a full range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance (30 days a year + 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.

Policy and Trade & Business Strategy

This team is responsible for identifying the economic and regulatory threats, needs and opportunities that will affect the sustainability, profitability and productivity of UK farm businesses. This means anticipating and responding to national and international developments, engaging with and advising NFU members and providing authoritative commentary and expertise to put the NFU decisions into action.

It's exciting, complex work, covering every area of farming and dealing with a range of stakeholders, from government ministers, civil servants and the media, to local NFU branches. The sheer variety of our work means you can be involved in a wide range of projects, providing leadership and technical expertise from initial research to policy delivery. Our collaborative approach means you'll find plenty of opportunities to build your knowledge - it's up to you to take them.

We're committed to recruiting a diverse and highly-talented workforce. We'll support you by providing you with extensive learning and development opportunities and build a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments including discussions around agile and flexible work options.

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