I recently landed a role at A.G. Barr, and I can tell you that the process is competitive but very structured. The key is to start with deep research into the company’s brand portfolio—Irn‑Bru, Rubicon, and Strathmore are their main products. I spent a weekend reading their annual sustainability report and press releases. That helped me tailor my resume to highlight experience in FMCG supply chain and cost optimization.
The application itself is online. They use an applicant tracking system (ATS), so you need to include keywords from the job description. I matched terms like “inventory management,” “supplier negotiation,” and “lean manufacturing.” After that, I got a phone screen from HR focusing on my motivation and basic fit. The next stage was a competency-based interview with the hiring manager. I prepared four STAR stories covering teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. They also asked about a time I improved a process—I used a table to organize my preparation:
| Competency | My Example | Result |
|---|
| Problem-solving | Reduced warehouse overtime by 15% | Saved £50k annually |
| Teamwork | Led cross-functional project | Delivered 2 weeks early |
| Adaptability | Shifted to remote work during crisis | Maintained 100% output |
The final round included a presentation on a mock business challenge. I proposed a new distribution route for their Rubicon brand in Scotland. They gave me 30 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to present. I focused on data from their investor reports and a simple cost-benefit analysis. What really made me stand out was showing genuine passion for the brand—I mentioned that I grew up drinking Irn‑Bru and understood its cultural significance. The whole process took about five weeks. If you’re applying, be patient and treat every interaction as a chance to demonstrate your alignment with their values of innovation, sustainability, and community.
