Research Farm Manager in Leeds

About McCain

At McCain, we’re feeding the world: from French fries to smiles, we contribute to the important role food plays in people's lives. That’s why we’re 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. We believe that we can work together, along with our business and community partners, to bring sustainable growth and positive change today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Why Join the McCain Family

• Your Life – we’re here to help you fulfil your potential, flourish, and thrive in work and life.
• Your Success – work alongside passionate individuals who are committed to supporting your career ambitions, drive, and success.
• Your Impact – we want you to make a meaningful, lasting impact for you, for your colleagues, and for the business.

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 3, the role focuses on delivering measurable improvements to greenhouse gas 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 include optimal productivity, demonstrable reduction in farm GHG emission, increased soil health and biodiversity, adaptation to climate change, global recognition for industry‑leading innovation, and enthusiastic engagement with suppliers, customers, and employees.

Leadership Principles

• We are customer obsessed. Customers are our starting point. By understanding their needs and leveraging data and consumer insights, we drive mutual success.
• We think big and plan ahead. Through ambition, curiosity, and smart risks, we can accomplish goals, refine processes, and innovate to scale success.
• We bring out the best in our people. We create safe spaces for our people so that trust and empowerment come naturally. Inclusion is about listening first, showing humility, and working together.
• We act like owners. Together, we clear obstacles and do the work that makes us all successful and proud to be part of McCain.

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 the 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

The Farm is located North East of Leeds and our head office (Customer Experience Centre) is on the outskirts of Scarborough – 1.5 hours away from Leeds City Centre, and about an hour from York. We champion hybrid working, encouraging full‑time, office‑based people to connect in person with others for around half of their working time to build and maintain our connections while balancing working from home.

The Benefits of Working For McCain

• 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 – to make a positive impact to the competitiveness, resilience, and long‑term development of McCain communities across the globe

The McCain Experience

We are McCain: this statement is about our power collectively and our importance individually—your impact is a significant part of the business. Our winning culture focuses on authenticity and trust so we can always bring out the best in our people. Here, you have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while being yourself. Join our team to see why we’re better together.

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.