Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract until 31 December 2026
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is the biggest farming organisation in the UK. We're proud to make a difference for all our members, by shaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from climate change and food standards to rural crime and broadband rollout.
Purpose of the role & how you will contribute:
As the NFU’s national planning policy expert, you’ll shape and lead planning policy development to support farm businesses to be more productive and profitable. You’ll monitor key policy changes, influence government and national stakeholders, and ensure members and colleagues receive clear, timely guidance. Working across England and Wales, you’ll champion improvements to the planning system, strengthen the NFU’s voice, and help secure a supportive environment for farming interests.
What you’ll bring:
You’ll bring strong knowledge of planning or policy, backed by a relevant degree or significant experience. Skilled in analysing and communicating complex planning developments, you’ll build credibility with farming and rural communities and form effective relationships across government and industry. Your excellent communication, problem-solving and prioritisation skills will help you navigate fast‑moving policy environments, while your initiative, analytical ability and organised approach will support high‑quality advice, research and lobbying on behalf of NFU members.
Why choose us?
Join us and 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 (starting at 25 days a year + Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days pro rata with length of service), plus 1 annual Christmas company day
Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave
Company funded health Cashplan to help with everyday costs; dental, optical, physiotherapy etc.
Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
Performance-related pay
Competitive Pension and Life assurance (4 x Salary)
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
Who we are
Every day, we're the voice of around 43,000 British farmers and growers who produce food, making sure their concerns are heard at the heart of government both online and locally. This means developing strong relationships with everyone from NFU colleagues to government ministers. So, as well as having a high profile in both the media and Westminster, we work with and support local members through a network of regional and county offices across England and Wales.
This team takes an active role in developing and influencing the policies that benefit farming businesses across the UK. This means keeping up to date with and responding to national and international developments, engaging with and advising NFU members, and putting their decisions into action.
It’s exciting, complex work, covering every area of farming and dealing with a range of stakeholders, from government ministers, civil servants and the media, to local NFU branches. The sheer variety of our work means you can be involved in a wide range of projects from initial research to policy delivery. Our collaborative approach means you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build your knowledge – it’s up to you to take them.
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 decide we've found the right person for the role, we reserve the right to withdraw this advert and close applications before the closing date.
REF-(Apply online only)
Salary description
£43000.00 - £43000.00 per year