Are you passionate about agriculture and have a keen eye for operational excellence?

Join our team and become part of the business unit Cereals at KWS UK in Thriplow as Head of Production UK.

Reporting into the Head of Production and Logistics International, your mission will be to lead and develop the local cereal production department, ensuring in-time delivery of high-quality products while optimizing production processes.

Responsibilities:

• Leading and development of the UK seed production department, meeting the demands of internal and external customers by optimizing processes and cost in accordance with quality and security standards.
• Leading of direct reports in seed production and production consultancy.
• Accountability for multiplication and production planning and its execution: Acquisition, negotiation, contracting and coordination of seed growers and external processors.
• Further development of the production area towards future requirements in terms of organization, equipment and resources.
• Professional and personal development of direct reports and team members.
• Budget and midterm planning process (investments, personal, functional cost, production costs).
• Strong collaboration and interaction with neighboring functional areas and business partners.
• Compliance with and further development of official and KWS internal rules and guidelines.
• Contribution in topic-specific project groups.

Profile:

• Completed studies in agricultural sciences or equivalent education.
• Experience in agricultural production with focus on seed production / seed industry.
• Initial experience in leadership is desirable.
• Good communication, presentation and networking skills.
• Proficient in MS Office products; preferably familiar with ERP systems.
• Independent, goal-oriented work style, team spirit, and a high level of responsibility.
• Openness for best practice exchange within the international KWS production network and cross departmental collaboration.
• Willingness to travel.

Why KWS: 

• Freely following the motto: "Make yourself grow!" we promote individual professional and personal development.  
• 35 working hours weekly – additional working hours will be expected based on seasonal demands.  
• 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.  
• Highly competitive Pension Scheme with 16% Company contribution and 1.2% minimum employee contribution.  
• Life Assurance, of three times annual salary.  

• Income Protection Plan at 75% of salary for long-term illness and disability for a period of three years.  
• Private Health Care Plan.  
• Profit Related Bonus Scheme.  
• Membership of Lifestyles discount scheme.  
• Reduced diesel prices from the company’s 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.