Salary: c. £90,000 - £105,000 (Dependant on Skills and Experience)
Company car or car allowance and Private Medical Insurance
Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Are you ready to lead the legal strategy of one of the UK’s most influential membership organisations?
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is the largest 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.
We’re looking for an exceptional Head of Legal who will be central to this.
Purpose of the Role – and How You’ll Make an Impact
As Head of Legal, you will lead our in‑house Legal Department within the Policy Directorate, ensuring the NFU receives trusted, timely and high‑quality advice across domestic and European law.
You will also be responsible for leading the team that supports our highly valued Legal Assistance Scheme, which provides financial support and professional guidance to members facing legal challenges affecting their businesses.
In this senior role, you will:
Provide authoritative legal guidance to Officeholders, Boards, employees and our nationwide membership.
Represent the NFU’s legal position to senior external stakeholders.
Lead both the Legal Affairs Team and the Legal Assistance Scheme Team, ensuring services are effective and aligned with NFU objectives.
Strengthen the NFU’s governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.
Support wider policy development, helping shape the laws and regulations that impact British farming.
This is a unique opportunity to influence national conversations while protecting the interests of our members.
What You’ll Bring
You’ll be a qualified solicitor with substantial in-house, post‑qualification experience and a strong track record of providing high‑quality legal advice at a senior level. Your leadership skills will enable you to manage and develop a busy legal team, while your clear communication style helps you explain complex issues to diverse audiences.
You’ll bring sound judgement, the ability to prioritise competing demands, and confidence in negotiation and influencing. With strong organisational skills, professionalism, and an ability to build effective relationships, you’ll ensure excellent service to NFU members and colleagues alike.
Experience in farming is not essential, but passion, adaptability and experience of exploring new legal areas certainly are.
Why Choose the NFU?
We are committed to helping you achieve your potential, with an environment that supports both professional ambition and personal wellbeing.
You’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including:
Company car or car allowance
30 days’ annual leave + bank holidays + 1 additional company day
Private health insurance
Buy/sell up to 5 days’ annual leave
Company-funded health cash plan
Enhanced family leave (maternity, paternity, shared parental leave)
Performance-related pay
Competitive pension and life assurance
Interest-free loans (car, bike, season ticket, driving lessons)
Employee Assistance Programme
Discounts on vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing products and more
Modern office environment with on-site restaurant and free parking
Who We Are
The NFU represents farmers and growers across England and Wales, ensuring their voices are heard in Westminster, the media and local communities.
With headquarters in Stoneleigh and a network of regional offices, we work closely with members, government and stakeholders to secure a thriving future for British agriculture.
Our Legal teams are collaborative, high-performing and immersed in meaningful work that directly supports real people and real businesses.
Join Us
We are committed to building a diverse, talented workforce and supporting colleagues through extensive learning, development and agile working opportunities.
We encourage early applications. If we identify a suitable candidate, we may close the vacancy ahead of the advertised date.
REF-(Apply online only)