At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and quote kitchens for diverse contract clients, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Join Howdens, the UK's top trade kitchen supplier with over 900 depots across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, excellent pension, 25 days holiday, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Position based in Brighton; must start in September and commute easily.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, create innovative designs, and contribute to exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in CAD kitchen design, strong customer service skills, and ability to work under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Howdens are looking for Kitchen Designers to join our contracts team. You must be available to start at the beginning of September and live within reasonable commutable distance from Brighton. Based in our purpose-built hub in Brighton and reporting to the Office Manager, you will be designing kitchens for our contract clients who come from a variety of backgrounds including housing associations, construction/new builds and developers.
What will I be doing as a Kitchen Designer?
- Working with the Regional Contracts Managers by designing and quoting kitchens that meet the customers' needs, specifications and timescales.
- Read through tender enquiries to produce high quality and accurate kitchens that match the customers' specification.
- Support the office in the effort to achieve targets, particularly with regards to output, efficiency and turnaround time.
- Process accurate estimates to the kitchen plans and design specification.
- Amend designs to meet customers’ needs and find commercial solutions to challenges.
- Develop commercial and product awareness to continue to produce cost-effective solutions.
What do I need to qualify for this role?
- Proven experience in designing using CAD within the Contract Kitchen industry.
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to deliver within budget and strict time restraints.
- Commercially astute with an understanding of high volume contract requirements.
- Experience of producing high volume accurate kitchen designs and estimates.
- Competent in using Excel with an understanding of basic Excel formulas.
- Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels, both verbally and in writing.
- Experience in producing creative and innovative kitchen designs for a multitude of end-users including commercial, industrial and disabilities.
- Ability to problem solve under pressure.
- Strong planning and organisation skills.
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment with excellent attention to detail.
- Self-starter who is flexible, approachable and a team player.
What we can offer you:
- Highly competitive salary and bonus scheme.
- Excellent pension plan (up to 12% employer contributions).
- 25 days holiday, rising to 26 days after 5 years.
- Staff discount on Howdens products.
- Share awards and prize draws.
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 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.
Kitchen Designer in Brighton employer: Howdens
Howdens is an exceptional employer for Kitchen Designers, offering a dynamic work environment in our purpose-built hub in Brighton. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide competitive salaries, generous pension contributions, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and customer service excellence. Join us to be part of a leading trade kitchen supplier that prioritises your career and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Designer in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' product range and recent projects. This knowledge will help you tailor your designs to their specifications and demonstrate your commitment to the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Howdens, especially those in the contracts team. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous kitchen designs that showcase your ability to meet customer needs and work under pressure. Highlighting your problem-solving skills will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your CAD skills and Excel proficiency before the interview. Being able to demonstrate your technical abilities confidently will reassure the hiring team of your capability to handle the demands of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Designer in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in CAD design specifically within the contract kitchen industry. Include any relevant projects that showcase your ability to meet customer specifications and deadlines.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the Kitchen Designer role but also demonstrates your understanding of Howdens' business model and how your skills align with their needs, particularly in producing high volume kitchen designs.
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills:In your application, emphasise your excellent customer service skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with clients and delivered solutions under pressure, as this is crucial for the role.
Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities:Include specific instances where you've had to problem-solve in a fast-paced environment. This will demonstrate your ability to handle challenges effectively, which is essential for a Kitchen Designer at Howdens.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Showcase Your CAD Skills
Make sure to highlight your experience with CAD during the interview. Bring examples of your previous kitchen designs and be prepared to discuss the software you used, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Demonstrate your ability to listen and adapt to client specifications. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully tailored designs in the past to meet diverse customer requirements, especially in high-volume contract settings.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to share specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you resolved them. This will show your potential employer that you can handle pressure and find creative solutions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen design principles and commercial awareness. Expect questions about estimating costs and producing accurate designs, so be prepared to discuss your approach and any relevant tools you use.
