HARROGATE: Van Driver​/Yard Operative

Salary:
Competitive, dependent on experience Closing Date: 20/02/2026

Join our friendly team in Harrogate!

Are you a reliable, hands‑on team player with a passion for great customer service? We’re looking for an enthusiastic Van Driver/Yard Operative to join our busy timber and builders’ merchant branch in Harrogate.

In this varied role, you’ll be the friendly face delivering timber and building materials to our customers, as well as playing a key part in keeping our yard running smoothly. From safely loading and unloading goods to ensuring orders are accurate and ready on time, you’ll help us maintain the high standards our customers expect.

If you enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment, take pride in doing a job well, and like the idea of combining driving with practical, outdoor work, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Putting people at the heart of what we do

With more than 180 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 and building materials, kitchens 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.

Van Driver/Yard Operative role responsibilities

• Delivering goods on the Company van – 3.5 tonne pickup (full manual driving licence essential)
• Loading and unloading delivery vehicles by hand or with a side loader/forklift truck
• Serving and checking customer collections
• Moving stock to storage areas and sorting and grading stock
• Picking and packing orders
• Keeping work areas clean and tidy and ensure all duties are carried out as part of a safe working environment in strict compliance with all health and safety policies and procedures (including manual handling)
• 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

What are the requirements to become part of our team?

• Experience of multi‑drop van driving
• Experience of working within a Timber/Builder’s Merchant is an advantage, although full training can be provided for the right applicant
• Full manual driving licence
• Warehouse and customer service experience
• Health & Safety awareness
• Side loader and/or FLT licence (desirable)
• Aged 21 or over (insurance requirement for any driving role within our company)
• Availability to work full‑time, Monday to Friday inclusive, plus alternate Saturday mornings )

Why choose Howarth Timber & Building Supplies for your next role?

Howarth Timber Group is proud to have been officially recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025!

We are 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
• Option to buy up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave per annum or sell up to 3 days’ annual leave per annum
• Length of service awards
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• 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

Get in touch

Applicants should put their application in writing enclosing their CV to Jim Kidd, Branch Manager, by email to