Opportunity to Join AIC in 2026 as Sector Head for Crop Protection & Agronomy
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) – the UK agri-supply industry’s trade association – is recruiting for a Sector Head for Crop Protection & Agronomy to lead AIC’s strategic, regulatory, and stakeholder engagement efforts across the UK crop protection and agronomy industry.
This diverse role serves as the principal liaison between AIC Members, government departments (notably the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)), regulatory bodies (Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Environment Agency (EA)), the Scottish Government, Welsh Government, CropLife UK, the VI, and other key UK and European stakeholders.
The role ensures that the sector’s voice is heard in policy development, regulatory consultations, and industry-wide initiatives, while also supporting Members through technical guidance, political lobbying, and communication. You will lead the sector’s response to consultations and regulations, coordinate sector-wide input, and attend regular industry, government, and stakeholder meetings. You’ll also champion sector interests with key industry bodies, influence agronomic policy, and lead on Crop Protection & Agronomy events throughout the year.
Across all responsibilities, adding value for Members is the guiding principle, every action and engagement is focused on serving their interests and strengthening their businesses.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, this full-time role benefits from a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, a generous pension scheme, and industry-leading employee benefits.
Click below to view the full job description.
Essential skills
Applicants must
demonstrate:
- Technical knowledge of the crop protection, agronomy, or allied industry
- Experience in policy development and coordination
- Strong management and secretariat skills, including preparing agendas, minutes, and invitations for committees
- Professional and engaging manner, with the ability to represent the sector to members, government, and stakeholders
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365
- Ability to communicate complex technical and policy information clearly and accessibly
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, including regular liaison with government departments, regulatory bodies, and industry partners
- Analytical skills for coordinating, interpreting, and circulating sector statistics and analysis
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team and maintain clear channels of communication
How to apply
Send your CV and covering letter to Julia Corr ([email protected]) by 5 January 2026.
Alternatively, contact us for an informal conversation about this role. Visit AIC's website to learn more about the trade association.
Author
Wendy Ford
Wendy Ford is Communications Manager at AIC, creating and overseeing the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.