Professorial Directors of Agrifood Futures

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK seeks a Head of Strategic Partnerships and Investments to develop high-impact partnerships in the agrifood sector. The role involves securing co-investments and fostering collaborations with key stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in the agrifood industry and exceptional negotiation skills. Applications are open until noon on October 17.

Qualifications

• Proven partnership builder with extensive experience in securing major co-investment.
• Deep knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in the agrifood sector.
• Exceptional influencing skills and ability to operate at national and international levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic partnerships across industry and government.
• Secure significant joint investments to deliver Agrifood Futures at scale.
• Position the University as a valued partner in the global agrifood sector.

Skills

Partnership building

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation skills

Commercial acumen

Knowledge of agrifood and agritech sectors

Job description

Head of Strategic Partnerships and Investments, Agrifood Futures

The University of Reading is internationally recognised for excellence in agriculture, food and environmental research. Ranked in the QS global top 20 for Agriculture and Forestry and named Sustainable University of the Year 2025, Reading is now embarking on one of the most ambitious programmes in its history: Agrifood Futures.

About Agrifood Futures is a bold research and innovation strategy that will transform the way we produce, consume and think about food as we move towards 2050. At its heart are three interconnected Priority Research Areas, each shaped to deliver long-term, challenge-led programmes of research and innovation:

• A resilient food system for everyone
• Farming systems that work with nature and our climate
• Food that nourishes people and the planet

These Areas will be supported by significant new enabling investments including a state-of-the-art innovation farm, advanced food processing facilities, and a participatory platform for nutrition and consumer behaviour.

To launch this strategy, the University is establishing a world-class leadership team of five senior appointments:

• Agrifood Futures Director– a professorial role providing visionary leadership for the overall strategy, driving the design and delivery of major infrastructure, partnerships and impact.
• Director, Resilient Food Systems – a professorial role leading research that empowers stakeholders to understand, mitigate and adapt to risks and shocks in the global agrifood system, ensuring resilience for the future.
• Director, Sustainable Farming Systems – a professorial role driving transformative research in farming practices that work with nature and climate, delivering sustainable production alongside environmental and biodiversity gains.
• Director, Healthy Sustainable Foods – a professorial role leading the transformation towards diets that are healthy, sustainable, desirable and accessible, supported by cutting-edge food processing and consumer-focused research.
• Head of Strategic Partnerships and Investments – a professional services role forging transformative partnerships across industry, government and global stakeholders, and securing major co-investments to deliver the strategy at scale.

The Head of Strategic Partnerships and Investments will play a pivotal role in delivering the ambition of Agrifood Futures. The postholder will lead the development of a high-impact ecosystem of strategic partnerships, working with major stakeholders across industry, government, research and the third sector. They will forge transformative collaborations, secure significant joint investments, and position Reading as a proactive, valued partner at the centre of the global agrifood sector.

The successful candidate will be a proven partnership builder with extensive experience of securing major co-investment and leading high-value collaborations. They will bring deep knowledge of the agrifood and agritech sectors, including emerging trends and technologies, and the ability to operate effectively at both national and international levels. Exceptional influencing skills, commercial acumen, and the authority to lead complex negotiations with senior stakeholders will be essential.

Applications should be received by noon on Friday 17 October.

The University of Reading is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating a workplace that is free from discrimination and promotes equality of opportunity for all.