Research Farm Manager in Leeds

About McCain. At McCain, we are dedicated to ensuring our core values - Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality - shine through every day. As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in more than 160 countries, and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do.

About the role. The Manager, Farm of the Future, will lead McCain's most innovative agricultural initiative in Great Britain (GB), serving as the driving force behind transformative and sustainable farming practices on a global stage. The primary purpose of this role is to advance agriculture by integrating cutting-edge solutions in sustainability, technology, alternative energy, autonomous machinery, and education. With responsibility for overseeing the Farm of the Future, the role focuses on delivering measurable improvements to greenhouse emission, soil health, water management, air quality, and biodiversity - directly influencing how farming impacts the planet.

This position exists to champion groundbreaking changes - implementing regenerative agricultural practices, harnessing digital technologies, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem among farmers, researchers, and industry partners. By embracing innovation and continuous learning, the Manager will inspire and equip teams to pioneer sustainable crop production and set new standards for environmental stewardship.

Outcomes expected from this position include:

• Optimal productivity
• Demonstrable reduction in farm GHG emission
• Increases in soil health, biodiversity, and adaptation to climate change
• Global recognition for industry-leading agricultural innovation
• Enthusiastic engagement with suppliers, customers, and employees

Accountabilities:

• Lead the commercial production of potatoes and rotation crops while implementing sustainable, regenerative agricultural practices.
• Integrate and champion the adoption of innovative technologies (e.g., autonomous farm equipment, precision agriculture, remote sensing, IoT) to maximize efficiency and sustainability.
• Support the design and ensure the execution and reporting of on-farm research initiatives to drive improvements in crop production and environmental impact.
• Manage all farm resources and budgets, ensuring operations are efficient and conducted within financial constraints.
• Deliver educational outreach by training suppliers, engaging employees, and communicating farm activities to public and industry stakeholders.
• Support and maintain strategic partnerships with public and private research organizations to leverage expertise and drive innovation.
• Supervise, develop, and lead farm staff, nurturing a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Prepare annual reports, document farm performance, and ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
• Continuously evaluate and improve operational processes, safety, and sustainability standards across the farm.
• Handle additional responsibilities as assigned to ensure the evolving needs and objectives of the Farm of the Future are met.

Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum of a technical or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in agriculture or a closely related field; advanced degree or equivalent relevant experience is preferred.
• Professional Experience: At least five years of experience in the agricultural industry, specifically with hands-on management of arable crop production; potato experience is especially valued.

Essential Skills & Competencies:

• Agricultural Expertise: Extensive knowledge of crop production, regenerative agriculture, soil health management, and biodiversity.
• Out-of-the-Box thinking: Ability to approach problems with unconventional lateral or creative perspective to find novel solutions.
• Technological Acumen: Deep familiarity with emerging agricultural technologies, including digital platforms, IoT devices, precision agriculture, and remote sensing; knowledge of machinery, robotics, and artificial intelligence is an asset.
• Financial Management: Proven experience in budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation within a farm or similar business setting.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to extend farm information to various stakeholders (growers, customers, employees).
• People Leadership: Demonstrated skill in managing teams, talent development, delegation, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Ability to build collaborations across public research institutions, private companies, and community groups.
• Decision-Making & Reasoning: Solid common-sense judgment for solving practical problems in a dynamic farm environment.
• Computer Proficiency: Advanced skills in data management, spreadsheets, and word processing applications.

Location. Here at McCain, we champion hybrid working. This means we don’t have a set expectation of exactly when you need to be in the office - however, we do encourage our full-time, office-based people to connect in person with others for around half of their working time.

The benefits of working for McCain. For working hard, you’ll also get a great salary and some pretty good benefits including:

• A generous Car Allowance
• An achievable yearly bonus based on personal performance.
• 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

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. 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.