AHDB - Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Head of Policy - Agriculture
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Head of Policy
We are currently recruiting for a Head of Policy to join as a senior leader in our Economics and Analysis directorate. This role is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape AHDB's policy thinking and influence across the agriculture, food, land and environmental sectors.
In this role, you will play a key part in developing AHDB's policy position on the issues that matter most to levy payers. Working closely with the Chief Economist and senior stakeholders across industry, government and trade bodies, you will lead a team of policy professionals to deliver evidence-based analysis, shape policy options and ensure AHDB's insights influence future decision making.
We are looking for a strategic leader with significant policy expertise and a passion for British agriculture. You will be comfortable operating at senior levels across government and industry, building influential relationships, shaping policy debates and leading a team that delivers evidence-based insights and practical solutions for levy payers.
Regular travel across the UK is required, along with a full UK driving licence. The role involves working on a hybrid basis from our Coventry headquarters and remotely.
About AHDB
We are the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British producers in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers, growers and processors, often where no one else can or will.
We share the expert, evidence-based research and reports that inform on-farm decision making. We promote British produce to the UK public through domestic marketing campaigns, and we identify and open new global export opportunities to help farm businesses grow.
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We help levy payers learn more, sell more and export more to remain sustainable and profitable. Together, we deliver the insights, the influence and the impact that farmers need.
Responsibilities
- Lead AHDB’s policy development activity, shaping positions on key agricultural, food, land and environmental issues
- Build and maintain influential relationships with government departments, trade associations and industry leaders to support evidence-based policy outcomes
- Collaborate across AHDB’s Centre of Excellence functions and wider business to ensure policy, economic analysis and market intelligence outputs are aligned
- Provide strategic insight into industry challenges, opportunities and long-term trends affecting levy payers
- Lead and develop the Policy team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement
- Oversee the delivery of high-quality policy and economic analysis projects, ensuring impact, quality and value
- Act as a senior ambassador for AHDB, representing the organisation at industry events, conferences and stakeholder forums
- Deputise for the Chief Economist where required and contribute to the leadership of the Economics and Analysis directorate
Essential Criteria
- Significant experience delivering policy, economic or strategic analysis within agriculture, food, environmental or related sectors, along with degree-level qualification in economics, agriculture, politics or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Demonstrable experience leading and developing high-performing teams while delivering strategic objectives
- Strong knowledge of UK agricultural and food supply chains, policy frameworks and market dynamics
- Proven ability to build credibility and influence with senior stakeholders across government, industry and trade bodies
- Excellent communication, influencing and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, impactful recommendations
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The 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:
- 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, to include hybrid working
- 33 days of annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Life assurance cover (4x 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
- A paid day each year to volunteer and make a difference in your community
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
- Recognition awards throughout the year
- Reward Gateway membership - this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings
Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. For any queries or support with your application, you can contact us at recruitment@ahdb.org.uk
At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, including flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.
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