About the Team:
SAC Consulting is one of the leading agricultural consultancies in the UK, uniquely placed to support the sustainable growth and prosperity of agriculture, food, and land-based businesses; working across supply chains as they rise to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security.
Our 200-strong team of consultants, technicians and specialist support staff are based in 25 offices across Scotland, providing local insight and expertise to 8,500 farm businesses. Whilst our food & footprint offering provides robust and highly responsive technical expertise which links the business of food production with environmental objectives.
Together, our trusted teams offer nationwide experience and trusted local support tailored to your business, with technical advice which is grounded in the latest research. We provide an unrivalled level of consultancy to the wider rural sectors as part of SRUC and, with roots that go back over 100 years, we work with a diverse range of business types across the public and private sectors – from the smallest crofter to corporate multinationals.
The Opportunity:
The main purpose of this role is to deliver expertise to farmers, crofters and other clients in the allocated region.
SAC Consulting is a direct route for knowledge generated within SRUC to be shared directly into the agricultural industry. The role is primarily about the delivery of technical expertise to the agricultural sector but also requires the skills and capability to collaborate with all parties acting within the agriculture, land and food-based industries.
Through expert knowledge, support, technical advice, tools, and collaboration, consultants assist and support their clients to meet their individual business objectives and increase efficiency and sustainability, as well as helping industry stakeholders, government agencies and private sector businesses to deliver on their organisational objectives.
In addition, SAC Consultants work collaboratively with colleagues across SRUC to strengthen the links between industry and research and education.
This role is suited to individuals with experience of working in the agricultural sector with knowledge and skills in arable cropping and upland and hill livestock systems. Experience of the challenges faced by small-to-medium sized agricultural businesses will be an advantage.
Key Responsibilities
In this role you will:
* Identify business opportunities for SAC Consulting services for both farming and non-farming clients in the rural community.
* Support the provision of consultancy services to farmers, crofters, landowners and other local rural businesses
* Promote SAC Consulting services to clients or potential clients, as appropriate
* Maintain effective local liaison with other industry stakeholders such as banks, RPID, commercial companies, local enterprise companies, SNH and NFUS
We are considering options for consultant territories in this region and the appointed grade will reflect the aligned territory. See ‘Grade and Salary' section below.
Minimum Qualifications
* Significant practical post graduate experience in agriculture is required.
* A qualification in Agriculture or another relevant discipline You will be educated to SCQF level 8/9 or have a HND/Degree in Agriculture, Business or a subject related to this job role
* You should be a naturally articulate communicator, with proven IT Skills
* Self-motivated and a team player
* You should have experience of the following:
o Financial analytics and reporting
o Practical agricultural experience of the agricultural industry in Scotland
o Business development
o Agricultural production systems
o Livestock farming systems
o Farm business management
o Scottish farming policy, agencies and industry partners
* Full driving licence.
Desirable qualifications and experience:
* Related postgraduate qualification (MSc etc.)
* BASIS, FACTS, FBASS
* Facilitation experience
* Ability to identify business opportunities
* Public Speaking
* Consultancy experience
* Farm management experience
* Knowledge of SGRPID policy and subsidy schemes
For the full person specification, download the job particulars document.
Eligibility for Sponsorship:
Please note that this position may not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.
Why work for SAC Consulting / SRUC?
* Generous annual leave
* Enhanced pension contributions
* Cycle to work scheme
* Discounted RAC Membership
* Generous family leave
* Flexible working patterns
* Hybrid working arrangements (in some areas)
* Tailored investment in your learning and development
How to Apply:
Please read the Job Particulars document before applying for this role, and complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.
SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy
SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.
SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046
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