Position Title: Agronomy, Research & Technology Lead
Position Type:
Regular - Full-Time
Requisition ID:
44315
Agronomist, Research & Technology Lead, Farm of the Future GB
Leeds
In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.
About the role.
Reporting to the Manager of Farm of the Future, you'll lead our farm agronomy strategy and drive research that pushes agricultural productivity, sustainability and technology forward.
You'll keep pace with emerging agri-tech and apply that knowledge to improve crop production and efficiency through smart agronomy, precision technology and regenerative farming. That means working hands-on with tools such as ISOBUS, GIS and GPS systems, remote sensing, precision agriculture applications, geospatial data analysis, yield prediction tools and pest and disease decision support systems.
You'll bring in external subject matter experts to make sure the latest agronomy thinking feeds into crop production, and work closely with the Global Farm of the Future, the GB Agronomy Team and the Farm Manager to deliver the agronomy plan. This includes supporting advanced machinery and technologies, from autonomous farm equipment to variable rate application of water, nutrients and pesticides, along with initiatives to improve soil health and crop quality.
Alongside the GB Agronomy Team, you'll also support on-farm research and share knowledge with growers, helping them work more efficiently and adopt more sustainable practices.
What you'll be doing.
• Develop and deliver the Farm of the Future agronomy plan, working closely with industry SMEs and McCain's GB Agronomy Team to drive operational and agronomic excellence.
• Build and implement automated systems to capture field level data, including machinery usage, fuel consumption and labour hours.
• Work with farm staff to simplify on farm data capture and provide the tools needed to turn that data into useful operational insights.
• Oversee the integration of smart technologies, including software setup, equipment installation, calibration and troubleshooting, so equipment and technology are always ready when needed.
• Lead agronomy data collection, including precision agriculture, to support day to day farm management decisions, with a focus on automating data capture for greater accuracy and efficiency.
• Analyse and report on farm data to drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare detailed field maps and maintain thorough field activity histories using GIS technology.
• Support key farm operations such as seed sizing, planting and harvesting, with an emphasis on automation and accurate data capture.
• Keep up to date with global developments in agricultural technology and potato research, evaluating and adopting relevant innovations on farm.
• Provide practical technical solutions across seed cutting, seed treatment, spraying, harvesting and storage, including alerts to help maintain optimal storage conditions and support sustainable farming.
• Champion safety for yourself and the wider team in all activities, working with the Lead Safety Coordinator to implement safety related apps, tools and protocols.
• Work with the GB Agronomy Team, Global Farm of the Future Team and Global Manager of Research and Innovation to help deliver research projects successfully, acting as the on farm point of contact for external research partners.
What you'll need to be successful.
• Bachelor's degree in Science, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A master's degree would be an asset.
• Highly self motivated, with a track record of taking initiative and a genuine appetite for continuous learning and development.
• Knowledge of and experience with farm machinery and emerging agricultural technologies.
• Understanding of field layouts, experimental design and research data analysis.
• A genuine passion for innovative research, learning new technologies and building new skills.
• Experience with potato production would be an asset.
• Detail oriented, dependable and positive, with the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with programming languages, preferably open source such as Python, along with familiarity with machine learning, artificial intelligence, QGIS and innovation management software, would be an asset.
• BASIS Qualified and a member of the BASIS Professional Register.
Benefits.
Although we do encourage you to taste the goods, you'll be pleased to know we don't pay you in chips. Alongside your salary, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including:
Private healthcare (single) Annual bonus scheme based on both company and individual performance with the ability to salary sacrifice into your pension An excellent salary sacrifice pension scheme where we'll contribute double what you do, up to a maximum of 12% of your salary 25 days' annual leave from day one plus
Agronomy, Research & Technology Lead in London employer: McCain Foods (GB) Ltd
McCain is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in Wombourne, where employees are encouraged to be ambitious and curious. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, McCain offers comprehensive training programs and career advancement opportunities, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative environment.
