Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage seed potato supply, logistics, and relationships with growers to ensure quality delivery.
- Company: Join McCain Foods, the leading name in frozen potatoes, passionate about quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous car allowance, flexible holidays, and a strong pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in agriculture while making a positive community impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in agricultural operations, strong leadership skills, and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Work in beautiful Montrose, Scotland, with opportunities for career growth and relocation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join McCain Foods, the biggest player in the frozen potato game, bringing people together around the nation for over 60 years by sharing simple, delicious planet-friendly food. We have a close relationship with over 220 potato growers across the UK, managing the full seed production cycle at our potato business in Montrose, Scotland.
As the Seed Operations Manager, you will:
- Manage the supply of around 32,000 tonnes of seed potatoes annually from over 60 specialist seed potato growers across Scotland and England.
- Ensure the right potatoes are delivered at the right time and cost.
- Oversee stock control and planning to maximise seed availability.
- Manage logistics and packaging to ensure capacity at the correct time and price.
- Be the main point of contact for McCain Foods personnel regarding seed availability.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, ensuring timely delivery of seed in excellent condition.
- Allocate grading to match customer orders and maintain even movement of tonnage from suppliers throughout the season.
- Manage seed cutting plants to ensure quality and quantity of seed is delivered, cut, cured, stored, and dispatched.
- Reconcile all contract seed crops and prepare grower payments.
About You:
You should have a proven track record in fast-paced agricultural environments, with a strong blend of technical expertise, people leadership, and operational know-how. Your ability to engage teams and manage complex workflows will ensure smooth operations across intake, storage, grading, and dispatch.
Key Strengths:
- Natural leadership qualities, living by our values (Family, Authentic, Quality, Trusted).
- Hands-on approach, immersing yourself in operations.
- Technical experience of seed potato growing or other produce, with knowledge of legislative requirements.
- Strong computer skills including Word and Excel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Benefits:
- A generous car allowance.
- Achievable personal and business performance-based bonus.
- An excellent pension scheme where we will pay double what you do, up to a maximum of 12% of your pay.
- Flexible holidays, allowing you to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.
- Optional health cash plan.
- 'Chips In' Volunteering Day Off.
Where You’ll Work:
Our Seed Operation is based in Montrose, Scotland, known for its award-winning sandy beaches and stunning nature reserves. You will spend most of your time on site, with occasional visits to growers and our Experience Centre in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer, striving to be the employer of choice in diverse communities. We recognise that inclusion drives creativity, resilience, and success.
Seed Operations Manager employer: McCain Foods
Contact Detail:
McCain Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Seed Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the potato industry in the UK and Europe. Understanding the market dynamics, key players, and current trends will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the agricultural sector, especially those involved in seed potato operations. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the Seed Operations Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to drive results in fast-paced environments, as this is crucial for the role at McCain Foods.
✨Tip Number 4
Research McCain Foods' values and culture thoroughly. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around family, authenticity, quality, and trust, as this will resonate well during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Seed Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in seed operations or agricultural management. Emphasise your technical expertise and leadership skills, as these are key for the Seed Operations Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the potato industry and your understanding of McCain Foods' values. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex workflows and engage teams effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as stock control, logistics management, and relationship building with growers. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully applied these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this managerial position.
How to prepare for a job interview at McCain Foods
✨Know Your Potatoes
Familiarise yourself with the different varieties of potatoes that McCain uses and their specific qualities. Being able to discuss how these varieties impact seed production and customer satisfaction will show your technical expertise and passion for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to engage and develop team members, as this role requires a natural leader who can drive culture and performance.
✨Understand Supply Chain Dynamics
Brush up on your knowledge of logistics and supply chain management, particularly in agriculture. Be ready to discuss how you would manage stock control and ensure timely delivery of seed potatoes to meet customer demands.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
McCain is looking for someone who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty. Share experiences where you've been actively involved in operations, demonstrating your willingness to immerse yourself in the work and continuously seek improvements.
