Contract Kitchen Designer

Exciting opportunity for a design individual to join our team of Kitchen Designers in our Contracts Manchester hub.

Joining our contracts division you will be expected to work with our contract sales managers to design kitchens for volume business. This can include High Rise, Social housing, and construction/new builds and developers

This position is not a sales role therefore we do not offer commission. As a designer, you will work with our internal contracts managers to understand the needs of our customer’s and from that design and price kitchens as required.

What you’ll be doing

Working with our Regional Contracts Managers you will design and quote kitchens that meet the business customer needs, specifications and timescales

Read through tender enquiries to produce high quality and accurate kitchens that match the business customer specification

Support the office in the effort to achieve targets, particularly with regards to output, efficiency and turnaround time

Process accurate estimates to the kitchen plans and design specification

Produce tender packs using Excel

Amend designs to meet customers’ needs and find commercial solutions to challenges

Develop commercial and product awareness to continue to produce cost-effective solutions

What we need from you

Ideally someone with experience using CAD

The ability to deliver within budget and strict time restraints

Be commercially astute with an understanding of high-volume contract requirements

Experience of producing high volume accurate kitchen designs and estimates

Competent in using Excel with an understanding of basic Excel formulas

Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels, both verbally and in writing

Experience in producing creative and innovative kitchen designs for a multitude of end-users including commercial, industrial and disabilities

Ability to problem solve under pressure

Strong planning and organisation skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with excellent attention to detail

Self-starter who is flexible, approachable and a team player

This position will suit someone starting their career in a design role or maybe taking a career change with CAD skills

What we can offer you

£27,500 and bonus scheme

Pension plan (up to 12% employer contributions)

25 days rising to 27 days after 5 years’ service and 30 days after 10 years’ service

Staff discount on Howdens products

Share awards and prize draws

About Howdens

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.

As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply

We’re building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we’re keen to hear from you.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you

About Howdens: Howdens Joinery is a highly successful FTSE 100 business, with more than 900 depots nationwide and more than 11,000 staff. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we continue to experience significant growth and success. Despite our scale, Howdens remains a local business with traditional values. There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.

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