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- Tasks: Lead maintenance and improvement of machinery for plant breeding activities.
- Company: Join KWS UK Ltd., a forward-thinking agricultural business.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, competitive pension, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Flexible hours during peak seasons and opportunities for social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while working in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: 10 years in Agricultural Engineering with strong design skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
KWS UK Ltd. is seeking a Lead Agricultural Engineer to join our onsite team in Thriplow, United Kingdom. This is a hands-on role where you will take ownership of all site needs, ensuring the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of machinery and equipment supporting plant breeding activities.
You will lead the workshop facilities, provide a mobile repair service for in-field machinery, supervise staff, and collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain efficient operations. The role is on a full-time basis, 35 hours per week. During peak seasons, flexibility is essential, and working longer hours, 6 days per week, may be required to support business-critical activities.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the service and maintenance of all machinery and equipment on site
- Respond quickly to breakdowns and implement effective solutions to maintain operations
- Manage and organise the KWS UK workshop in a safe and efficient manner
- Supervise and support workshop staff, providing clear guidance and leadership
- Coordinate maintenance activities across local and external sites
- Design and fabricate bespoke machinery and equipment solutions when needed
- Maintain stock levels of parts and consumables
- Ensure a clean, safe, and well-organised workshop environment
- Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors on projects
- Contribute to capital investment planning and decision-making
- Monitor costs, budgets, and operational efficiency
- Implement and uphold health and safety systems and procedures
Required profile
- Qualification and experience in Agricultural Engineering, 10 years experience
- Strong design and fabrication skills
- Knowledge of electronics (highly advantageous)
- Experience or understanding of groundworks, building, or construction (beneficial)
- Fluency in English
- Good IT and digital skills
- A self-motivated, hands-on approach with the ability to work independently
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to act quickly and effectively
- Confident communicator able to work with stakeholders at all levels
- Flexibility to adapt working hours during busy periods
What we offer
- 35-hour working week
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Highly competitive pension scheme (up to 16% employer contribution)
- Life assurance (3x annual salary)
- Income protection plan (up to 75% salary)
- Private healthcare plan
- Profit-related bonus scheme (target up to 10%)
- Access to a lifestyle discount scheme
- Reduced diesel prices via company fuel pump
- A fun working environment where we take care of each other. We also organize social events such as a Summer Staff BBQ, a Christmas party and charity fundraising events.
If you are ready to take on a varied and impactful engineering role within an innovative agricultural business, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV to apply and join KWS in shaping the future of agriculture.
Lead Agricultural Engineer employer: KWS Berlin GmbH
Contact Detail:
KWS Berlin GmbH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Agricultural Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the agricultural engineering field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or designs, bring it along to interviews. Demonstrating your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like KWS UK Ltd. Express your interest and ask about potential opportunities. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview! Research common questions for agricultural engineering roles and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to maintaining and improving machinery at KWS. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Agricultural Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Lead Agricultural Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on experience, design skills, and any relevant projects you've worked on in agricultural engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for agricultural engineering and how your background aligns with our mission at KWS UK Ltd. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with effective solutions, especially in high-pressure situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at KWS Berlin GmbH
✨Know Your Machinery Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the machinery and equipment relevant to agricultural engineering. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've maintained or improved machinery in previous roles, as this will show your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising staff, be ready to share your leadership experiences. Think of times when you've successfully led a team or project, and be prepared to discuss how you motivate and guide others in a workshop environment.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the need for flexibility during peak seasons, highlight your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Share examples of how you've managed tight deadlines or unexpected challenges in past roles, showing that you're ready to step up when needed.
✨Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders
As a Lead Agricultural Engineer, you'll need to collaborate with various teams and external partners. Prepare to discuss your communication style and provide examples of how you've successfully worked with different stakeholders to achieve common goals.