Head of Sustainable Farming

Job Title: Head of Sustainable Farming

Location: Bragborough Hall, Daventry

Are you passionate about helping farmers adopt practical solutions that improve resilience, enhance biodiversity, protect natural resources and support food production for future generations?

At LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), we are looking for an exceptional Head of Sustainable Farming to lead our work in translating innovation, research and evidence into real-world farming practice. This is a unique opportunity to influence sustainable agriculture at both a national and international level, helping farmers implement Integrated Farm Management (IFM) and environmentally positive farming approaches at scale.

About LEAF

LEAF is a leading environmental charity committed to promoting more sustainable farming and food systems through Integrated Farm Management. Working with farmers, businesses, researchers, educators, policymakers and consumers, we connect knowledge, innovation and practical action to deliver a more sustainable future for agriculture.

About the role

This is an influential leadership role at the heart of LEAF's mission. As Head of Sustainable Farming, you will act as a trusted voice for farmers within LEAF and beyond, helping shape the organisation's thinking, priorities and programmes. You will work closely with our network of demonstration farms, researchers, industry partners and policymakers to identify what works, understand barriers to adoption, and accelerate the uptake of sustainable farming practices. You will be equally comfortable discussing practical farm management in the field, engaging with technical experts, securing project funding, and representing LEAF at industry events and strategic forums.

Key responsibilities

· Leading LEAF's sustainable farming strategy and helping shape the future direction of Integrated Farm Management.

· Building first-hand understanding of sustainable farming approaches across a range of farming systems in the UK and internationally.

· Translating research, innovation and evidence into practical actions that farmers can adopt on the ground.

· Working with the LEAF Farm Network to encourage greater uptake of environmentally positive farming practices.

· Securing funding and developing projects that advance understanding of sustainable farming and adoption of IFM.

· Acting as a key voice for farmers within LEAF and ensuring their perspectives help shape future programmes and priorities.

· Representing LEAF in technical, policy and industry forums.

· Working collaboratively across LEAF's teams, including LEAF Marque, Assurance, Education, Marketing and Communications.

• Leading and developing a team focused on research delivery, innovation and knowledge exchange.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a credible and passionate sustainable farming professional who combines technical expertise with strategic leadership. You may have gained your experience through agricultural research, farm consultancy, sustainability, policy, knowledge exchange, agri-tech, or a related field.

You will bring

• Strong knowledge of sustainable agriculture, Integrated Farm Management (IFM), regenerative agriculture and environmentally positive farming practices.
• Experience leading projects, programmes or teams that deliver meaningful impact.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills.
• The ability to translate research and innovation into practical solutions for farmers.
• Experience engaging with farmers, researchers, industry partners and other stakeholders.
• A genuine passion for advancing sustainable farming.

It would be advantageous if you also have:

• Experience of farming systems outside the UK.
• Knowledge of agricultural and environmental policy.
• Experience with farm assurance or sustainability standards.
• Understanding of digital agriculture and agri-tech innovation.
• Experience developing training, education or knowledge exchange programmes.
• A postgraduate qualification in agriculture, environmental science or a related discipline.

Why Join LEAF?

This is more than a job. It's an opportunity to influence how sustainable farming develops over the coming decades and to help drive meaningful environmental change through practical action on farms. You will join a passionate, collaborative organisation with a strong reputation across the agricultural sector and a clear mission to inspire and enable more sustainable farming worldwide.

Location: Hybrid working (minimum one day per week at LEAF office, currently Friday).

Hours: Full-time (9-5, five days per week)

Salary: £50,000 pa

If you are excited by the prospect of connecting research, innovation and practical farming to create lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with the position to: ***email_hidden***

Closing date for applications: Friday, 3rd July 2026 at 5pm.

LEAF is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.