Chief Economist
Salary: c. £80,000+ (Negotiable dependant on skills and experience)
Location: London or Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Are you a visionary economic leader ready to shape the future of British agriculture? The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is seeking an exceptional Chief Economist to lead our economic strategy, analysis, and commentary on agricultural policy and farm business dynamics.
This is a cornerstone role at the NFU, responsible for driving our high-quality insight, influence, and innovation across the agricultural sector. Operating ahead of the curve, you will be anticipating emerging risks and growth opportunities across the agri-food sector. You will deliver authoritative, independent expertise and analysis to inform changes to national policy development and business relationships necessary to support our members' business resilience.
What you'll be doing
Commission and lead high-impact, authoritative economic analysis on agricultural policy and farm business dynamics.
Anticipate and interpret emerging economic threats and opportunities affecting UK farm profitability and sustainability.
Provide expert, evidence-led advice to NFU Officeholders, Boards, and staff to shape policy discussions and commercial relationships.
Act as the NFU's principal economic spokesperson internally and externally, engaging with government departments, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders.
Manage and develop a high-performing team, fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What we're looking for
An exceptional collaborator with demonstrable thought leadership in economics or market policy analysis.
Strong understanding of agricultural policy, food systems, or financial markets.
Political awareness and excellent influencing skills.
Accomplished communicator and relationship builder across policy and commercial settings. Experienced with media handling.
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 (30 days a year + 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
Who we are
Every day, we're the voice of around 44,000 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.
Policy and Trade & Business Strategy
This team is responsible for identifying the emerging economic threats, needs and opportunities that will affect the sustainability, profitability and productivity of UK farm businesses. This means anticipating and responding to national and international developments, engaging with and advising NFU members and providing authoritative commentary and expertise to put the NFU 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, providing leadership and technical expertise 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.
You may also have experience in the following roles: Senior Economist, Head of Economics, Economic Policy Director, Agricultural Economist, Lead Economist, Director of Economic Research, Principal Economist, Economic Strategy Director, Policy Economist, Head of Economic Analysis, etc.
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