At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead machinery maintenance and support plant breeding activities in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join KWS UK Ltd., an innovative agricultural business with a fun working environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, competitive pension, private healthcare, and social events.
- Other info: Flexible hours during peak seasons and opportunities for career growth.
- 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 45000 - 55000 £ 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
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 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 Royston employer: KWS Saat
KWS UK Ltd. is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, private healthcare, and ample annual leave. Our collaborative and supportive work culture fosters innovation and teamwork, making Thriplow an ideal location for those looking to make a meaningful impact in agricultural engineering while enjoying a fun and engaging workplace atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Agricultural Engineer in Royston
✨Network through Industry Events
Look out for agricultural engineering expos and trade shows – they're golden opportunities! Attend these events to meet professionals from companies like KWS Saat and chat about their work. Being present in person can create connections that lead to job openings!
✨Join Agricultural Engineering Groups
Get involved in online communities and forums focused on agricultural engineering. Platforms like LinkedIn and specialised Facebook groups are great spots to join discussions, share insights, and even find job posts! Engaging with fellow enthusiasts can also lead to potential referrals.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects or relevant work you've done in agricultural engineering. Whether it's design work, projects from uni, or even side gigs, having a visual representation of your skills can really catch the eye of hiring managers at places like KWS Saat.
✨Keep an Eye on Job Boards
Besides company websites, check out niche job boards specific to agricultural engineering. Sites like AgCareers or Engineering Jobs can have listings that align with roles at KWS Saat. Applying through various channels increases your chances of landing that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Agricultural Engineer in Royston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:In agricultural engineering, it's all about practical experience. Highlight any projects or internships you've been involved in that showcase your skills in machinery, crop management, or sustainability practices. Use specifics to give us a clear picture of what you've accomplished and how it relates to the role at KWS Saat.
Get Technical with Your CV:Make sure your CV showcases technical competencies relevant to agricultural engineering. List any specific software tools or engineering techniques you're familiar with, as well as any certifications related to agricultural practices or environmental regulations. This gives us a good insight into your skill set for the Lead Agricultural Engineer position.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Our Values:When writing your cover letter, take the time to reflect on how your personal values align with those of KWS Saat. We want to see your passion for sustainable agriculture and how your engineering background can help us achieve our goals. Share what motivates you in this field, and let your personality shine through!
Don't Forget About Your Portfolio:If you've worked on design or engineering projects, consider including a portfolio to back up your application. This could be anything from photos of completed projects to detailed reports or analyses you've done. It’s an excellent way to visually demonstrate your skills and help us see your potential fit for the full-time Lead Agricultural Engineer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at KWS Saat
✨Master Your Technical Know-How
As an agricultural engineering candidate, you need to showcase your understanding of key concepts like irrigation systems, soil mechanics, and machinery design. Brush up on technical questions that could come your way, especially those related to recent advancements in agricultural technology, and be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Highlight specific examples where you solved complex engineering problems, particularly those relevant to agriculture. Think about challenges you’ve faced during projects or your coursework and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes; interviewers will love to see your practical experience in action.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio of Projects
Having a portfolio can be a game changer for a full-time role in agricultural engineering. Showcase any relevant projects you've worked on—be they internships, academic assignments, or personal projects. Make sure to highlight the tools and techniques you used and how they can be applicable to the role at KWS Saat.
✨Understand the Industry Trends
Get clued up on the latest trends affecting agricultural engineering, like automation, sustainability practices, and precision agriculture. This shows your passion for the field and helps you to discuss how your skills can contribute to KWS Saat’s goals in navigating these trends.
