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 business with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, competitive pension, private healthcare, and fun social events.
- Other info: Flexible hours during peak seasons and a vibrant team atmosphere.
- 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.
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
Apply now
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. You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.
Lead Agricultural Engineer in England 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 sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Agricultural Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people 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 solutions. This will give you an edge when chatting with hiring managers about your hands-on abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies like KWS UK Ltd. and express your interest. A friendly email or call can make a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Think of examples where you’ve tackled challenges in machinery maintenance or team leadership. Being ready to discuss these experiences will help you stand out during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Agricultural Engineer in England
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 want to see your quick-thinking abilities and how you’ve implemented effective solutions in high-pressure situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
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 leadership experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully guided a team or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate others effectively.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to design, fabrication, and maintenance of agricultural machinery. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to explain your thought process when tackling engineering challenges, as this will highlight your expertise.
✨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 implemented effective solutions during breakdowns or emergencies.
