He held various positions in quality and innovations departments,[5] before becoming the commercialisation director for north-west Europe.

[3] In December 2009, McLaughlin launched the first joined-up strategy for the entire food and drink sector in Scotland, including agriculture, fishing and aquaculture.

[7] In May 2011, McLaughlin announced his departure from Scotland Food & Drink[8] to join Albert Bartlett Ltd as managing director of Scotty Brand Ltd,[9] a commercial organisation promoting Scottish in season produce.

[10] He became chief executive of the Building Engineering Services Association in August 2015,[1] leaving the role in October 2017 following a cycling accident.

[11] In February 2018 he joined The Rail Safety & Standards Board as chief commercial officer.