Chief Adviser (Science, Innovation & Productivity)

JR United Kingdom; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural organization in the UK is seeking an expert to lead their policy on science and innovation. This role involves strategic development, stakeholder engagement, and promoting advances in R&D for UK farmers. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in policy development and a strong background in agricultural science. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance (30 days pro rata)

Health insurance

Enhanced parental leave

Performance-related pay

Access to interest-free loans

Attractive modern office

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in agricultural science, innovation or related fields.
• Proven experience in policy development and advocacy.
• Strong ability to connect science with applied farming benefits.

Responsibilities

• Lead the NFU's policy on agricultural science and innovation.
• Drive measures to unlock productivity improvements.
• Shape policy strategies to promote long-term farm productivity.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Expertise in agricultural science or related fields

Job description

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Client:

NFU

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Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

3

Posted:

08.08.2025

Expiry Date:

22.09.2025

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Job Description:

Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
Salary: c£67,000 (dependent on skills & experience) + benefits
Are you passionate about agricultural transformation and the future of food production? The NFU is seeking a visionary and collaborative expert to lead our policy on science, innovation and productivity a role that will directly shape the future of UK farming.
As the NFU's national executive lead, you'll champion policies that harness science and innovation to strengthen farm businesses, support environmental goals, and enhance the nation's food security. You'll drive strategic policy development, foster connections and partnerships, and influence government, research partners and global networks to deliver positive outcomes for our members.
What You'll Be Doing
Leading the NFU's policy on agricultural science, innovation
Working collaboratively across cross cutting policy teams to drive the measures to unlock productivity improvement
Promoting advances in R&D and technology into real-world opportunities for UK farmers
Shaping cross-cutting policy strategies and activity that promote long-term farm productivity
Building strong linkages with UK and international science, innovation and R&D networks
Representing NFU in high-level lobbying, influencing UK government departments, research funding bodies, NGOs, and industry organisations
What We're Looking For
An exceptional collaborator with deep expertise in agricultural science, innovation or related fields
Proven experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy
Strong ability to connect science with applied on-farm benefits
Confident communicator and relationship-builder across technical and policy circles
Join us to make a real difference at the forefront of UK agriculture and help shape a more resilient, productive and sustainable future for our farmers and the food system.
Why choose us?
At the NFU 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 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
Join us
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.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If we find the right person for the role, we reserve the right to withdraw this advert and close applications before the closing date
.
You may also have experience in the following roles: Policy Adviser, Senior Policy Officer, Agricultural Policy Specialist, Science Policy Manager, Innovation Strategy Lead, Research and Development Manager, Agricultural Technology Adviser, Policy Development Manager, Strategic Policy Lead, etc.
REF-222 964

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