91²Ö¿â

Job Title: Chief Adviser: Science, Innovation and Productivity 

Salary: c£67,000 (dependent on skills & experience) + benefits

Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working 

Working Hours: 35 hours per week 

Contract Type: Permanent

Are you passionate about agricultural transformation and the future of food production? 91²Ö¿âis 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.