We are currently recruiting for a Head of Agri-Food Policy Analysis to work on a hybrid basis, two/three days from our HQ in Coventry and the remainder working remotely from home. A full UK driving licence is required along with the flexibility to travel to meetings as and when required.

Department Economics & Analysis

Location Coventry, Warwickshire

Salary Range £60,000 - £70,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus car allowance

Total Hours (per week) 35

Closing Date 26/01/2025

Job Description

Reporting to the Economics & Analysis Director, this newly created role will work closely across the organisation and with levy payers, government bodies, trade associations, and other stakeholders to support AHDB in influencing and collaboratively developing policy options within the agriculture, food, land, and environmental sectors.

We are seeking a professional and highly skilled policy expert/analyst, with leadership skills and extensive expertise in domestic agricultural and food supply chains. Our ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of global and domestic market drivers and their impact on farmer and levy payer decision-making. Additionally, experience in conducting economic and/or policy analysis is essential for this role, along with the ability to build relationships with key government departments, trade bodies, and industry leaders to enable influence on policy and decision-making.

At the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), we inspire our farmers, growers and industry to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Working at AHDB, you won’t just be helping our farmers produce the food we eat and look after our environment, you’ll be helping to shape the future of food production and leaving a legacy for the next generation.

Responsibilities

Act as a trusted partner within AHDB and externally with government agencies and trade associations to offer deep insight into the challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions relevant to our levy payers
Ensure that understanding of markets and policy, the dissection of longer-term trends and informing levy payer business needs are embedded within analysis, outputs and policy options across all AHDB areas
Collaborate internally and with external organisations to share, develop and shape policy options with the aim of implementing to benefit the agricultural, food, and environmental sectors
In conjunction with the AHDB Centre of Excellence leadership team, develop AHDB’s policy stance on sector issues, agri-food industry challenges and market dynamics to give an industry-leading profile to our analysis work
Utilise industry knowledge and economic expertise to maintain a pipeline of timely, proactive, industry-leading and thought-provoking analysis of domestic and global agriculture, commodity and food markets that has a real impact on levy payer business decisions
Conduct analysis at a high level of quality and, in doing so, become an inspirational role model to developing analysts
Become a key contact point for senior government and industry officials, helping to drive a more joined-up approach between the analysis produced by AHDB’s Centre of Excellence, Defra and the wider sector
Identify, plan, lead, deliver and evaluate the impact of economic analysis projects, working in small groups and larger project teams across the department and wider organisation
Drive significant step change in AHDB’s culture, behaviours and thinking, achieving improved levels of engagement and satisfaction with all levy payers, partners and the wider AHDB team

Essential Criteria

Educated to degree standard in Economics, Agriculture, Politics or another numerate discipline with knowledge of the domestic agricultural and food supply chains, specifically relating global/domestic market drivers and farmer/levy payer decision making
Significant experience of conducting economic and/or policy analysis, with evidence that the analysis has been produced to an advanced level throughout
Proven ability to work with government departments, trade bodies, and industry leaders to influence policy and decision-making
Track record of completing analytical projects to time, costs and quality requirements
Strategic thinker, able to develop a compelling vision and then drive the detail to deliver the strategy
Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, communication, influencing and negotiation skills
Strong analysis and problem-solving skills
A valid full UK driving licence with the flexibility to travel to meetings as and when required

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, 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

Apply now, or call 02476 935722 if you require any further information.

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.