Laboratory and Greenhouse manager

KWS SAAT SE; Thriplow; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Pension scheme 16%

Life Assurance

Income Protection Plan

Private Health Care

Bonus scheme 10%

Lifestyle discounts

Social events

Job summary

KWS UK Ltd. in Thriplow is seeking a Laboratory and Greenhouse Manager to lead laboratory and greenhouse operations within our breeding station. You will manage teams, ensure safety, quality, and operational excellence, and contribute to strategic objectives.

The role requires a science-based degree, at least 3 years of supervisory experience, and strong leadership and communication skills. You will work across laboratories and greenhouses, driving continuous improvement and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Degree-level education in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Health and Safety requirements, particularly within laboratory environments.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database systems.
• Hands-on mindset with willingness to work both inside and outside laboratory environments.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver tasks efficiently.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborative team player who understands and supports broader team priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective line management and leadership to team members, supporting their development and performance.
• Lead and oversee activities within the Quality Laboratory, Tissue Culture Laboratory, and Greenhouse operations.
• Contribute as an active member of the Breeding Station Management Team, supporting strategic and operational objectives.
• Ensure the efficient planning, coordination, and execution of laboratory and greenhouse activities.
• Promote and maintain high standards of health, safety, and compliance, particularly within laboratory environments.
• Monitor workflows and resources to ensure timely delivery of objectives and high-quality results.
• Foster a positive, collaborative culture and encourage effective communication across teams.

Skills

Leadership

Health & Safety

English fluency

Planning & organisation

Communication

Teamwork

Hands-on

Excel

Database systems

Education

Degree-level education in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Database systems

Job description

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Are you anexperienced peopleleader with a passion for science, quality, and operational excellence? At KWS UK Ltd., we are looking for a Laboratory and Greenhouse manager to join our team in Thriplow.

Inthis key leadership role, you will contribute to the success of our breeding operations by leading laboratory and greenhouse activities, managing teams, and ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.

Your Responsibilities

• Provide effective line management and leadership to team members, supporting their development and performance.
• Lead and oversee activities within the Quality Laboratory, Tissue Culture Laboratory, and Greenhouse operations.
• Contribute as an active member of the Breeding Station Management Team, supporting strategic and operationalobjectives.
• Ensure the efficient planning, coordination, and execution of laboratory and greenhouse activities.
• Promote andmaintainhigh standardsof health, safety, and compliance, particularly within laboratory environments.
• Monitor workflows and resources to ensuretimelydelivery ofobjectivesand high-quality results.
• Foster a positive, collaborative culture and encourage effective communication across teams.

What You'll Bring

• We are looking for someone who combines strong scientificexpertisewith proven leadership capabilities and a hands-on approach.
• Degree-level educationina relevant scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a supervisory or leadership role
• Strong knowledge of Health and Safety requirements, particularly within laboratory environments.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Excel and database systems.
• Practical, hands-on mindset with a willingness to work both inside and outside of laboratory environments.
• Excellentorganisationalskills with the ability to plan,prioritise, and deliver tasks efficiently.
• Strong communicationskills and the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborative team player who understands and supports broader team priorities.

What We Offer

• 30 daysannual leave plus bank holidays
• Highly competitive pension scheme with 16% company contribution and 1.2%minimumemployee contribution
• Life Assurance at three times annual salary
• Income Protection Plan providing 75% of salary for long-term illness and disability for up to three years
• Private Health Care Plan
• Profit Related Bonus Scheme targeted at 10% of annual salary
• Membership of a Lifestyles discount scheme
• Reduced diesel prices from the company's fuel pump
• A supportive and enjoyable working environment where we take care of one another
• Social events including a Summer Staff BBQ, Christmas party, and charity fundraising activities
• The opportunity to work within a global agricultural innovation company committed to sustainable progress and scientific excellence

At KWS, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies and employs around 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seeds for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods and invests a significant amount in research and development.

At KWS, diversity is not just a value; it is an essential part of our success. Breeding resilient crops requires diversity; likewise, our strength comes from the diversity of our teams. Whatever your background or identity is, we invite you to join us.

Further information: https://www.kws.com/corp/en/careers/ . Follow us on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/company/kwsgroup/ .

Our data privacy policy for candidates is available on www.kws.com/dataprotection . Please select the country where the job you applied for is posted in and, if applicable, the specific business unit.