Agrifood Futures Director

About the Job

The Agrifood Futures Director will provide visionary and strategic leadership for Agrifood Futures, driving the University of Reading’s ambition to be a global leader in future-focused, systems-led agrifood research and innovation. Accountable to the University Executive Board, the postholder will provide integrated transdisciplinary leadership across the three Priority Research Areas, enabling a step-change in research and innovation and embedding a distinctive and whole system approach to agrifood research.

The role will hold overall accountability for the successful delivery of major research infrastructure investments, providing leadership to and line managing the Professorial Directors who are responsible for their implementation.

The postholder will play a pivotal role in elevating the University’s external profile and reputation, positioning it as a global leader in agrifood research and innovation. Acting as a prominent external voice and convener for the wider agrifood sector, they will build and lead influential partnerships across academia, industry and government. Through their leadership, the postholder will foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

We are keen to seek applications from candidates from a range of career backgrounds, academic, commercial, policy or other relevant agrifood organisations. In the case of a Professorial appointment, the postholder would be expected to maintain an internationally outstanding personal research profile.

About You

The successful candidate will:

– Bring an internationally credible track record of leadership in agrifood research, innovation, policy or industry
– Have a deep understanding of global food systems and experience of leading large-scale, collaborative programmes
– Demonstrate the ability to influence at the highest levels and to build partnerships that deliver transformative outcomes

About Us

The University of Reading is internationally recognised for excellence in agriculture, food and environmental research. Ranked in the QS global top 20 for Agriculture and Forestry, Reading is now embarking on one of the most ambitious programmes in its history: Agrifood Futures.

Agrifood Futures is a bold, whole-systems research and innovation strategy that will transform the way we produce, consume and think about food as we move towards 2050. At its core are three interconnected Priority Research Areas, each shaped to deliver long-term, challenge-led programmes of research and innovation:

– A resilient food system for everyone
– Farming systems that work with nature and our climate
– Food that nourishes people and the planet

These are underpinned by significant new investments including a state-of-the-art innovation farm, advanced food processing facilities, and a participatory platform for nutrition and consumer behaviour.

To deliver this vision, the University has established a world-class leadership team spanning academic and professional services expertise. The final and pivotal appointment is the Agrifood Futures Director.

This is a unique opportunity to provide strategic, transdisciplinary leadership for a programme of global significance. The Director will lead a high-performing team across the Priority Research Areas and Systems and Futures Hub, oversee the delivery of major infrastructure investments, and act as a prominent external voice, building influential partnerships across academia, industry and government. The role carries accountability for delivering the strategy at scale, including securing significant co-investment and driving research excellence and impact.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Reading on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference IBVXA1. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 29 May.