At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and develop skills on the K8 EPOS platform while resolving technical issues.
- Company: Join Howdens, a leading company in enterprise and trading systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, excellent pension, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Work onsite 4 days a week with opportunities for growth and travel.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make an impact in a dynamic trading environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant fields and strong analytical problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Howdens has an exciting new opportunity for a Trainee EPOS Analyst to join us. This role is an entry‑level position designed for recent graduates from Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or related disciplines who are interested in building a career in enterprise and trading systems. The primary purpose of the role is to support and develop core skills across the K8 EPOS platform and the wider ecosystem of systems that integrate with it, including payment services, digital platforms, and third‑party trading applications used across the depot network.
Working alongside experienced EPOS specialists, the Trainee EPOS Analyst will gain hands‑on experience supporting point‑of‑sale processes, system configuration, integrations, and technical issue resolution within a live trading environment. The role combines operational understanding with technical problem solving, requiring curiosity about how systems interact, how transactions flow through the estate, and how technology enables reliable and efficient trading.
Through structured training, mentoring, and real‑world exposure, the successful candidate will develop the ability to analyse EPOS and system issues end to end, support change and improvement activity, and work confidently with both operational users and technical teams. The role plays an important part in ensuring EPOS platforms remain stable, well‑adopted, and aligned with business and trading requirements.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting the K8 EPOS platform and related point‑of‑sale systems, helping resolve incidents and service requests with guidance from senior analysts.
- Investigating EPOS and transaction issues end‑to‑end across integrated systems (e.g., payments, digital services, third‑party trading applications).
- Working with depot users, technical teams, and third‑party partners to gather information, test fixes, and support resolution.
- Supporting configuration and change activity, including testing, documentation, and assisting with depot rollouts.
- Learning how sales transactions flow through EPOS into downstream systems (finance, stock, ERP) and contributing to continuous improvement.
Am I eligible for this Graduate EPOS Analyst?
- Hold a Degree (or expected) in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving skills and a genuine interest in how systems support operational/trading processes.
- Clear communication skills and confidence working with both technical colleagues and non‑technical users.
- Organised, curious and detail‑focused, with a willingness to learn in a fast‑paced live trading environment.
- You must have the right to work in the UK.
- The role is based onsite 4 days per week with 1 working from home.
- Based from our Croxley Park office in Watford or our site in Howden, East Ridings of Yorkshire, you must live within 60 minutes of us.
- Ability to work from Howden or Watford, with occasional travel (including occasional overnight stays).
- Once trained, you’ll join an overnight support rota for critical K8 processes.
- Some travel will be expected therefore a driving license is required.
What we can offer you:
- Competitive salary and annual company bonus
- 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
Trainee / Graduate EPOS Analyst in Watford employer: Howdens
Howdens is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for Trainee EPOS Analysts. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from structured training and mentorship while working alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative culture. Located in the vibrant Croxley Park office in Watford or Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire, you will enjoy competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a comprehensive benefits package, making it an ideal place to kickstart your career in enterprise and trading systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee / Graduate EPOS Analyst in Watford
✨Get Involved in IT Communities
Join local IT meetups or online communities geared towards consulting. Being part of these networking circles can help you learn about upcoming trainee roles at companies like Howdens and gain insider tips from current consultants.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in school, tap into your university's career centre. They often have exclusive links to internships and trainee programs. Many firms, including Howdens, collaborate with universities to find fresh talent.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Create a portfolio that showcases your technical skills or consulting projects. Even if you haven’t had formal work experience, personal projects or coursework can make you stand out when applying for a trainee position at Howdens.
✨Apply Early and Often
Trainee positions can be highly competitive, so keep an eye on different platforms, including our website, for openings at Howdens. Don’t hesitate to apply for multiple roles; it’s all about getting your foot in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee / Graduate EPOS Analyst in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Savvy:In IT consulting, demonstrating a solid understanding of tech trends and tools is super important. Make sure your CV highlights relevant coursework, any tech-related projects, or even certifications you might have — they could really set you apart. Don't forget to include your proficiency in software or programming languages that are commonly used in the industry!
Tailor That Cover Letter!:For a trainee role, your cover letter is your chance to show your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Mention what draws you to Howdens specifically and how the role will help you grow in the field of IT consulting. Keep it personal and reflect your passion for tech and consulting!
Highlight Team Projects:IT consulting isn't just about technical skills; it's a lot about teamwork too! If you've worked on group projects at university or during internships, make sure to mention them. Describe your role, what tools you used, and any outcomes — this will show you can collaborate effectively on tech solutions.
Prepare Your Portfolio:Although you might not have a ton of experience yet, don’t shy away from showcasing what you’ve worked on. If you’ve done any relevant projects, whether for coursework or personal interests, compile them into a digital portfolio. Include links in your application so we can easily check out your work — it’ll give us a glimpse of your potential!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Nail Your Technical Knowledge
In IT consulting, you'll want to demonstrate a solid grasp of both technical concepts and consultancy methods. Be prepared to tackle some technical questions on software, networking, or project management tools relevant to the position. Brush up on popular frameworks and methodologies like Agile and ITIL — these are often the bread and butter of conversations in this field.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Consulting is all about finding solutions for clients, so expect situational questions that test your analytical thinking. Think of past experiences, even if it’s from university projects or group work, where you solved a technical challenge or improved a process. Show how you approach problems methodically—it’s all about showcasing your thought process.
✨Sizzle Your Motivation
As a trainee in IT consulting, the main thing they're looking for is your potential and willingness to learn. Be ready to explain why this role excites you, and how it aligns with your career aspirations. Talk about your passion for technology and how you see yourself growing in the company. They want to invest in someone who’s enthusiastic and eager to take on challenges.
✨Master Your Portfolio Presentation
Even for a trainee role, having a portfolio or examples of relevant work can set you apart. Whether it’s projects from your coursework or personal tech initiatives, be ready to discuss these and how they've equipped you with valuable IT consulting skills. If you’ve completed any team projects, explaining your specific contributions can paint a clear picture of your collaborative approach.
