At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and maintain machinery for plant breeding, ensuring top performance and reliability.
- Company: Join KWS UK Ltd., a forward-thinking agricultural company in Thriplow.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, competitive pension, private healthcare, and fun social events.
- Other info: Flexible hours during peak seasons and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: 10 years in Agricultural Engineering with strong design and problem-solving 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.
Job description:- 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
- 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
- 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 in Peterborough employer: KWS Berlin GmbH
KWS UK Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Thriplow, where innovation meets agriculture. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide a competitive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, private healthcare, and ample annual leave, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. Our collaborative culture fosters teamwork and creativity, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Agricultural Engineer in Peterborough
✨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!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your design and fabrication projects. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities, which are key for the Lead Agricultural Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss how you've handled breakdowns or collaborated with teams in the past. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining KWS UK Ltd. and being part of our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Agricultural Engineer in Peterborough
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 with machinery and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can take ownership of site needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about agricultural engineering and how your background aligns with our mission at KWS. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Flexibility:Since this role requires flexibility during peak seasons, make sure to mention your willingness to adapt your working hours. We appreciate candidates who are ready to jump in when things get busy, so let us know how you handle high-pressure situations!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 the past, as this will show your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising staff and leading a workshop, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight your ability to provide clear guidance and support, as well as how you’ve managed conflicts or challenges within a team.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the need for flexibility during peak seasons, be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing work demands in previous roles. Share specific instances where you’ve gone above and beyond to meet business-critical activities, showing that you can handle pressure.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and future projects. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if KWS UK Ltd. is the right fit for you.
