Head of Systems QA
Howdens
Lead multiple QA teams, oversee vendor relations and ensure system quality across Howden's platforms.
21 days ago ago
Expert & Leadership (13+ years), Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
Howden, England, United Kingdom
Hybrid
Company Size
12,000 Employees
Service Specialisms
Joinery
Design
Manufacturing
Supply Chain Management
Distribution
Product Development
Logistics
Retail
Sector Specialisms
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Buildings
Role
What you would be doing
qa leadership
system testing
vendor management
continuous improvement
roadmap delivery
stakeholder liaison
- Provide direct leadership to multiple System QA teams, ensuring excellence throughout the QA lifecycle and full adherence to internal processes and quality standards.
- Working in close partnership with business and IS teams, you will drive the assurance that all systems under test are fit for purpose — meeting both functional and non-functional requirements — and that any issues are effectively managed and resolved with the appropriate teams.
- You’ll take ownership of vendor relationships and commercial management within the Systems QA function, ensuring that all third-party support and services deliver to agreed standards.
- You will also play a key role in maintaining and delivering continuous improvement and solution roadmaps, collaborating closely with PMO, Architecture, and Systems Owners to align with the wider Digital, Business Systems, Technology, and People Systems strategies.
- As the main point of contact for senior IS stakeholders, you’ll act as the organisation’s authority on QA processes and best practices — setting the standard for how quality assurance is defined, delivered, and continually improved at Howdens.
What you bring
8+ years
leadership
vendor management
qa strategy
enterprise architecture
stakeholder influence
- 8+ years’ experience leading QA teams in multi-site or multi-channel organisation.
- Strong understanding QA strategy and approaches across multiple system domains (COTS / SAAS / PAAS / integration / enterprise applications / digital commerce and marketing / infrastructure etc)Experience of aligning systems QA with enterprise architecture, PMO frameworks, applications and business strategy.
- Strong vendor engagement and management
- Strong leadership presence, leading by example and developing high-performing teams.
- Proven track record of delivering system QA in a vertically integrated business
- Demonstrable experience of vendor and partner management, including contract negotiation and performance oversight.
- Trusted advisor with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and shape business development strategies.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Car Allowance or Company Car
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days.
- Staff Discount
- Private Healthcare for you and your family
- Competitive salary and company bonus
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events
Information not given or found
Interview process
Information not given or found
Visa SponsorshipInformation not given or found
Security clearanceInformation not given or found
People also searched
Quality Assurance Jobs in Goole United KingdomQuality Engineer Jobs in Goole United KingdomQuality Manager Jobs in Goole United KingdomQuality Inspector Jobs in Goole United KingdomSystems Engineer Jobs in Goole United KingdomTechnical Manager Jobs in Goole United KingdomEngineering Manager Jobs in Goole United KingdomITS Engineer Jobs in Goole United Kingdom
Company
Overview
ÂŁ2.3 Billion
Annual Revenue
The company achieves consistent financial success with its revenue reaching over ÂŁ2.3 billion annually.
ÂŁ328 Million
Pre-Tax Profits
Annual pre-tax profits stand near ÂŁ328 million, reflecting strong financial health and growth.
900 Depots
Extensive Distribution Network
The company operates over 900 depots across the UK and internationally, providing reliable service to builders and professionals.
1995
Year Founded
Established in 1995 with 14 depots, the company has grown into a major trade-only kitchen and joinery specialist.
- Designs, manufactures, and stocks kitchen cabinets, joinery items, flooring, appliances, and hardware from UK sites for in-stock reliability.
- Supports professional builders with locally empowered service across the UK and Europe.
- Typical projects include full kitchen fits for homeowners and supplying cabinetry and hardware for builders and developers.
- Expanded by launching 11 new kitchen ranges and increasing in-house production of fronts and panels in 2024.
- Distinctive for its trade-only, in-stock model and large-scale manufacturing of components in Yorkshire and Cheshire.
- Lamona, an integrated kitchen appliance brand launched in 2007, marks expansion into appliances.
- Holds a Royal Warrant as supplier of fitted kitchens to the Queen since 2015, highlighting its reputation for quality.
- We do what we say, and we rely on each other to do exactly that, every single day.
- Everyone at Howdens is responsible for maintaining our industry‑leading reputation.
- The business should be worthwhile for all concerned – customers … suppliers … staff and their families.
- Building trust within the company and with our loyal customers and suppliers.
42% Scope Emissions
Reduction Target
Target to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 42% by 2030, moving toward a 90% reduction by 2050 (base year 2021).
ÂŁ3.5M Solar Investment
PV Solar Initiative
Investment in solar panels expected to save ~1,000 t COâ‚‚e annually, contributing ~8% of purchased energy savings.
39T Plastic Removed
Plastic Packaging Reduction
Initiative to remove 39 tonnes of plastic packaging in 2024, saving ~110 t COâ‚‚e.
40% HVO Target
Fleet Sustainability
Target to double HVO use to 40% by end-2025, with 15 LNG vehicles and 4 electric trucks in operation.
- Net zero target date: by 2050
- Zero to landfill achieved across all UK operations in 2023 and maintained in 2024
- Sawdust-to-heat biomass boilers convert over 10,000 tonnes sawdust annually, supplying energy equivalent to 10,000 households
- Installed waste-heat recovery saving ~600 t COâ‚‚e/year; Power Radar meters identified ~500 t COâ‚‚e/year savings
- 100% renewable grid electricity at manufacturing sites; 96% renewable energy at depots
- Supplier engagement: Scope 3 is 95% of total emissions; engaged 100+ suppliers (covering ~40% of spend), >50% submitting emissions data and aligned to targets
- All timber products FSC or PEFC certified; Greenwich matt kitchen frontals are 100% recyclable
31 Wellbeing Representatives
Trained in 2023
Represents the number of trained wellbeing representatives supporting mental and women's health initiatives.
- Partnered in 2023 with Wellbeing for Women and ANDY’s Man Club for workplace mental-health webinars
- Plans in place to expand wellbeing rep network beyond initial 31
- No gender‑related statistics publicly disclosed
Kablio AIIf you're someone who helps build and power the world (or dreams to), Kablio AI is your pocket-sized recruiter that gets you hired.
Copyright © 2025 Kablio