** Howarth Timber Group is proud to have been officially recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026!! **
What does it mean to be a Howarth Timber & Building Supplies Limited Yard Operative?
We're seeking a Yard Operative who is energetic, detail-orientated, and committed to quality. If you thrive in a hands-on, mainly outdoor setting and take pride in upholding high standards for our valued customers, this role is ideal for you. Join a friendly team that values excellence and teamwork!
Reporting to the Yard Supervisor, you’ll play a key role in the smooth day-to-day running of a busy builders merchant yard. You’ll help ensure the yard operates efficiently and safely, while delivering exceptional customer service and upholding the highest operational standards.
Apply now and contribute to building a better future with us!
Putting people at the heart of what we do
With more than 185 years’ trading experience, the Howarth Timber Group has grown to provide not only the widest range of products, but expertise, service and knowledge you can rely on.
With a nationwide network of branches supplying timber, building and plumbing and heating materials, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms and a dedicated manufacturing division supplying timber engineering services, the Howarth Timber Group is focused on providing market leading choice, quality, service and value.
Built on a passion for service and people, we strive to set the highest standards in the quality of our products, in the continuity of supply and in every aspect of customer service and support. Quality products and processes are what drive our passion, but people are central to everything we do and it’s thanks to our loyal workforce that we’ve built a strong and successful business.
The Role of Yard Operative
- Loading and unloading delivery vehicles
- Serving and checking customer collections
- Moving stock to storage areas
- Picking and packing orders
- Keeping work areas clean and tidy – complying with health and safety policy and procedure at all times
- Responsibility for minimising stock losses by checking customer vehicles before they leave the site
- Answering queries from commercial customers or members of the public
- Any other duties deemed as reasonable within the scope of the job role
Working Conditions: This role involves working outside for some of the time, in all weather conditions, including summer heat and cold and wet winter weather. You must be prepared to work in a physically demanding environment and be comfortable with manual labour. Appropriate PPE and workwear is, of course, provided.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Experience of working within a Timber/Builder’s Merchant is preferred, although full training can be provided for the right applicant
- Warehouse and customer service experience
- FLT and/or sideloader licence (desirable)
- Full manual driving licence (desirable)
- You’ll be an enthusiastic, approachable and motivated person with a proactive and ‘can do’ attitude.
- You’ll also be team oriented with a strong sense of responsibility.
- You’ll need to be available to work full-time: Monday to Friday, plus alternate Saturday mornings (0800-1200).
What we offer
Howarth Timber is a family-owned company with a desire to provide colleague benefits that are truly valuable. Benefits include but are not limited to:
- 31 days’ holiday, inclusive of Statutory Bank Holidays
- Opportunity to buy up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave or sell up to 3 days’ annual leave
- Length of service awards
- Cycle to work scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Death in service benefit
- Company sick pay
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Colleague referral bonus scheme — if you refer someone for an HGV Driver role and they successfully complete their probationary period, you’ll receive a £500 bonus. T&Cs apply.
- Online Benefits Hub (inc discounts on gift cards, travel, cinema tickets, to name a few)
- Employee Assistance Programme, (24/7 helpline, counselling sessions, legal, debt and life management advice line)
- Generous colleague Merchant Branch discount
- Opportunity to participate in a volunteering role for one working day per year – fully paid by the Company
- Excellent training and development opportunities
Application deadline: 28th August 2026
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £13.40 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Paid volunteer time
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Experience:
- customer service and warehouse: 1 year (required)
- working in a timber and builders or similar environment: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- forklift truck licence (preferred)
- full manual driving licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
