Job Description

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

Join Our Team!

We're looking for a friendly and flexible

Yard Operative/Van Driver

to join our team at our busy timber and builders merchant branch in Dartford. If you are committed, reliable, and excited to take on a hands-on, customer-oriented position, we'd love to connect with you!

Putting people at the heart of what we do

With 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 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.

Yard Operative/Van Driver role responsibilities

Delivering goods on the Company van - 3.5 tonne pickup Loading and unloading delivery vehicles by hand or with a sideloader/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 Warehouse and customer service experience Health & Safety awareness Sideloader and/or FLT licence (desirable) Aged 21+ (insurance requirement) Availability to work full time Monday to Friday inclusive, plus alternate Saturdays from 8 am until 12 noon.

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

Howarth Timber is a family-owned company valuing all colleagues, with a desire to provide colleague benefits that are truly valuable. Benefits include but are not limited to:

Competitive salary, dependent on experience 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
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

#yardoperative #vandriver #buildersmerchant #timbermerchant

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 13.00-14.00 per hour

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking On-site parking Paid volunteer time Sick pay Store discount
Application question(s):

Please confirm that you are aged 21 or over - insurance requirement for any driving vacancies within our company Please confirm that you are available to work full time, Monday to Friday inclusive, plus alternate Saturday mornings (0800-1200 - paid as overtime).
Experience:

manual driving: 2 years (required) multi-drop van driving: 1 year (required) warehouse & customer service: 1 year (required) working in timber/building material environment: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Manual Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/01/2026