Contracts 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.

• 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

• 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

• £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

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.

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.