CAREER PORTAL: WORK WITH US
CAREER PORTAL: WORK WITH US
Chief Economist (Director of Analysis)
AHDB is seeking an exceptional Chief Economist (Director of Analysis) to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role carries the ultimate responsibility of leading a multi-skilled team of Economists and Analysts, delivering high-quality, independent insights that drive impactful change.
We are looking for a visionary leader who is eager to elevate our economics work, expanding its influence on strategy and policy options while refining our day-to-day market analysis. The goal is to position AHDB as a globally recognised source of thought leadership and agricultural market information.
The Chief Economist (Director of Analysis) should play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions that affect the agricultural sector. By providing expert advice on economic policy and market trends, you will ensure that AHDB's insights are not only accurate but also influential in guiding policy options. Your work will directly impact the development of strategies that support sustainable agriculture and drive innovation in food production.
At the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), we are committed to unlocking the success of British Agriculture. Working with us means not only helping our farmers produce the food we eat and care for our environment but also shaping the future of food production and leaving a lasting legacy for the next generation.
Department
Economics & Analysis
Work Base
Office-based
Location
Coventry, Warwickshire
Salary Range
£85,000 - £95,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus car allowance
Total Hours (per week)
35
Closing Date
13/07/2025
Responsibilities
- Oversee the economic analysis, research, market analysis, and forecasting within AHDB
- Provide expert advice on economic policy and market trends, ensuring the integrity and highest quality standards of AHDB’s statistics and data collection
- Deliver innovative, effective, and relevant market information, intelligence, and insight to levy payers, providing transparency on markets and independent, impartial analysis to support decision-making
- Act as Chief Economist/Analyst for AHDB, leading innovative and relevant analysis and commentary on the most pressing issues in the agricultural sector
- Grow a team of analysts who are experts in their field, delivering timely, high-quality evidence and analysis for levy payers
- Review the effectiveness of our economic and analytical intelligence products and services to ensure they are innovative in meeting the needs of levy payers and the industry for the future
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrable thought leadership in economics and/or market analysis, degree qualified in a relevant subject
- Significant experience of agriculture and/or food and a good understanding of levy-payer requirements
- Experienced team leader and manager
- A commitment to innovation, high standards, and continuous improvement to gain better results
- Politically aware and well-developed negotiation and influencing skills
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills
- A full valid UK driving licence with the flexibility to travel to meetings across the UK and occasional overseas travel
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of data systems
- Experience in a commercial/trading role
- Experience in working with Defra or other major Government departments, or non-government public bodies
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:
- Hybrid basis with two days from our HQ in Coventry or at external meetings
- 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.
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