Proud to have been officially recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026!
Become part of our Malton team as a Yard Operative and play a key role in delivering the friendly, dependable service our customers value. If you are practical, dependable and committed to working safely, this could be the opportunity for you.
Working as part of the branch team, you will make sure the yard stays tidy, safe and efficient. Your day will include receiving deliveries, picking and checking orders, organising stock and helping customers collect their materials.
The role would suit someone who enjoys being active, works well with others and takes satisfaction in keeping things running smoothly. As the position is based mainly outdoors, you will need to be comfortable working in all weather conditions. In return, you will join an established family-owned business where you can build your knowledge and develop your career.
Key responsibilities
- Load and unload delivery vehicles by hand or using approved mechanical-handling equipment.
- Pick, check and prepare customer orders accurately and on time.
- Serve customers and check collections against the relevant paperwork before vehicles leave the site.
- Move, sort and store timber and building materials safely and efficiently.
- Keep the yard, storage areas and workspaces clean, tidy and well organised.
- Help minimise stock losses by checking customer collections carefully.
- Carry out all duties in accordance with the Company's health and safety procedures, including safe manual-handling practices.
- Respond helpfully and professionally to enquiries from trade customers and members of the public.
What you'll need
- Experience of customer service and working in a warehouse, yard or similar environment.
- A good understanding of health and safety and safe manual handling.
- A reliable, practical and customer-focused approach.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team in a physically demanding, mainly outdoor environment and in varying weather conditions.
- Availability to work full-time, Monday to Friday, plus alternate Saturday mornings from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon.
- Experience within a timber or builders' merchant, although full training will be provided for the right applicant.
- A valid sideloader and/or forklift truck licence.
- A full UK manual driving licence.
What we offer
As a family-owned business, we want our colleagues to feel valued and supported. Our benefits include:
- The option to buy up to five additional days' annual leave or sell up to three days each year.
- Colleague referral bonus scheme: receive a £500 bonus when someone you refer for an HGV Driver role successfully completes their probationary period. Terms and conditions apply.
- Length-of-service awards.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Company sick pay.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 helpline and access to counselling, legal, debt and life-management support.
- Generous colleague discount at our merchant branches.
- Access to BenefitHub, offering discounts and savings across a wide range of retailers, products and services.
- One fully paid volunteering day each year.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
MALTON: Yard Operative employer: Howarth Timber Group
At Howarth Timber Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment for our Yard Operative team. With competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee development, we ensure that our staff have the opportunity to grow and thrive in their careers. Our commitment to quality service and teamwork, combined with unique benefits like a cycle to work scheme and a volunteering day, makes us a rewarding place to work.
