NFU Graduate - Agricultural Policy

hireful; Stoneleigh; Hybrid; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural organization seeks candidates for an exciting opportunity to develop knowledge of the agricultural sector. The role involves working on diverse projects, engaging with stakeholders from various sectors, and solving complex problems. Ideal candidates will possess or be predicted to achieve at least a 2:1 degree. The position offers a supportive environment, with numerous benefits, including generous holiday allowance and health cash plan. Start date is set for September 2026, with applications closing on January 11, 2026.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Health cash plan

Option to buy and sell annual leave

Enhanced parental leave

Performance-related pay

Competitive pension

Interest-free loans

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts on products

Health and Wellbeing Programme

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• Interest in food production, trade, and markets.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Strong relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge of agricultural and horticultural industries.
• Engage with a range of stakeholders.
• Work on diverse projects from research to policy delivery.

Skills

Problem solving

Relationship building

Effective communication

Education

2:1 degree or above (or equivalent)

Job description

Salary and Details

Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: HQ, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working (mix of office and home working).
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: 2‑year fixed term contract, commencing September 2026

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a lasting difference for farmers and the nation?

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is the largest and most influential 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 climate change and food standards, agri‑science to rural crime.

Purpose of the role and how you will contribute

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your knowledge of the agricultural and horticultural industries and the issues facing our members, helping you get your career off to a head start with this comprehensive, purpose‑built programme.

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 farmers at their local NFU branches. The sheer variety of our work means you can be involved in a wide range of projects from initial research to policy delivery. Our collaborative approach means you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build your knowledge, working on projects with teams across our Policy Directorate – it’s up to you to take them.

What you’ll bring

You will have achieved, or be predicted to achieve, at least a 2:1 degree or above (or equivalent qualification).

Our staff have diverse backgrounds, and no specific degree is a pre‑requisite for the role. You will learn a lot on the job, so we do not expect you to have a detailed knowledge of the agricultural sector or policy advocacy; however, we are looking for people who have an interest in the issues that shape food production, trade and markets, business and public/ regulatory affairs. You’ll enjoy solving complex problems and working to achieve the best outcomes for our members who are at the heart of what we do. You will also need to be great at building strong relationships at all levels and be able to communicate your views effectively.

The successful candidates will need their own transport, as public transport is not frequently available to the NFU Headquarters based in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

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 (starting at 25 days a year + Bank Holidays), plus 1 annual Christmas company day.
• Company funded health cashplan benefit to assist with everyday costs; dental, optical, physiotherapy and a private GP service 24/7 etc.
• Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
• 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.
• Excellent Health and Wellbeing Programme.
• Flexible, friendly and supportive working environment.
• 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.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert before the closing date.

Application process (some dates may be subject to change):

Closing date for applications – 11 January 2026
Written Assessment – 2 February – 15 February 2026
Interview (Microsoft Teams) – 16 March – 5 April 2026
Final Interview at our Headquarters – 1 – 31 May 2026
Start date – September 2026

Please also check out our Communications and External Affairs and NFU Cymru Graduate Programmes.

REF-225 530