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
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible with a cover letter and CV to recruitment@nfus.org.uk. If we decide we've found the right person for the role, we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy and close applications before the closing on Sunday, 16 March 2025.
The interview process will start the following week.