At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage seed potato storage and grading operations while inspiring a team.
- Company: Join McCain Foods, the leading name in frozen potatoes with over 60 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible holidays, a great pension plan, and a volunteering day off.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a scenic location, driving innovation in agriculture.
- Qualifications: Experience in agricultural environments with strong leadership and technical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and relocation within a global company.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
There’s nothing beige about McCain… Except our potatoes — and we’re extremely passionate about them. When you join McCain, you’ll be joining the biggest player in the frozen potato game, bringing people together around the nation for over 60 years by sharing simple, delicious planet friendly food.
About the role
- Intake & Storage: Keep a close eye on both on-site and off-site stored crops, proactively identifying quality issues and collaborating with the Seed Operations Manager and Agronomist to find solutions that boost marketability. Own the accuracy of stock levels and maintain top-tier storage oversight.
- Grading: Transform sales and delivery targets into actionable grading plans. Lead the stores team to meet volume and quality demands—handling everything from cold store prep and machine setup to productivity optimization, tuber inspections, and dispatch readiness.
- Dispatch: Ensure smooth and accurate loading of vehicles with the right product, backed by spot-on documentation and clear communication with the office team.
- Maintenance: Oversee the upkeep of all grading machinery and site infrastructure—whether through hands-on solutions or managing third-party support—ensuring everything runs like clockwork.
- Health and Safety: Champion a culture of safety by leading the design, delivery, and day-to-day execution of robust H&S policies across our Montrose site.
- Machinery & Technology: Be the go-to expert on grading tech—leveraging current systems and future innovations to enhance product quality, boost saleable yield, and drive operational efficiency.
- Financial Planning: Play a key role in budgeting for on-site activities. Identify opportunities to cut costs and boost ROI while supporting strategic projects aimed at increasing throughput, quality, and returns.
- Succession Planning: Invest in the future by nurturing and developing a high-performing stores team. Drive continuous training to build a resilient, skilled workforce ready to grow with the business.
About you
With a proven track record of delivering results in fast-paced agricultural environments, you bring a strong blend of technical expertise, people leadership, and operational know-how. Your ability to engage teams, manage complex workflows, and adapt quickly to changing demands ensures smooth and efficient operations across intake, storage, grading, and dispatch. You’re both hands-on and strategic—equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to drive continuous improvement in a seed potato setting.
Key Strengths:
- Strong people management and communication skills that foster team engagement and collaboration.
- Solid working knowledge of potato grading machinery and handling equipment.
- Technically proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
- Effective in making quick, confident decisions while maintaining high attention to detail.
- Skilled in building trusted relationships and aligning cross-functional needs.
What’s in it for me?
For working hard, you’ll also get a great salary and some pretty good benefits including:
- 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 long-term development of McCain communities across the globe.
WHERE YOU’LL WORK: Montrose is where it all begins – the birthplace of the potatoes that end up on plates across the country. Set against the scenic backdrop of Scotland’s east coast, this farm is a hub of agricultural excellence and innovation.
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.
Potato Seed Storage & Grading Manager employer: McCain Foods
Contact Detail:
McCain Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Potato Seed Storage & Grading Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest potato grading technologies and machinery. Being knowledgeable about the equipment used in grading can set you apart, as it shows your commitment to operational efficiency and product quality.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the agricultural sector, especially those involved in seed potato operations. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at McCain.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in fast-paced environments. Highlighting your ability to inspire and engage a team will resonate well with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Research McCain Foods' sustainability initiatives and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Showing that you align with their values on environmental responsibility can make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Potato Seed Storage & Grading Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in agricultural management, particularly in storage and grading operations. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the agricultural sector and your understanding of potato grading and storage. Mention how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for McCain Foods and their commitment to quality.
Highlight Key Strengths: In your application, focus on your strong people management and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments and how you've implemented improvements in operational efficiency.
Showcase Technical Proficiency: Mention your technical skills, especially your proficiency with Microsoft Office tools like Excel and Word. If you have experience with grading machinery or technology, be sure to include that as well, as it’s crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at McCain Foods
✨Know Your Potatoes
Familiarise yourself with the different types of seed potatoes and their grading standards. Being able to discuss specific varieties and their marketability will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and manage a diverse group, especially during peak seasons, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Showcase Technical Proficiency
Be ready to discuss your experience with potato grading machinery and any relevant technology. Mention specific tools or software you’ve used, particularly Microsoft Excel, to demonstrate your technical skills.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Awareness
Discuss your understanding of health and safety policies in agricultural settings. Share any experiences where you implemented safety measures or improved safety culture, as this is a key responsibility of the role.