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- Tasks: Lead and coordinate engineering activities to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Company: Howdens Joinery is the UK's top trade kitchen supplier with over 900 depots.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, generous holidays, and a great pension scheme.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment with growth opportunities and a strong team culture.
- Qualifications: Health and Safety qualifications and engineering experience preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Howden (On site)
Contract Type: Full-Time – Permanent
Shift Pattern:
- Week 1 - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 6am-6pm
- Week 2 - Monday, Tuesday - 6am-6pm, Wednesday, Thursday - 6pm-6am
- Week 3 - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - 6pm-6am
- 7 days off
Howden Joinery is recruiting an Engineering Shift Leader to join our Engineering team at our Howden site in East Yorkshire. Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing maintenance and engineering activities across manufacturing to ensure optimal asset performance, reliability, and quality.
As a confident and proactive leader, you will directly manage a team of engineers and support the maintenance activities of operators, driving world-class asset care while upholding the highest standards of safety.
What will you be doing as an Engineering Shift Leader:
- Supports and leads the implementation of best-in-class maintenance practices.
- Drives root cause analysis and problem-solving to reduce downtime and improve reliability.
- Coordinates complex fault-finding and escalates when needed.
- Develops PM schedules and calibration standards in CMMS.
- Improves maintenance KPIs and leads critical spares reviews.
- Manages spare parts and extends component lifecycle.
- Plans, allocates, and oversees maintenance team tasks to ensure quality completion.
- Signs off maintenance on critical assets and ensures accurate time recording.
- Conducts 1:1s to identify training needs and support team development.
- Leads equipment risk assessments, SOP creation, and dynamic risk management.
- Acts as deputy for the Maintenance Manager during out-of-hours operations.
- Promotes safety, risk reduction, and statutory compliance.
- Oversees contractor activities and manages PTWs.
What do you need to qualify for the Engineering Shift Leader:
- Formal Health and Safety qualification
- CIEH Level 3 Health & Safety
- NEBOSH general Certificate (preferred)
- HNC in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (Desirable)
- Continuous Improvement experience
- Supervisory experience (Desirable)
What we can offer you:
- Competitive salary, shift allowance and bonus scheme
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
- Free daily meal at on-site canteen
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year & opportunity to buy extra holidays.
- Share save scheme.
- Exceptional reward and recognition events
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 2.2bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.
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.
How to apply:
We are 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 as an Engineering Shift Leader, then we are keen to hear from you.
You will need to activate your account when you apply for this role. Please check your email carefully to ensure that you have completed this step. We are unable to view your application if you have not activated your account.
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 recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
Engineering Shift Leader employer: Howden Joinery
Contact Detail:
Howden Joinery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Shift Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to world-class service, innovation, and sustainability will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in engineering contexts. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, implemented maintenance practices, or improved KPIs in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the responsibilities of the Engineering Shift Leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Research common challenges faced in maintenance and engineering within manufacturing environments. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these issues and how you've addressed them in the past will show your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions that reflect your interest in continuous improvement and safety practices. Asking insightful questions during your interview can demonstrate your commitment to these areas and your eagerness to contribute positively to Howdens' operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Shift Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in engineering and maintenance. Emphasise any supervisory roles you've held and your familiarity with health and safety regulations, as these are crucial for the Engineering Shift Leader position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and Howdens as a company. Mention specific examples of how you've implemented best-in-class maintenance practices or led teams to improve reliability and performance.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially any formal Health and Safety certifications like CIEH Level 3 or NEBOSH. If you have an HNC in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, make sure it's prominently featured.
Showcase Continuous Improvement Experience: Discuss any continuous improvement initiatives you've been involved in. Provide concrete examples of how your contributions have led to reduced downtime or improved maintenance KPIs, as this aligns well with the job requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden Joinery
✨Understand the Shift Patterns
Make sure you are familiar with the shift patterns mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss how you can adapt to these shifts and manage your time effectively will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
As an Engineering Shift Leader, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to share specific examples of your leadership experience, particularly in engineering or maintenance settings. Discuss how you've successfully led teams and improved performance in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires driving root cause analysis and problem-solving. Prepare to discuss situations where you've identified issues, implemented solutions, and reduced downtime. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Health and Safety Knowledge
With a formal health and safety qualification being essential, be ready to talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations and how you've applied them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
