Continuous Improvement Engineer

Howden Joinery is looking for a Continuous Improvement Engineer based at our manufacturing site in Runcorn, Cheshire. This is a days-based role in which you'll be responsible for driving improvements in equipment reliability and availability while coordinating activities to maximise benefits.

You'll work as part of a team to develop and implement group systems and standards to improve manufacturing safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Shift Pattern:
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm

Why Join Howdens As a Continuous Improvement Engineer

• Be part of a team driving group systems, standards and reliability.
• Be at the forefront of supporting the manufacturing processes to achieve maintenance excellence.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Excellent opportunities to progress.

What We Can Offer

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• Free daily meal at on-site canteen
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year & opportunity to buy extra holidays.
• Share save scheme.
• Exceptional reward and recognition events

What will you be doing as a Continuous Improvement Engineer:

• Integrate Health & Safety for yourself and others into daily work and identify areas to improve continuously.
• Assist in implementing the maintenance excellence strategy, focusing on driving improvements in equipment Reliability and Availability, and leading FMECA activities.
• Collaborate with the Planning team to achieve Maintenance Excellence objectives.
• Playing a pivotal role in the implementation and refinement of our group systems and standards.
• Identify Improvement tools and techniques to support Maintenance Excellence.
• Offer coaching and support to implement effective Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques.
• Exemplify a working style that actively engages, motivates, and fosters an environment of continuous improvement and excellence.

What do you need to qualify for the Continuous Improvement Engineer:

• A time-served Electrical/Mechanical Engineer or equivalent qualification (e.g., HNC in Electrical Engineering or an apprenticeship in Automation/Controls).
• Proven interpersonal and technical skills with the ability to motivate individuals and teams.
• Proven technical background in a high-speed manufacturing industry.
• Experience in Maintenance Excellence tools and techniques, such as FMECA.
• Experience in effective usage of a CMMS.
• Confident and articulate communicator.
• Ability to respond to changing priorities, displaying planning and organisation skills.
• Ability to problem-solve and analyse, and lead/coach teams on use of the necessary tools.
• Committed to root cause analysis and proactive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Able to foster teamwork to maximise the effectiveness of the relationship between Engineering and Operations, bringing about performance improvements across the site
• Working knowledge of H&S, environmental and legislative requirements.
• IT skills, including interfacing with PC-controlled machinery and working with preventative maintenance and SAP-based store systems.

About Us
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 are 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 as a Reliability Engineer, then we are keen to hear from you.

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 with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.