At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead McCain's seed potato business, ensuring supply chain efficiency and safety.
- Company: Join McCain Foods, a global leader in agriculture with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, annual bonuses, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable agriculture while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in agriculture with strong financial acumen and strategic thinking.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
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.
This is a rare opportunity to lead McCain Potatoes' GB seed potato business from our Montrose Pugeston site in Scotland. Reporting to the VP of Agriculture, you'll run a unique, vertically integrated in-house seed operation and be McCain's visible champion to industry, regulators and customers. You'll own the end-to-end seed supply chain, from seven-year supply planning and production through to seed operations, storage, grading and commercial delivery. Plus, responsibility for the seed budget, capital programme and site health & safety.
You will inspire, lead and develop the seed management team, drive performance and succession, and build a high-performing, commercially focused culture. A focus will be defining and embedding regenerative agriculture within our seed supply: working with growers and GB Agriculture to create a sustainable, future-fit seed programme that secures supply, boosts resilience and leaves a lasting positive legacy for McCain.
What you'll be doing.
- Own the Safety of Everyone on Site: This role carries overarching accountability for the health and safety of every McCain Potatoes employee, visitor, contractor and associated venture at Montrose. You'll set the tone from the top, building a culture where safety isn't just a priority, it's a non-negotiable way of working every single day.
- Set the Strategic Direction for Seed: You'll be the author of McCain's Seven-Year Plan for Seed, ensuring our supply chain is always ahead of demand.
- Lead a Team That Takes Pride in What They Grow: You'll lead, develop and inspire the McCain Potatoes seed team, managing performance and building development plans for salaried staff.
- Build and Protect Our Grower Relationships: Growers are at the heart of this operation, and you'll own those relationships completely.
- Be the Voice of Seed at the Leadership Table: You'll represent the seed business within the GB Agriculture Leadership Team.
- Own the Numbers - All of Them: Full financial accountability comes with this role.
- Be the Commercial Authority on Seed: You'll act as the consulted authority across the retained seed plan, seed sales plan, stock reconciliation, grower contract payments and operating system development.
- Keep the Business Informed and Connected: Every month, you'll deliver a seed business report to the VP of Agriculture.
What you'll need to be successful.
- Proven Senior Leader in Agriculture: Significant senior leadership experience in agriculture, seed potatoes or fresh produce supply chains.
- Financially Sharp and Commercially Driven: Experience owning a P&L, managing budgets and CapEx.
- Strategic Thinker: Skilled in long-range supply and demand planning.
- Industry Knowledge: Strong knowledge of the GB potato industry.
- Health & Safety Champion: Familiar with health and safety management systems.
- Influencer and Relationship Builder: Able to build trust with growers, regulators and stakeholders.
- People Developer: Proven at building high-performing teams.
Benefits.
Alongside your salary, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including private healthcare, annual bonus scheme, car allowance, pension scheme, annual leave, life insurance cover, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme, volunteering day, and flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
About the team.
You'll lead a specialist seed team based in Montrose. Your four direct reports cover the full seed lifecycle and will rely on you for clear direction and accountable leadership.
About McCain.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be the employer of choice in diverse communities around the world. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success.
Director of Agriculture in Montrose 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Agriculture in Montrose
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like McCain Foods (GB) Ltd often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Agriculture in Montrose
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what McCain Foods (GB) Ltd does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at McCain Foods (GB) Ltd
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with McCain Foods (GB) Ltd will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at McCain Foods (GB) Ltd.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with McCain Foods (GB) Ltd.
