Facilities Manager

Howdens Joinery Co.; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in the UK is seeking an experienced Facilities Manager to oversee the operational efficiency and safety of its site infrastructure. The ideal candidate will lead a team, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations while driving initiatives for energy reduction and sustainability. The role offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, and excellent development opportunities within an established, innovative team.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual company bonus

Excellent pension scheme

25 days holiday

Staff discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• 5+ years post-apprenticeship experience in engineering or facilities management.
• Proven track record in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Solid understanding of health, safety and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance, safety and operational efficiency of site infrastructure.
• Lead a team of engineers and a permit controller.
• Drive energy reduction and environmental improvement initiatives.

Skills

Time-served engineering experience

Strong knowledge of utilities management

Experience leading teams

Excellent leadership skills

Strong planning and problem-solving abilities

Education

HNC/HND in Engineering

NEBOSH training

BOAS training

Tools

CMMS systems

SAP

Job description

Facilities Manager

Howdens has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Facilities Manager to join the Engineering team at the Howdens manufacturing site in Runcorn. As Facilities Manager you’ll be responsible for overseeing the maintenance, safety and operational efficiency of all site infrastructure within our woodworking manufacturing facility. This includes managing buildings, utilities, machinery, support systems and environmental controls to ensure smooth production and full compliance with UK health, safety and environmental regulations.

In this hands‑on leadership role you’ll lead a dedicated team of engineers and a permit controller, driving preventative maintenance programmes supporting capital projects and ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently and sustainably.

Why Join Howdens as a Facilities Manager

At Howdens we are proud of our long‑standing manufacturing heritage and our commitment to continuous improvement. Joining our Runcorn site means becoming part of an established, successful and supportive team that values innovation, collaboration and professional development.

• You’ll play a key role within the site’s Engineering Leadership Team influencing the direction of facility improvements and driving operational excellence.
• You’ll have the opportunity to lead initiatives in energy reduction, environmental performance and fire prevention – vital to our woodworking operations.
• We offer excellent development opportunities within one of the UK’s most successful manufacturers.
• Be part of a business that values teamwork, innovation and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.

What Will You Be Doing as the Facilities Manager

As Facilities Manager you will take ownership of maintaining and improving the site’s infrastructure, ensuring it remains safe, compliant and fit for purpose. You will:

• Lead, coach and develop a team of 3 Engineers and a Permit Controller, promoting a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee all facilities‑related systems including dust extraction, fire prevention measures, boilers and utilities.
• Manage statutory compliance activities across PSSR, DSEAR, Asbestos, BOAS and other relevant regulations.
• Coordinate and control engineering contract support services ensuring effective contractor management and Permit to Work compliance.
• Drive energy reduction and environmental improvement initiatives supporting Howdens sustainability goals.
• Contribute to site capital expenditure planning and project delivery.
• Integrate and manage the site’s CMMS system for facilities assets.
• Deputise for the Site Engineering Manager when required and support cross‑functional collaboration with Production, HSE and Engineering teams.
• Your success in this role will be measured by strong compliance performance, reliable facility uptime, effective budget control and the engagement and development of your team.

What Do You Need to Qualify for the Facilities Manager Role

To succeed as our Facilities Manager you’ll bring a strong engineering background, proven leadership skills and a commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient manufacturing environment. You will have:

• Time‑served engineering experience with a minimum of 5 years post‑apprenticeship.
• HNC/HND in Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• NEBOSH and BOAS training.
• A proven track record in facilities or engineering management within a high‑speed manufacturing environment (woodworking or similar preferred).
• Strong knowledge of utilities management including gas, water, compressed air and boiler systems.
• Experience leading teams and managing contractors within a compliance‑focused environment.
• Solid understanding of health, safety and environmental regulations and statutory requirements.
• Experience with preventative maintenance systems and SAP‑based stores management.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning, organisation and problem‑solving abilities with a commitment to root cause analysis and proactive maintenance.
• IT literacy, including experience with CMMS or maintenance management systems.
• The ability to build collaboration between Engineering and Operations to drive continuous improvement and site performance.

What can we offer you as a Facilities Manager

• 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.
• Fee‑onsite canteen & parking.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exceptional reward and recognition events.

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 £2.2 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 at 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, 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.