At a Glance
- Tasks: Design dream kitchens for clients, meeting them in their homes and offering expert advice.
- Company: Howdens is the UK's top trade kitchen supplier with over 900 depots across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, monthly bonuses, staff discounts, and 24 days holiday.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with training opportunities and a focus on customer experience.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills, design eye, and a full UK driving licence are essential; CAD experience is a plus.
- Other info: No prior experience needed; training provided through Howdens Academy.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
As a Kitchen Sales Designer, you will support our Trade customers by turning their clients’ dream kitchens into a reality. Meeting end users in their homes, you will listen to their vision, seek to clearly understand their needs, and offer your expert advice. You will then plan and design inspirational kitchens that exceed their expectations for both design and utility. You will have the confidence to negotiate with our Trade customers, whilst promoting and protecting the integrity and value of the design and the quality of our products.
Skills and attributes you need to be a successful Kitchen Sales Designer:
- Customer service
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- An eye for design
- Previous sales experience
- Prioritisation and organisation skills
- Curious learner
- Results driven
- Full UK Driving license
- Access to your own vehicle
- Previous design (CAD) experience is preferred, but not essential
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t worked in this industry or as a Kitchen Sales Designer before, as we will offer you face-to-face and online training via our own Howdens Academy, which will cover everything from kitchen measuring & compliance, inspirational design, technical product knowledge, and sales skills. We’re looking for people who are enthusiastic and energetic with a passion to deliver excellent customer experiences that lead to sales.
What you get from us as a Kitchen Sales Designer:
- Competitive salary
- Monthly depot bonus OTE
- Competitive Pension Plan with a maximum company contribution of 12%
- Team incentives and outings
- 24 days holiday, rising to 26 days after 5 years
- Staff discount on Howdens products
- Buy as you earn share scheme
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. There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment.
How To Apply: When you apply, you will need to attach a CV. If this is your first time applying for a role with us, 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. Good luck with your application.
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 recruitment@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK; we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.
Contact Detail:
Howdens Recruiting Team
recruitment@howdens.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Sales Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' product range and design philosophy. Understanding their offerings will help you engage confidently with potential customers and demonstrate your knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by role-playing different scenarios. This will prepare you for meeting clients in their homes and help you refine your ability to listen and respond to their needs effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Kitchen Sales Designers, if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to excel in the position, which can give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for design by creating a portfolio of kitchen designs or mood boards. Even if you lack formal experience, this can demonstrate your passion and creativity to potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Sales Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Kitchen Sales Designer role. Emphasise customer service, sales experience, and any design skills you possess, even if they are not directly related to kitchens.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your skills can contribute to creating dream kitchens for clients and your eagerness to learn through Howdens Academy.
Showcase Your Design Skills: If you have any previous design experience, especially with CAD, include examples or a portfolio of your work. Even if it's not essential, demonstrating an eye for design can set you apart from other candidates.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you activate your account when applying, as specified in the job posting. Double-check that all required documents are attached and that your application is complete before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Show Your Design Passion
As a Kitchen Sales Designer, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for design. Bring examples of your previous work or ideas for kitchen layouts to the interview. This will show your potential employer that you have a genuine interest in creating beautiful and functional spaces.
✨Understand Customer Needs
Prepare to discuss how you would approach understanding a client's vision. Think about questions you might ask to uncover their needs and preferences. This will highlight your customer service skills and ability to tailor designs to individual clients.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Products
Research Howdens' product range before the interview. Knowing the materials, styles, and features available will allow you to speak confidently about how you can meet customer needs with their offerings. It shows you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Practice Negotiation Scenarios
Since the role involves negotiating with trade customers, think of potential scenarios you might face. Practising how you would handle these situations can help you articulate your negotiation skills during the interview, demonstrating your ability to protect the integrity of the design while achieving sales.