At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate a dynamic warehouse team to achieve daily targets.
- Company: Howdens is the UK's top trade kitchen supplier with over 900 depots across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent pension, 25 days holiday, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing FTSE 100 company with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
- Qualifications: 1 year of supervisory experience in a warehouse; NVQ Level 2 preferred.
- Other info: Join a supportive and inclusive environment focused on career development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Howdens are looking for a Warehouse Group Leader to motivate, supervise, and provide first-line leadership to the ever-growing team based at our purpose-built Raunds campus in Northamptonshire. These facilities receive, effectively warehouse, and despatch over 40 million pieces from 200 worldwide suppliers to our network of over 900 depots in the UK and Europe. As a FTSE 100 business undergoing an exciting period of transformation and growth, this Warehouse Group Leader role is challenging and interesting, as you are at the heart of the warehouse operation.
Shift Pattern: Rotating shift, 6am - 2pm or 2pm - 10pm (Monday to Friday)
Benefits of working for Howdens as a Warehouse Group Leader:
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days.
- Staff Discount
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events
- Ongoing Support & Development
What will you be doing as a Warehouse Group Leader:
- With the direction of a Shift Manager, you will create area activity plans to ensure safety and efficiency and meet daily targets and KPIs.
- Your previous supervisory experience will enable you to spot shortfalls in performance and have the personal confidence to resolve them.
- Leading and managing your team, you will get the best out of them by ensuring everyone is well-trained and receives meaningful feedback and recognition.
- Provide effective team communication, including working and communicating with colleagues on other shifts.
Experience & Knowledge Needed:
- Have at least 1 year of proven supervisory experience in a fast-paced customer-focused warehouse operation.
- Previous experience operating within a Group Leader stand-in role would be highly advantageous.
- Have previous personal experience operating MHE equipment.
- Have proven experience in developing an engaged, high-performance team.
- PC literate and able to work effectively with MS Office packages and warehouse management systems.
- NVQ Level 2 in Warehousing and CIEH level 3 Health and Safety qualification would be desirable.
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’re 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’re 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. 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 recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
Warehouse Group Leader | Rotating employer: Howdens
Contact Detail:
Howdens Recruiting Team
recruitmentteam@howdens.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Warehouse Group Leader | Rotating
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' operations and values. Understanding their commitment to safety, efficiency, and team engagement will help you align your leadership style with their expectations during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples from your previous supervisory roles that demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop a high-performance team. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of warehouse management systems and MHE equipment. Being able to speak confidently about your technical skills will set you apart as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Howdens if possible. Gaining insights into the company culture and expectations can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Warehouse Group Leader | Rotating
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your supervisory experience in a warehouse setting. Emphasise any specific achievements or KPIs you've met in previous roles, as this will show Howdens that you have the relevant experience they are looking for.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Warehouse Group Leader role and how your leadership style aligns with the company's values. Mention your ability to motivate teams and improve performance, as these are key aspects of the job.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications like NVQ Level 2 in Warehousing or CIEH level 3 Health and Safety, make sure to mention these prominently. They are desirable for the role and can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective team communication is crucial for this position, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully communicated with teams in the past. This could include training sessions, feedback processes, or cross-shift collaboration.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Warehouse Group Leader, your ability to motivate and lead a team is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully managed a team, resolved conflicts, or improved performance. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand the Operations
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' warehouse operations and their KPIs. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to safety and efficiency in the warehouse will show that you're proactive and understand the business's needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in a leadership role. Be ready to discuss how you ensure clear communication within your team and across shifts. Highlight any strategies you've used to foster a collaborative work environment.