Position Title
Director, Agriculture - Seed
Position Type
Regular - Full-Time
Requisition ID
44872
Director, Agriculture - Seed
Montrose
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. Lead and develop the seed management team, while contributing to the overall GB agriculture leadership team and strategy development. 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, the roadmap that ensures our supply chain is always ahead of demand. From factory requirements and processing needs through to customer commitments, you'll make sure the right seed is in the right place, at the right time, every time.
Lead a Team That Takes Pride in What They Grow
You'll lead, develop and inspire the McCain Potatoes seed team, managing performance, running meaningful 1:1s, building development plans for salaried staff, and putting genuine succession thinking in place. You'll lead in full alignment with McCain's Leadership Principles, creating a team that holds itself accountable and takes genuine pride in delivery.
Build and Protect Our Grower Relationships
Growers are at the heart of this operation, and you'll own those relationships completely. Working around the grower partnership charter, you'll define contract content and structure, shape the cost of production indexation model, and ensure that every grower feels like a genuine partner in what we're building together.
Be the Voice of Seed at the Leadership Table
You'll represent the seed business within the GB Agriculture Leadership Team, bringing the seed perspective into strategic conversations and helping shape the direction of the overall agriculture function. Your insight and challenge will matter.
Own the Numbers — All of Them
Full financial accountability comes with this role. You'll set, control and monitor the seed sales budget, office overheads and own-grading budgets, and you'll be the driving force behind capital programme delivery, including CapEx requests, SCA and RCO delivery. You'll build the business cases, make the recommendations, and own the outcomes.
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. You'll set seed selling prices alongside the Agriculture Leadership Team, manage royalty licences for controlled varieties, and negotiate third-party traded seed purchases and sales, bringing commercial sharpness to every decision.
Keep the Business Informed and Connected
Every month, you'll deliver a seed business report to the VP of Agriculture, and beyond that, you'll represent McCain Potatoes externally and internally, ensuring the seed operation is visible, valued and well understood across the business and the wider industry.
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, with deep sector understanding.
- Financially Sharp and Commercially Driven — Experience owning a P&L, managing budgets and CapEx, and making commercially sound decisions.
- Strategic Thinker — Skilled in long-range supply and demand planning and translating strategy into operational delivery.
- Industry Knowledge — Strong knowledge of the GB potato industry (and ideally wider Europe), its players, commercial dynamics and regulatory requirements.
- Health & Safety Champion — Familiar with health and safety management systems (eg ISO 45001/50001) and committed to building a strong safety culture.
- Influencer and Relationship Builder — Able to build trust with growers, regulators and stakeholders, negotiate confidently and influence at senior levels.
- People Developer — Proven at building high‑performing teams, coaching talent, and holding others accountable with care.
Benefits.
- Private healthcare [family cover]
- Annual bonus scheme based on both company and individual performance with the ability to salary sacrifice into your pension
- Annual car allowance
- 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 bank holidays (increasing with service), giving you plenty of time to recharge with the opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year
- Life insurance cover providing peace of mind for you and your family
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, because the moments that matter outside of work matter to us too
- Medicash health cash plan, helping you claim money back on everyday healthcare costs, with access to a virtual GP and wellbeing support
- TELUS Health employee and family assistance programme offering full wellbeing support - including a 24/7 confidential counselling line, legal and financial guidance, and a range of employee discounts.
- Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
- A paid 'Chips In' Volunteering Day, giving you the opportunity to support projects that make a positive impact in our communities
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements where the role allows
And because you're joining a global business, your career opportunities don't stop at the factory gate. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, step into leadership, or even explore opportunities internationally, we'll support your growth. With ambitious plans for the future, there's plenty of scope to develop your career with us.
About The Team.
You’ll lead a specialist seed team based in Montrose — a tight-knit group with deep expertise. Your four direct reports (Operations, Production, Seed Crop, and Storage & Grading Managers) cover the full seed lifecycle and will rely on you for clear direction and accountable leadership. You’ll also manage a flexible seasonal labour pool that scales with the growing calendar, ensuring operational resilience year-round. As a recently formed team with strong potential, you'll shape culture, drive performance and build a high‑performing, cohesive unit.
About McCain.
Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.
Leadership principles.
At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.
AI & Digital Capabilities.
At McCain, AI and digital capabilities are part of how we work and innovate. We value curiosity toward emerging technologies and the thoughtful, responsible use of AI-enabled tools to improve outcomes as part of our future-ready culture.
The McCain Experience.
We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.
Our purpose is grounded in building meaningful relationships. We’re big believers in the power of working together in person—it helps us stay connected, collaborate more effectively, and grow as a team. At the same time, we recognize the importance of flexibility. Most office-based roles follow a hybrid model, with the option to work remotely two days a week. There may be exceptions depending on the role and location, so we encourage you to speak with your recruiter for more details.
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 know and 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 Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here.
Job Family
Agriculture
Location(s)
GB - United Kingdom : Scotland : Montrose
Company
McCain Foods (G.B.) Ltd
Director, Agriculture - Seed in Montrose employer: McCain Foods Limited
At McCain, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Senior Agriculture ISC Finance Business Partner in Scarborough, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including private healthcare, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to employee development, all while making a meaningful impact on our agricultural operations. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on personal growth, McCain is dedicated to supporting your career aspirations in a supportive and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Agriculture - Seed in Montrose
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like McCain Foods Limited often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at McCain Foods Limited
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at McCain Foods Limited. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at McCain Foods Limited.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at McCain Foods Limited.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at McCain Foods Limited.
