Graduate CAD Systems Analyst

Howdens Joinery; Raunds; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme with company contrib up

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Staff discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Rewards and recognition events

On-the-job training & mentoring

Job summary

Howdens Joinery is seeking a Graduate CAD Systems Analyst to support CAD and plan management systems. You will work with experienced analysts, help colleagues across the business, and build skills through hands-on training and mentoring.

You will provide first-line support, troubleshoot issues, log incidents, and assist with testing and documentation as part of a collaborative Technology team.

Qualifications

• Hold a degree, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant technology discipline.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Communicate clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing.
• Be comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Be curious, proactive and keen to learn, while asking for guidance when needed.

Responsibilities

• Providing first-line support for CAD and plan management system incidents, service requests and user enquiries.
• Helping depot users troubleshoot system issues and supporting general system use.
• Logging, managing and updating incidents and requests through our IT Service Management tool.
• Escalating more complex issues to CAD System Analysts or the Lead CAD Systems Analyst.
• Supporting routine system administration and operational activities.
• Helping test software enhancements, bug fixes and system upgrades.
• Maintaining technical documentation, knowledge articles, user guides and support procedures.
• Taking part in root-cause investigations and problem-solving activities.
• Supporting system performance monitoring and helping identify potential issues.
• Working collaboratively with Technology teams, suppliers and business users.
• Building your knowledge of CAD systems, depot operations and customer journeys.
• Contributing ideas that improve service, efficiency and ways of working.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Written & verbal communication

Teamwork

Customer service

CAD software knowledge

Internship experience

Education

Degree in a relevant technology discipline

Tools

IT Service Management tools

APIs

Databases

Job description

Ready to kickstart your career in technology? At Howdens, our Graduate CAD Systems Analyst will support the systems behind our CAD and plan management services. You will work alongside experienced analysts, help colleagues across the business and build your technical, analytical and problem-solving skills through hands-on training and mentoring.

What you'll be doing

• Providing first-line support for CAD and plan management system incidents, service requests and user enquiries
• Helping depot users troubleshoot system issues and supporting general system use
• Logging, managing and updating incidents and requests through our IT Service Management tool
• Escalating more complex issues to CAD System Analysts or the Lead CAD Systems Analyst
• Supporting routine system administration and operational activities
• Helping test software enhancements, bug fixes and system upgrades
• Maintaining technical documentation, knowledge articles, user guides and support procedures
• Taking part in root-cause investigations and problem-solving activities
• Supporting system performance monitoring and helping identify potential issues
• Working collaboratively with Technology teams, suppliers and business users
• Building your knowledge of CAD systems, depot operations and customer journeys
• Contributing ideas that improve service, efficiency and ways of working

Am I eligible for this Graduate CAD Systems Analyst opportunity?

• Hold a degree, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant technology discipline
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communicate clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing
• Be comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Be curious, proactive and keen to learn, while asking for guidance when needed
• Be committed to providing excellent customer service to technical and non-technical users
• Knowledge of CAD software, design systems, databases, integrations, APIs or IT Service Management tools would be helpful, but is not essential
• Experience gained through an internship, placement, university project or similar activity would be advantageous
• Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this role. To be considered, you must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• The role is based onsite at our office in Raunds, Northamptonshire with some travel to our other site in Northampton.
• Some travel will be expected therefore a full UK driving licence is required

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and annual company bonus
• Excellent pension scheme with a company contribution of up to 12%
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional days
• Staff discount
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events
• On-the-job training, mentoring and support from experienced CAD Systems colleagues

Hiring process

• Closing date for applications: 28th October 2026
• CV shortlist and online assessment invites to go out W/C 26th October 2026
• Interviews to take place W/C 9th / 16th November
• Graduate start date: ASAP

About Howdens:

Howdens Joinery is a highly successful FTSE 100 business, with more than 900 depots nationwide and more than 11,000 staff. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we continue to experience significant growth and success. Despite our scale, Howdens remains a local business with traditional values.

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 one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

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 (url removed) with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.