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.
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 employer: KWS
KWS UK Ltd. is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive benefits package including a highly attractive pension scheme, private healthcare, and generous annual leave. Our collaborative and supportive work culture fosters innovation and teamwork, making Thriplow a vibrant location for those passionate about agricultural engineering. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture while enjoying a fun and engaging workplace atmosphere.
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!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or designs, bring it along to interviews. Demonstrating your hands-on experience can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles, especially those related to machinery and equipment. This will show you're the right fit for the fast-paced environment at KWS.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Agricultural Engineer
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, problem-solving abilities, 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 passionate about agricultural engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your leadership experience and any unique skills that set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves machinery and equipment, don’t forget to detail your design and fabrication skills. If you have experience with electronics or construction, make sure to include that too—it could give you an edge!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from 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 experiences in managing teams. Think of examples where you've provided guidance or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the nature of agricultural work, flexibility is key. Prepare to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles, especially during peak seasons. This will highlight your readiness to meet the demands of the job.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This position requires collaboration with internal teams and external partners. Be ready to talk about your communication style and how you've successfully worked with different stakeholders in the past. This will show that you're not just technically skilled but also a team player.
