Coventry, York Job Summary AHDB is seeking an exceptional Chief Economist (Director of Analysis) to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role carries the ultimate responsibility of leading a multi-skilled team of Economists and Analysts, delivering high-quality, independent insights that drive impactful change. We are looking for a visionary leader who is eager to elevate our economics work, expanding its influence on strategy and policy options while refining our day-to-day market analysis. The goal is to position AHDB as a globally recognised source of thought leadership and agricultural market information. The Chief Economist (Director of Analysis) should play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions that affect the agricultural sector. By providing expert advice on economic policy and market trends, you will ensure that AHDB's insights are not only accurate but also influential in guiding policy options. Your work will directly impact the development of strategies that support sustainable agriculture and drive innovation in food production. At the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), we are committed to unlocking the success of British Agriculture. Working with us means not only helping our farmers produce the food we eat and care for our environment but also shaping the future of food production and leaving a lasting legacy for the next generation. Job Description Oversee the economic analysis, research, market analysis, and forecasting within AHDB Provide expert advice on economic policy and market trends, ensuring the integrity and highest quality standards of AHDB’s statistics and data collection Deliver innovative, effective, and relevant market information, intelligence, and insight to levy payers, providing transparency on markets and independent, impartial analysis to support decision-making Act as Chief Economist/Analyst for AHDB, leading innovative and relevant analysis and commentary on the most pressing issues in the agricultural sector Grow a team of analysts who are experts in their field, delivering timely, high-quality evidence and analysis for levy payers Review the effectiveness of our economic and analytical intelligence products and services to ensure they are innovative in meeting the needs of levy payers and the industry for the future Oversee the economic analysis, research, market analysis, and forecasting within AHDB Provide expert advice on economic policy and market trends, ensuring the integrity and highest quality standards of AHDB’s statistics and data collection Deliver innovative, effective, and relevant market information, intelligence, and insight to levy payers, providing transparency on markets and independent, impartial analysis to support decision-making Act as Chief Economist/Analyst for AHDB, leading innovative and relevant analysis and commentary on the most pressing issues in the agricultural sector Grow a team of analysts who are experts in their field, delivering timely, high-quality evidence and analysis for levy payers Review the effectiveness of our economic and analytical intelligence products and services to ensure they are innovative in meeting the needs of levy payers and the industry for the future Person specification Demonstrable thought leadership in economics and/or market analysis, degree qualified in a relevant subject Significant experience of agriculture and/or food and a good understanding of levy-payer requirements Experienced team leader and manager A commitment to innovation, high standards, and continuous improvement to gain better results Politically aware and well-developed negotiation and influencing skills Excellent collaboration and communication skills A full valid UK driving licence with the flexibility to travel to meetings across the UK and occasional overseas travel Desirable Criteria Experience of data systems Experience in a commercial/trading role Experience in working with Defra or other major Government departments, or non-government public bodies Benefits We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities, to give you the recognition you deserve: Hybrid basis with two days from our HQ in Coventry or at external meetings 35 hours per week, to include hybrid working 33 days annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays) Life assurance cover (4 x salary) A market-leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan Recognition Awards throughout the year Access to the Government’s tax-free childcare scheme Reward Gateway membership – this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings Selection process details To apply, simply upload your CV and Cover Letter via our careers portal by clicking the ‘Apply’ button on this page. Our hiring managers will review your application, and we’ll be in touch with the outcome shortly after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial interview via MS Teams. If successful, a second-stage face-to-face interview will be held at our HQ in Coventry, Warwickshire, following our competency-based framework. Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. At AHDB, you'll find we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements Open to UK nationals only. Working for the Civil Service Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job Contact Name : Recruitment Email : recruitmentahdb.org.uk Telephone : 02476 935722 Recruitment team Email : recruitmentahdb.org.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles of the Civil Service, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the Head of HR via email: hrahdb.org.uk