At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and maintain machinery for innovative 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 a fun, supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: 10 years in Agricultural Engineering with strong design skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ 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 organise 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 Cambridge employer: KWS
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 engineering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Agricultural Engineer in Cambridge
✨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
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your design and fabrication projects. This is a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like KWS UK Ltd. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to their team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions in agricultural engineering roles. Practice your responses, focusing on your leadership and collaboration skills. Remember, confidence is key when discussing your experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Agricultural Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Agricultural Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in agricultural engineering, especially any hands-on work with machinery and equipment. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your qualifications; share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. We love a good story about how you turned a breakdown into a success – it shows us you're the right fit for our team!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of warmth and enthusiasm can go a long way in making your application stand out. We’re looking for someone who fits into our fun working environment!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to see more about what we do at KWS!
How to prepare for a job interview at KWS
✨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 this role involves supervising staff and leading a workshop, be ready to share your experiences in managing teams. Think of examples where you've provided guidance or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your design and fabrication skills, as well as your understanding of electronics. Brush up on relevant technical concepts and be prepared to discuss how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Problem-Solving
Given the nature of the role, flexibility is key. Prepare to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous jobs, especially during peak seasons. Highlight your quick-thinking abilities and provide examples of how you've tackled unexpected challenges.
