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- Tasks: Lead and coordinate impactful engineering projects while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Company: Join Howdens, the UK's top trade kitchen supplier with a strong growth vision.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, excellent pension, free meals, and generous holiday.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of strategic projects that shape the future of manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and proven project management experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with real opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Howdens are looking for an experienced Program Manager to join our Central Engineering team, supporting the planning, implementation, and tracking of strategically important projects across the Howden Manufacturing site. In this role, you will take ownership of coordinating and reporting on our full project portfolio. Working closely with Engineers, Project Managers, and wider stakeholders, you will help develop project programs, maintain the department Master Schedule, ensure compliance with business objectives, and keep senior leadership fully informed on progress, risks, and key decisions.
We’re looking for someone who embodies our values, brings strong organisational skills, and confidently challenges, innovates, and strives for continuous improvement.
Location: Howden, East Yorkshire
Reporting to: Head of site development
Why join Howdens as a Program Manager?
- Major investment in manufacturing capabilities across all Howdens manufacturing sites, with an annual capital investment plan of £45–70m.
- A strong, long-term investment strategy focused on growth and capability.
- Be at the forefront of turning strategic plans into reality—directly supporting delivery across a large and influential engineering function.
- Opportunity to work on high-impact, complex projects with visibility across senior teams.
- Join a growing team with real opportunities to progress.
What will you be doing as a Program Manager?
- Liaising with Project Managers and Engineers to develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
- Reviewing and challenging project programs submitted by external contractors.
- Supporting Engineers with the preparation, monitoring, and updating of project programs.
- Consolidating all project programs into a single Master Schedule Portfolio and managing interdependencies and delivery timelines.
- Working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project requirements are understood and achieved.
- Preparing and delivering regular updates to senior management, covering progress, risks, decisions required, budget status, and escalations.
- Monitoring program compliance with organisational standards and regulatory requirements.
- Identifying risks and supporting Engineers in developing mitigation strategies.
- Embedding best practices and lessons learned to improve project delivery.
- Supporting the development of capital approval documentation, including business cases and cashflow forecasts.
- Scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and maintaining accurate project documentation, reports, and presentations.
What do you need to qualify for this role?
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field.
- A recognised program or project management professional qualification.
- Proven experience in driving continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of project management principles and experience working with multiple stakeholders on large or complex engineering projects.
- Proficiency in project management tools, including Asana.
- Strong communication, organisation, and decision-making skills.
What we can offer:
- Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution up to 12%).
- Free daily meal at the on-site canteen.
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days.
- 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. 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 shaping a future where exceptional service, innovation, and sustainability are at the core of everything we do. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow and advance your career, Howdens could be the perfect fit. Join a team that prioritises innovation, safety, and excellence. If you’re ready to lead impactful projects and drive meaningful change, we encourage you to apply today.
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.
Program Manager in Howden employer: Howdens Joinery
Contact Detail:
Howdens Joinery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Manager in Howden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Howdens on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Howdens' recent projects and their values. This way, you can show how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Think of specific examples from your past that showcase your skills in project management and teamwork. This will help you stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager in Howden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Program Manager role. Highlight your experience with project management, especially in engineering contexts, and showcase any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at Howdens and how you embody our values. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Program Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, make sure your writing is concise and professional.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens Joinery
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects listed in your CV and how they relate to the role at Howdens. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the impact of your contributions.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
As a Program Manager, you'll be liaising with various stakeholders. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and manage relationships. Think about times when you had to negotiate or resolve conflicts and how you achieved positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Howdens values continuous improvement, so come prepared with examples of how you've implemented best practices in past projects. Discuss any methodologies you’ve used, like Lean or Agile, and how they helped enhance project delivery.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to project management tools and principles. Brush up on your knowledge of Asana and other relevant software. Be ready to explain how you use these tools to track progress, manage timelines, and ensure compliance with organisational standards.
