Facilities Manager

Position: Facilities Manager (Permanent)
Howdens has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Facilities Manager to join the Engineering team at the Howdens manufacturing site in Runcorn. As Facilities Manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the maintenance, safety, and operational efficiency of all site infrastructure within our woodworking manufacturing facility. This includes managing buildings, utilities, machinery support systems, and environmental controls to ensure smooth production and full compliance with UK health, safety, and environmental regulations.

In this hands-on leadership role, you’ll lead a dedicated team of engineers and a permit controller, driving preventative maintenance programmes, supporting capital projects, and ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Why Join Howdens as a Facilities Manager:

At Howdens, we are proud of our long-standing manufacturing heritage and our commitment to continuous improvement. Joining our Runcorn site means becoming part of an established, successful, and supportive team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional development.

- You’ll play a key role within the site’s Engineering Leadership Team, influencing the direction of facility improvements and driving operational excellence.
- You’ll have the opportunity to lead initiatives in energy reduction, environmental performance, and fire prevention - vital to our woodworking operations.
- We offer excellent development opportunities within one of the UK’s most successful manufacturers.
- Be part of a business that values teamwork, innovation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

What Will You Be Doing as the Facilities Manager:

As Facilities Manager, you will take ownership of maintaining and improving the site’s infrastructure, ensuring it remains safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. You will:

- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3 Engineers and a Permit Controller, promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee all facilities-related systems, including dust extraction, fire prevention measures, boilers, and utilities.
- Manage statutory compliance activities across PSSR, DSEAR, Asbestos, BOAS, and other relevant regulations.
- Coordinate and control engineering contract support services, ensuring effective contractor management and Permit to Work compliance.
- Drive energy reduction and environmental improvement initiatives, supporting Howdens’ sustainability goals.
- Contribute to site capital expenditure planning and project delivery.
- Integrate and manage the site’s CMMS system for facilities assets.
- Deputise for the Site Engineering Manager when required and support cross-functional collaboration with Production, HSE, and Engineering teams.
- Your success in this role will be measured by strong compliance performance, reliable facility uptime, effective budget control, and the engagement and development of your team.

What Do You Need to Qualify for the Facilities Manager Role

To succeed as our Facilities Manager, you’ll bring a strong engineering background, proven leadership skills, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient manufacturing environment.

You will have:

- Time-served engineering experience with a minimum of 5 years post-apprenticeship
- HNC/HND in Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- NEBOSH and BOAS training
- A proven track record in facilities or engineering management within a high-speed manufacturing environment (woodworking or similar preferred)
- Strong knowledge of utilities management, including gas, water, compressed air, and boiler systems
- Experience leading teams and managing contractors within a compliance-focused environment
- Solid understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations and statutory requirements

- Experience with preventative maintenance systems and SAP-based stores management
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Strong planning, organisation, and problem-solving abilities, with a commitment to root cause analysis and proactive maintenance
- IT literacy, including experience with CMMS or maintenance management systems
- The ability to build collaboration…