BURNLEY: Yard Operative/Picker

Howarth Timber Group; Burnley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Howarth Timber Group in Burnley is seeking a practical Yard Operative/Picker to support our first fix and second fix operations. This hands-on role involves picking and packing orders, loading and unloading vehicles, moving stock and keeping work areas tidy, all while following health and safety policies.

Reporting to the Yard Supervisor, you will work full-time, Monday to Friday with alternate Saturday mornings 8am–12pm.

Qualifications

• Experience in timber or builders’ merchant is advantageous.
• Previous warehouse and customer service experience.
• FLT and/or sideloader licences desirable; a full manual driving licence is desirable.
• Enthusiastic, approachable and motivated with a proactive, can-do attitude.
• Availability to work full-time, Monday to Friday, plus alternate Saturday mornings 8.00am to 12.00pm.

Responsibilities

• Picking and packing first and second fix customer orders.
• Loading and unloading delivery vehicles.
• Moving stock to storage areas.
• Keeping work areas clean and tidy and following health and safety policies.
• Support wider Yard team during busy periods and assist with customer queries.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Proactive attitude

Physically fit

Tools

FLT licence

Sideloader licence

Full manual driving licence

Job description

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Closing Date: 18/08/2026

Join our team as a Yard Operative/Picker at Burnley

We’re looking for a practical, reliable Yard Operative/Picker to support our first fix and second fix operations at Burnley. This is a hands-on role working mainly behind the scenes, where accuracy, attention to detail and a strong work ethic are key. If you enjoy keeping things organised, take pride in getting orders picked correctly and efficiently, and want to be part of a supportive team, we’d be delighted to hear from you!

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.

What does it mean to be a Howarth Timber & Building Supplies Limited Yard Operative/Picker?

Reporting to the Yard Supervisor, you will support the day-to-day running of our first fix/second fix operations within a busy timber and builders’ merchant, helping to ensure orders are picked accurately and efficiently while maintaining high standards of safety and organisation.

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.

Yard Operative/Picker role responsibilities include:

• Picking and packing first fix/second fix customer orders
• Loading and unloading delivery vehicles
• Moving stock to storage areas
• Keeping work areas clean and tidy – complying with health and safety policy and procedure at all times
• Occasionally supporting the wider Yard team during busy periods, which may include checking customer vehicles before they leave site to help minimise stock losses and helping with queries from commercial customers or members of the public in a helpful and professional manner

What are the requirements to be a part of our team?

• Experience within a timber or builders’ merchant would be advantageous, although full training may be provided for the right candidate.
• Previous warehouse and customer service experience.
• FLT and/or sideloader licence (desirable).
• Full manual driving licence (desirable).
• An enthusiastic, approachable and motivated individual with a proactive, can-do attitude.
• A team-focused approach and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Availability to work full-time, Monday to Friday, plus alternate Saturday mornings from 8.00am to 12.00pm.

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 2026!

We are a family-owned company with a desire to provide colleague benefits that are truly valuable. Benefits include:

• 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 paternity and maternity 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.
• Employee Assistance Programme, (24/7 helpline, counselling sessions, legal, debt and life management advice line)
• Benefits Hub (inc discounts on gift cards, travel, cinema tickets, to name a few)
• 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 with scope for career progression