At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead storage and grading operations for seed potatoes, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Join McCain Foods, a leader in the frozen potato industry with over 60 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible holidays, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a scenic location, making a real impact on food quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in agriculture, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: Opportunities for relocation and career growth within a global company.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Position Title: Storage & Grading Manager
Position Type: Regular – Full-Time
Position Location: Montrose
Grade:Grade 05
Requisition ID:36671
There’s nothing beige about McCain…
Except our potatoes — and we’re extremely passionate about them.
When you join McCain, you’ll be joining 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’ve partnered with thousands of the country’s supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, hospitals, and schools to change the way people see the humble spud. It’s all about elevation and creating something better.
So, come and make your career at McCain Foods.
About the role
Take charge of our dynamic on-site storage and grading operations—while also coordinating off-site storage with our trusted off-field contract growers. Lead and inspire a team of up to 12 through seasonal peaks, overseeing the full journey of seed potatoes from intake and storage to grading and final dispatch
1. Intake & Storage
Keep a close eye on both on-site and off-site stored crops, proactively identifying quality issues and collaborating with the Seed Operations Manager and Agronomist to find solutions that boost marketability. Own the accuracy of stock levels and maintain top-tier storage oversight.
2. Grading
Transform sales and delivery targets into actionable grading plans. Lead the stores team to meet volume and quality demands—handling everything from cold store prep and machine setup to productivity optimization, tuber inspections, and dispatch readiness.
3. Dispatch
Ensure smooth and accurate loading of vehicles with the right product, backed by spot-on documentation and clear communication with the office team.
4. Maintenance
Oversee the upkeep of all grading machinery and site infrastructure—whether through hands-on solutions or managing third-party support—ensuring everything runs like clockwork.
5. Health and Safety
Champion a culture of safety by leading the design, delivery, and day-to-day execution of robust H&S policies across our Montrose site.
6. Machinery & Technology
Be the go-to expert on grading tech—leveraging current systems and future innovations to enhance product quality, boost saleable yield, and drive operational efficiency.
7. Financial Planning
Play a key role in budgeting for on-site activities. Identify opportunities to cut costs and boost ROI while supporting strategic projects (SCA & VSM) aimed at increasing throughput, quality, and returns. Lead Montrose-based project delivery and keep stakeholders in the loop with financial and operational updates.
8. Succession Planning
Invest in the future by nurturing and developing a high-performing stores team. Drive continuous training to build a resilient, skilled workforce ready to grow with the business.
About you
With a proven track record of delivering results in fast-paced agricultural environments, you bring a strong blend of technical expertise, people leadership, and operational know-how. Your ability to engage teams, manage complex workflows, and adapt quickly to changing demands ensures smooth and efficient operations across intake, storage, grading, and dispatch. You’re both hands-on and strategic—equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to drive continuous improvement in a seed potato setting.
Key Strengths
- Strong people management and communication skills that foster team engagement and collaboration
- Solid working knowledge of potato grading machinery and handling equipment
- Technically proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
- Effective in making quick, confident decisions while maintaining high attention to detail
- Skilled in building trusted relationships and aligning cross-functional needs
What’s in it for me?
Although we do encourage you to taste the goods you’ll be pleased to know we don’t pay you in chips. For working hard, you’ll also get a great salary and some pretty good benefits including:
- An excellent pension where we will pay double what you do, up to a maximum of 12% of your pay
- Flexible holidays – where you can buy & sell up to 5 days holiday per year
- Optional health cash plan
- Cycle to work scheme
- ‘Chips In’ Volunteering Day Off – to make a positive impact tothe long-term development of McCain communitiesacross the globe
And of course, being part of a Global business there are great opportunities to shine/thrive should you wish to relocate in the future. We have an impressive 5 year growth plan that presents development & progression opportunities for those who seek it out.
WHERE YOU’LL WORK:
Montrose is where it all begins – the birthplace of the potatoes that end up on plates across the country. Set against the scenic backdrop of Scotland’s east coast, this farm is a hub of agricultural excellence and innovation. Here, we grow the seed potatoes that fuel our network of growers, combining hands-on care with forward-thinking farming techniques. It’s more than just a workplace – it’s a place to grow, thrive, and be part of something bigger from the ground up.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us knowand we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policyand Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. You can understand how your personal information isbeing handled here.
Job Family:Agriculture
Division:GB Agriculture
Department:Grading and Store Operatives
Location(s): GB – United Kingdom : Scotland : Montrose
Company:McCain Foods (G.B.) Ltd
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Potato Seed Storage & Grading Manager employer: McCain Foods
Contact Detail:
McCain Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Potato Seed Storage & Grading Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest potato grading technologies and machinery. Being knowledgeable about the tools and techniques used in the industry will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to lead.
✨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 connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in fast-paced environments. Prepare specific stories that highlight your ability to engage and inspire others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research McCain Foods' values and recent initiatives, particularly around sustainability and community impact. Showing that you align with their mission and are passionate about contributing to their goals can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Potato Seed Storage & Grading Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in agricultural management, particularly in storage and grading operations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical expertise with potato grading machinery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the agricultural industry and your understanding of McCain's values. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Potato Seed Storage & Grading Manager role, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their mission.
Highlight Key Strengths: In your application, emphasise your strong people management and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged teams and managed complex workflows in previous roles, as these are crucial for this position.
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, which is essential for the role you’re applying for.
How to prepare for a job interview at McCain Foods
✨Know Your Potatoes
Familiarise yourself with the different types of seed potatoes and their grading standards. Being able to discuss specific varieties and their marketability will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and manage a diverse group, especially during peak seasons, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss past challenges you've faced in storage or grading operations and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to maintain quality standards.
✨Understand Health and Safety Protocols
Research health and safety regulations relevant to agricultural operations. Be prepared to talk about how you would implement and champion these policies to ensure a safe working environment.