How to land a job at a home improvement firm ahead of busiest DIY season of the year
SUNEMPLOYMENT How to land a job at a home improvement firm ahead of busiest DIY season of the year
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THE countdown is on to the August bank holiday and the busiest DIY season of the year.
For anyone looking to fit a new bathroom or kitchen for Christmas, the last bank holiday before then brings bargains in the end of summer sales and enough time to spruce up your home before the festive season.
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Claire Bailey has been with Howdens for 25 years and is a regional director for the North
Credit: Michael Baister
It is also peak time for home improvement firms to hire — and there is some good news for jobseekers this year.
The cost of renovating bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms has fallen for the first time since 2022, according to the latest Checkatrade Home Improvement Index, making it more affordable for cash-strapped homeowners to update their properties.
As a result, most of the big-name home-improvement and DIY firms are on a recruitment drive, seeking new staff ahead of a busy autumn.
Trade kitchen supplier Howdens already employs 11,600 people throughout the UK and Ireland, but is taking on 200 more, from warehouse apprentices to depot managers.
One of the key roles is kitchen sales designers, with 80 new jobs available.
Based in the firm's depots, the job involves helping customers plan their dream kitchen.
Applicants need to be able to conduct home surveys, planning and design, manage projects from design to completion and understand building regulations.
The sector is renowned for its strong career progression and many senior managers joined as apprentices or entry-level staff before working their way up.
Build relationships
Lauri Giambrone, director of HR trade with the firm, said: 'Our designers do more than sell kitchens. They build lasting relationships, working hand in hand with tradespeople every day to make customers' kitchen and bedroom dreams into a reality.
'Being a great kitchen sales designer is about creativity, customer relationships and sales, making it an exciting and rewarding career choice.'
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Andy Attfield is the company's senior HR business partner and he said: 'People that have a willingness to learn, work hard in building trusted relationships and show entrepreneurial spirit thrive at Howdens, where the career opportunities are endless.'.
Other big names in the sector include Magnet Kitchens, which has 100 vacancies, and Wickes which offers a kitchen and bathroom design service and needs 38 new staff.
Find out more about opportunities available at the sites below.
careers.howdens.com
careers.nobia.com/pages/magnet-jobs
wickescareers.co.uk
CLAIRE BAILEY has been with Howdens for 25 years and is a regional director for the North. She began as a business developer, making telephone sales calls but progressed to become the first female area manager in Howdens' history.
Claire, 49, from Yarm, near Stockton on Tees, said: 'Kitchen sales designers will always say the best part of the job Is creating somebody's kitchen because of the joy of knowing people are going to be cooking, chatting and doing life in that space. It's lovely they have been a part of it.
'The best thing about my job is seeing people grow and develop not only as individuals but also with their careers. Howdens has given so many people opportunities and will support you in any career direction you have the enthusiasm and drive to go after, regardless of your background.
'If you want to work for Howdens, regardless of your age or experience, go and visit your local depot to get a feel for what we are about then apply for the roles.
'We offer so much support and training and we want to back people with the will.'
MAKE A MEETING COUNT
DO YOU have meeting fatigue? On average, office workers spend 37 per cent of their time either in meetings or coordinating them.
Experts say meeting overload is 'quietly killing productivity' in workplaces.
Daniel Snell from leadership consultancy Arrival has top tips to manage your meetings and get the most from them to help you work more effectively.
He says: 'As budgets and resources tighten, managers need to be a lot more cost-aware and efficient.
'Here's how to show your boss you're ahead of the curve.'
Protect your time: Before accepting a meeting invite, ask yourself if a meeting is the best approach for this issue or piece of work. Could we sort this out with a quick call or email instead? If there is a smarter way to make progress, it is OK to suggest an alternative.
Stick to the plan: Workplaces need clear rules for running a meeting – without them, they get derailed. Always start on time. Waiting for late-comers means more lost productivity. Have a clear agenda and don't let the meeting drift into unrelated topics. Keep phones and laptops away so everyone can focus on what you are discussing.
Speak up if you are confused: If you are not sure why you are in a meeting, it's OK to ask. Don't just sit there nodding – a quick, 'Can you clarify what you need from me?' will save everyone time and confusion later.
Clarify decisions and ownership: Before a meeting ends, be clear on what you are expected to do. If someone says, 'We'll follow up,' ask when and how. If you are given a task, confirm the deadline. Vague endings lead to nothing getting done.
Link it to the strategy: Consider whether the meeting really delivers on the company's business goals. If it doesn't contribute to what your organisation is trying to accomplish, it is probably just filling up calendars.
B&Q TAKES LEAD
WOMEN in management? You can do it if you B&Q it.
The home improvement retailer has launched a new Women in Leadership programme to boost the number of senior female managers.
Research shows women hold just 35.3 per cent of leadership positions across the FTSE 350, while the gender pay gap now stands at 13.1 per cent.
Designed by women and delivered by training provider Apprentify, the scheme is open to women in the firm's stores and head office, with trainees learning how to build leadership styles, strengthen stakeholder engagement and navigate the rapidly changing workplace.
Jacy Stanhope, head of learning & development, said: 'It is such an inspiring programme and it truly champions what it means to be an empowered, confident female leader.
Apprentify Group's, Sophie Smith added: 'Programmes like this are so important for driving change.' Apply to work at B&Q by visiting bandqcareers.com.
DOG FOR VICTORY
AN EX-POSTMAN has delivered himself a new role as a prison dog handler and is encouraging others to consider a career with the prison service.
Daniel Allinson, 38, made the switch alongside his four-legged colleague, Kilo, at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire.
The pair play a vital role in keeping staff, prisoners and the public safe and Daniel says it is the most rewarding job he has had. As part of the jail's security response team, Daniel and Kilo patrol the perimeter, search for contraband and respond to incidents.
Daniel said: 'It's the best decision I've made. I get to work with dogs every day and help protect the public. Every day is different and the support and training you get is brilliant.'
Dog handlers start as prison officers before progressing into the specialist unit. No previous qualifications are needed and full training is provided.
Salaries start at £34,402 and the service is recruiting now. See bit.ly/46YWFKE.
Jobspot
STONEGATE PUBS has 400 jobs nationwide including managers, kitchen team and bar staff. Search at careers.stonegatecareers.co.uk.
WAITROSE has over 100 open vacancies ranging from supermarket assistants to delivery drivers and maintenance tradespeople. Apply at jlpjobs.com/search-jobs.
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