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- Tasks: Join our team as a Controls Technician, troubleshooting and developing automation systems.
- Company: Howden Joinery is the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier with over 900 depots.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus scheme, free meals, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth journey in a supportive, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have HNC in Electrical Engineering and 3 years experience in FMCG.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and opportunities for personal development await you!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Howden Joinery is on the lookout for a talented Controls Technician to join our Engineering team at our fast-growing manufacturing site in Runcorn, Cheshire. With significant investment driving the expansion of the site, including the installation of a state-of-the-art, high-volume panel machining line, this is a fantastic opportunity to join us at a pivotal moment and play a key role in our exciting growth journey.
As a Controls Technician, you will be responsible for the development and troubleshooting of our varied controls and automation systems across our manufacturing lines. You will be a member of the companys Controls and Automation team, supported by a group of experienced colleagues both on-site at Runcorn and across the wider UK manufacturing business. Experienced in high-level fault-finding and diagnostics across a range of control equipment, youll be challenged with developing permanent countermeasures to problems encountered and delivering improvement projects across areas of manufacturing safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
This is a key role within Howdens, whereby the Controls Technician will work cross-functionally. Therefore, the ability to build trusted working relationships and make decisions that will benefit all concerned is vital to the success of the role.
Shift Pattern
- Week 1 – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 7am-7pm
- Week 2 – Monday, Tuesday – 7am-7pm, Wednesday, Thursday – 7pm-7am
- Week 3 – Sunday, Monday, Tuesday – 7pm-7am
- 7 days off
What We Can Offer
- Competitive salary 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
What You Will Be Doing As a Control Technician
- Organising automation, electrical, and PLC design projects by identifying short-term, and long-range issues; preparing timetables, cost estimates, and detailed documentation on project completion
- Develop and implement projects to drive improvement in manufacturing availability, product quality, employee safety and process efficiency.
- Develop knowledge of the manufacturing process and operating sequences of the manufacturing processes and cascade with maintenance teams.
- Develop knowledge and application of automation skills and techniques to drive improvement and cascade with maintenance teams.
- Implement plant/process development opportunities that improve Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery.
- Coach and develop the maintenance engineering team members knowledge of machine control and automation systems.
What Are We Looking For
- A team player who takes pride in developing their own knowledge and sharing it with others
- Motivated to take the lead on technical issues
- Ability to work alone and in a team
- Self-motivated & Safety Oriented
What do you need to qualify for the Control Technician:
- Time served Electrical Engineer, Automation / Controls apprentice with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification work experience within an FMCG environment.
- Minimum of HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
- Ability to fault find and implement program modifications on a range of PLCs, HMIs and Robotics
- Knowledge of parameterisation and commissioning of servo drives and inverters.
- Experience of fault-finding on industrial communication networks
- Experience of designing and modifying control circuits and program logic
- Delivery of change management activities
About Howdens
Howdens Joinery is the UKs 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. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales made last year.
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 as 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, 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. Were 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.
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Controls Technician employer: Howdens Joinery Brunswick
Contact Detail:
Howdens Joinery Brunswick Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific automation and control systems used in FMCG environments. Understanding the nuances of PLCs, HMIs, and robotics will give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or professionals in the field through platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of past projects where you've implemented improvements in safety, quality, or efficiency. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work cross-functionally by highlighting any previous experiences where collaboration was key to project success. This aligns well with Howden's emphasis on building trusted working relationships.
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Controls Technician position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in electrical engineering, automation, and controls. Provide specific examples of projects you've worked on, particularly those involving PLCs, HMIs, and fault-finding in industrial settings.
Showcase Teamwork and Leadership Skills: Since the role requires collaboration and leadership, include examples of how you've successfully worked in teams or led projects. Mention any coaching or mentoring experiences that demonstrate your ability to develop others' knowledge.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and Howden Joinery as a company. Make sure to convey your motivation to contribute to their growth and success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens Joinery Brunswick
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a Controls Technician, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in fault-finding and diagnostics. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in the past, particularly with PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role requires working cross-functionally, so highlight your ability to build trusted relationships. Share experiences where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially in a manufacturing environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you would approach specific scenarios related to improving safety, quality, or efficiency in manufacturing processes.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Learning
Howden Joinery values individuals who take pride in developing their knowledge. Be ready to talk about any recent training or certifications you've pursued, and how you plan to continue growing in your field.
