At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead maintenance and improvement of machinery for plant breeding activities.
- Company: Join KWS UK Ltd., a leader in agricultural engineering.
- 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 enjoying a fun work 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 hands‑on role involves taking ownership of all site needs, ensuring the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of machinery and equipment supporting plant breeding activities. The role is full‑time, 35 hours per week. During peak seasons, flexibility may require working longer hours, up to six days per week.
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
Your 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, including social events such as a Summer Staff BBQ, a Christmas party and charity fundraising events
Lead Agricultural Engineer employer: KWS SAAT SE
KWS UK Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Lead Agricultural Engineer role in Thriplow. 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 innovation and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful agricultural advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Agricultural Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the agricultural engineering field, attend industry events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 design and fabrication experience, bring it to life. Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects and be ready to discuss them in interviews. This will help you stand out as a hands-on candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies like KWS UK Ltd. through our website. Express your interest and share how your experience aligns with their needs. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your problem-solving skills and think of examples where you’ve tackled challenges in machinery maintenance or project management. Being able to articulate your thought process can really impress interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Agricultural Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Agricultural Engineer role. Highlight your experience in agricultural engineering, especially any hands-on work with machinery and equipment. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at KWS UK Ltd. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your problem-solving abilities. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with effective solutions quickly. Share a story or two about how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly, and it shows you're keen on joining our team. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at KWS SAAT SE
✨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 improved performance or solved breakdown issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising workshop staff, think of instances where you've successfully led a team. Be ready to share how you provided guidance and support, and how you managed to keep operations running smoothly during busy periods.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Prowess
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've had to act quickly to resolve issues. Highlight your approach to troubleshooting and how you implemented effective solutions to maintain operations.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This role requires working with various stakeholders, so be ready to talk about your experience collaborating with internal teams and external contractors. Share examples of how you've communicated effectively to achieve project goals.
