Vacancy Description
The Food and Drink Sector Council (FDSC) is the only forum which brings senior leaders representing the whole of the agri food chain together to address strategic issues facing the sector and seize opportunities. It provides a mechanism for industry and government to work together to deliver shared objectives, as well as strengthening partnership working and collaboration.
The Council is co-chaired by industry and Government – Tim J Smith CBE for industry, with the Minister of State for Food, Mark Spencer, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The Council is entering a new phase of evolution and is working on new priorities to deliver in partnership with Government. The Co-Chairs want to add new voices to the Council, increase business representation and fill gaps by appointing new members to the following seats:
• Agriculture
• Consumers
• Finance / banking (investment in the sector)
• 2 x Food and Drink Manufacturing
• Primary Processing
• Public sector food
• Retail
The role of the members is to:
• Represent their sector, not the views of individual businesses.
• Contribute to and drive forward the Council’s work programme.
• Make constructive and honest contributions in Council discussions.
• Challenge each other and Government.
• Champion the Council through their networks.
• Understand the strategic context and be frank about opportunities and risks.
• Be able to allocate sufficient time and resources to meet the expectations of the role.
Person Specification
Leadership and strategic direction
• A strategic and creative thinker, with the ability to represent their sector, and contribute advice and challenge in full and frank discussion, to deliver tangible outcomes, solve strategic issues and seize opportunities within a complex and fragmented sector.
• Respected leader with knowledge and experience of the agri food supply chain at senior leadership level (comparable to Chief Executive Officer or Board).
Effective relationships and collaboration
• A collaborative style able to command the confidence of the Co-Chairs, fellow Council members, workstream members, senior Government officials and wider industry.
• Ability to build productive and collaborative relationships within a complex and fragmented industry and with Government in pursuit of the work and purpose of the Council.
Driving change
• Influential leadership and change management skills to drive change within the sector through the Council.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to inspire change.
Additional Information
Length of term: 2 years, with the option to renew once.
How to Apply
All candidates are required to complete the following forms:
• Monitoring form 1 (Conflicts of interest conduct and advertising Questionnaire)
• Monitoring form 2 (Diversity Questionnaire)
Candidates should submit their CV with education, professional qualifications and employment history.
Your CV should be returned to the following address by the closing date: 12.00 (midday) on Monday 27 March. Email to fdsc@defra.gov.uk.
For further information please email: fdsc@defra.org.uk