Head of Farming and Technical Engagement (2423)

RSPCA Assured is celebrating 31 years of improving the lives of farmed animals.

In that time, we're proud to have worked with thousands of farmers - and all of the UK's biggest supermarkets - to help make the lives of millions of animals better.

Every year, we assess over 4,000 farms and other scheme members to ensure they meet strict RSPCA animal welfare standards - ensuring a better life for farm animals.

So when you see an RSPCA Assured label on meat, fish, eggs or milk products, it means the animal was cared for according to the RSPCA's standards from birth to slaughter.

Our vision is a world where all farmed animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion - and that's what we work towards every day.

We are looking for a new team member as a Head of Farming and Technical Engagement.

• Working hours: 35 hours per week- Monday to Friday.
• Hybrid role: You will work from home and from either the London or the Horsham hub.
• Permanent 

As the Head of Farming and Technical Engagement, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of farm animal welfare. You will be instrumental in expanding the RSPCA Assured scheme, providing expert guidance on welfare standards, and ensuring our members are supported every step of the way. This isn't just a leadership position; it's a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of farm animals.

You'll be a key decision maker, providing technical expertise on agricultural developments working with farming industries to find pragmatic ways to drive growth in higher welfare practices.

Working closely with the Chief Commercial Officer, you will contribute to our strategic business plan, ensuring our growth aligns with both commercial objectives and our unwavering commitment to higher welfare.

What You will Be Doing

Working closely with the RSPCA Farm Animals Department as they develop the welfare standards; this means actively engaging members and stakeholders, taking a collaborative, problem solving approach to introduce ambitious higher welfare goals while finding practical, sustainable solutions for their implementation.

You will work collaboratively with our Certification and Assurance and Account and Membership Services teams to provide targeted support to our members, helping them meet and exceed higher welfare standards. You will also contribute technical content to foster knowledge sharing across our community.

You will identify opportunities to overcome barriers to species growth, focusing on a welfare first approach while bridging gaps between current farming practices and our higher welfare goals.

As Head of Farming and Technical Engagement, you will spearhead initiatives with members and retail partners that drive innovation and continuous improvement, from trials into aspirational standards to supporting pioneering farms that exemplify our commitment to higher welfare.

You will lead the evaluation of derogations and exception requests, ensuring decisions align with RSPCA and RSPCA Assured executive principles.

A key part of the role will be to represent RSPCA Assured at industry events, you'll build trusted relationships with key stakeholders, act as an escalation point for expert knowledge, and ensure we remain at the forefront of industry developments.

An important element of this role is to lead, develop, and mentor a high performing team, ensuring clear objectives are set and career development is fostered, all in alignment with RSPCA Assured's values.

We're looking for a passionate and experienced professional who combines a deep understanding of farming with an unwavering commitment to animal welfare. Here's what you'll need to thrive in this role:

• Extensive knowledge of animal welfare standards and farming practices, understanding the intricate balance between ambitious welfare goals and the day-to-day realities of the agricultural sector. 
• The ability to identify challenges but also to lead the development of innovative, scalable solutions that benefit both animals and industry.
• A proven ability to align welfare objectives and growth ambitions with practical industry knowledge. 
• An expert understanding of wider industry, with the ability to influence strategic plans and drive meaningful change.
• You will be innovative and an influential problem solver, who is skilled at identifying challenges and opportunities, navigating complex issues, and finding effective, practical solutions that move us forward.
• Proven experience of leading and developing high performing teams, with a strong focus on career development and effective performance management. You know how to inspire and empower your team to achieve their best.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively influence and engage industry stakeholders. 
• Experience of representing an organisation at various external forums, building strong, lasting relationships.
• Senior-level experience from the farming or supply chain industry, with a particular focus on welfare standards and a track record of engaging with industry stakeholders and influencing policy.

Above all, you'll have a genuine and profound dedication to improving the welfare of farmed animals and will be highly organised, capable of prioritising your workload, making sound decisions and working autonomously to achieve your objectives.

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed  to our mission.  For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family! 

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect