Join Howdens and Launch Your Career as an Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer

Launch your career with Howdens as an Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer – a 2-year, earn-while-you-learn programme designed to build your skills, confidence, and career in kitchen design and sales.

At Howdens, we’re committed to supporting and developing talent. As an Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer, you’ll work closely with our trade customers to turn their clients’ dream kitchens into a reality. You’ll learn how to create inspirational kitchen designs based on customer needs, and how to present, promote, and sell these designs with confidence.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in one of our depots alongside off-the-job training, delivered through a structured learning programme with the Education and Training Board. You’ll also be supported throughout the journey by a dedicated workplace mentor, your depot team, and our in-house Learning and Development team. The programme duration is 2 years.

Responsibilities

As an Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer, you will learn to turn our builders’ and their clients’ dream kitchens into a reality. By visiting their homes, you’ll listen to their ideas, evaluate their needs, and offer expert advice. You’ll then plan, design, and sell inspirational kitchens that match their requirements and exceed expectations. Your key responsibilities will include:

Planning, designing, and selling inspirational kitchens using the company’s product range, delivering the highest level of customer service

Building long-term, collaborative relationships with customers from the building trade and their clients

Visiting sites, including customers’ homes, to measure and assess their needs

Using Howdens’ unique design tools to create high-quality kitchen layouts and visual plans

Accurately processing estimates, pricing, delivery dates, and stock requirements

Please note: You will be required to use your own vehicle during business hours. Travel expenses will be reimbursed accordingly.

Requirements

Our Kitchen Sales Designers come from a variety of backgrounds but all share a passion for sales and delivering great customer service. Using your natural sales ability and creative flair, you’ll learn to achieve and exceed monthly sales targets. We are looking for individuals with the following qualities:

• Strong communication skills
• A genuine interest in, and flair for, design
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships
• Good customer service skills
• Target driven
• Able to work independently and use your own initiative
• Effective planning and organisation skills
• Ability to manage and prioritise your own workload
• A strong desire for continuous personal and professional development
• The right to work in Ireland and relevant evidence
• A full driving licence is required (you may be considered if currently learning to drive)

The Apprenticeship

Duration: 2 years

Qualification: QQI validated NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Sales

Structure: Blended learning – on-the-job training plus online classes and face-to-face workshops

Support: Workplace mentor, depot team, in-house Learning and Development team, and external training provider

Location:

Apprenticeship to be undertaken in one of our trade depots: Togher, Blackpool or Little Island.

Entry Requirements

To apply, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Grade O6/H7 or higher in five Leaving Certificate subjects, including:
• Mathematics (F2/O6/H7)
• English or Irish (O6/H7)
• QQI Level 5 or higher qualification
• International equivalent of a full Level 5 qualification

Mature applicants (aged 21+) without a Level 5 qualification but with relevant experience may also be considered through an interview and supporting documentation

Rewards and Benefits

We believe in recognising and rewarding the hard work and dedication of our team members. In return for your commitment, you will receive:

• A competitive salary
• Paid holiday entitlement
• A generous matched-contribution pension scheme
• Team incentives and outings
• Staff discount on Howdens products

Apply Now

If you’re ready to start a career in design and sales and want to earn while you learn, apply now to become an Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer at Howdens.

About Us

Howdens Joinery is a trusted trade kitchen supplier, offering a vast range of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. With over 900 depots across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we’ve earned the loyalty of more than 460,000 trade professionals. Our ambitious growth agenda and entrepreneurial culture make us an exciting place to build your career.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. If you need any adjustments during our recruitment process, please email [email protected] with the job title and location, and we’ll be happy to support you.