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- Tasks: Lead a diverse team to enhance customer service and planning.
- Company: Join Howden Work Surfaces, a company that values culture and customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus scheme, company car, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and recognition in a supportive atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping a positive work environment and customer journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams and a passion for developing others.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Howden Work Surfaces, we are proud of the experience we create for our customers and the culture we build within our teams. We are now looking for a Customer Service & Planning Manager who will play a key role in shaping both. This is a leadership role where people come first. You will lead a large, diverse team, creating an environment where individuals feel supported, developed, and empowered to deliver their best work. At the same time, you will influence how we show up for our customers every day, ensuring every interaction reflects the quality and care we are known for.
Location: Normanton, West Yorkshire (minimum 4 days a week in the office)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Reporting to: Head of Customer Service & Planning
Why join Howdens as a Customer Service & Planning Manager
- Lead and inspire a large team, creating a positive and inclusive culture where people feel engaged, valued, and motivated.
- Support and develop your leaders, helping them build strong teams and grow their capability and confidence.
- Shape the way the team works day to day, setting clear expectations while encouraging accountability, collaboration, and pride in delivery.
- Keep the customer at the heart of every decision, delivering a consistent, high-quality experience from order through to installation.
- Listen to colleagues and customers, using feedback to drive improvements and make the service simpler and more effective.
- Build strong relationships across the business, bringing teams together to solve problems and improve outcomes.
- Create an environment where people feel confident to share ideas, take ownership, and continuously improve ways of working.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys developing others, leading through change, and creating a culture where people and performance thrive together.
What you will be doing
- Lead the Customer Service and Planning function, ensuring teams feel supported, and customers receive a consistently high standard of service.
- Develop and coach your leadership team, helping them build engaged, high-performing teams of their own.
- Take ownership of the customer journey, ensuring it is smooth, responsive, and aligned across all touchpoints.
- Work closely with depots, builders, and internal teams, acting as a trusted point of contact and supporting effective communication.
- Handle challenges and escalations in a calm and constructive way, focusing on the right outcomes for customers and colleagues.
- Use feedback and insight to identify opportunities to improve how the team operates.
- Encourage collaboration between teams, removing barriers and strengthening ways of working.
- Foster an environment where individuals feel supported, listened to, and confident in their roles.
What we are looking for
- Experience leading large teams and developing others, with a genuine passion for people and culture.
- Confident in building relationships and influencing at all levels across the business.
- Comfort leading through change, providing clarity and support to teams.
- A balanced approach to decision making, considering both business needs and the experience of colleagues and customers.
- Motivation to create a positive environment where people feel engaged, supported, and proud of the work they do.
What we can offer
- Competitive salary and bonus scheme
- Company car or car allowance
- Excellent pension scheme with company contribution up to 12%
- Free daily meal at the on-site canteen
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional days
- Share save scheme
- Reward and recognition events
Customer Service & Planning Manager in Wakefield employer: Howdens-95ed4e89
Contact Detail:
Howdens-95ed4e89 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service & Planning Manager in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. At Howden Work Surfaces, they value people and relationships, so be ready to share how you can contribute to that positive environment. We want to see your passion for customer service shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you’ve led teams or improved processes. We love hearing about how you’ve developed others and created a supportive culture, so make sure you have those anecdotes ready to go.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Customer Service & Planning Manager position at Howdens.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service & Planning Manager in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Customer Service & Planning Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and how you've created positive team cultures in the past.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role is all about leading a diverse team, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you’ve supported and developed others. We want to see your passion for people and culture shine through!
Keep the Customer in Mind: Demonstrate your understanding of customer service by including examples of how you've improved customer experiences in previous roles. Remember, it’s all about showing how you can keep the customer at the heart of every decision.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Howden Work Surfaces!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens-95ed4e89
✨Know the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Howden Work Surfaces and their company culture. Understand their values and how they prioritise customer experience and team dynamics. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a Customer Service & Planning Manager.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led large teams in the past. Highlight instances where you’ve developed others and created a positive work environment. This role is all about people, so demonstrating your passion for leadership will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Customer-Centric Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you’ve put customers at the heart of your decision-making process. Share examples of how you’ve improved customer experiences or handled challenges effectively. This will show that you understand the importance of customer satisfaction in this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as team conflicts or customer escalations. Think through your approach to problem-solving and collaboration, as these are key aspects of the job. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.