At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative agronomy research and drive sustainable farming practices.
- Company: Join McCain, a global leader in agriculture with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career growth and international experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of farming with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Agriculture or related field; passion for tech and sustainability required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ 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.
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 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 McCain.
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.
Agronomist, Research & Technology Lead in Leeds employer: McCain Foods
At McCain Foods, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. As an Agronomist, Research & Technology Lead in Leeds, you'll benefit from a supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities alongside a competitive benefits package, including private healthcare and flexible working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact in sustainable agriculture while enjoying a fulfilling career with a global family-owned company that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Agronomist, Research & Technology Lead in Leeds
✨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 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 Agronomist, Research & Technology Lead in Leeds
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 does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at McCain Foods
✨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 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.
✨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.
