Shunter (Transport)

Howden Joinery Limited; Raunds; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days + bank holidays

Pension scheme (company contrib. up to

Free on-site parking

Reward and recognition program

Job summary

Howdens Joinery is recruiting a Shunter Driver for our Raunds site in Northamptonshire. You will support the transport and warehouse operation, manage trailer movements, and help ensure on-time deliveries with high safety standards.

The role includes a 8‑week competency training period, culminating in progression to the full Shunter Driver salary with a shift allowance. A competitive benefits package accompanies the development salary.

Qualifications

• Current clean Class 1 Driving (LGV C+E) licence is essential.
• Previous transport/distribution experience with shunting is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Transport and Warehouse operation to meet growing distribution demands.
• Take ownership of all trailer movements across the site and execute the daily transport plan.
• Coordinate trailer placements and manage allocations, reporting defects or shortages as needed.

Skills

Shunter experience

LGV C+E licence

Physical fitness

Job description

Due to continued growth and expansion across our logistics operation, Howdens has an opportunity for an experienced Shunter Driver to join our Distribution team at our Raunds campus in Northamptonshire. As a Shunter Driver, you will play a key role in supporting the efficient flow of goods across the site, managing trailer movements to ensure deliveries are dispatched on time, safely, and without damage. Your contribution will be essential in maintaining high operational standards and supporting the ongoing success of our expanding logistics network.

Location | Raunds (Northamptonshire) Contract Type | Full-Time - Permanent Shift Pattern | Week one: 6am-2pm, Week two: 2pm-10pm (rotation). Flexibility is required to support business needs.

Pay Rate You'll join Howdens on a development salary while completing the training and assessments required to become a fully competent Shunter Driver in the Howdens operation. Once you've successfully completed your training and been signed off in the role, you'll progress to the full Shunter Driver salary, with a corresponding increase in pay.

Training Salary – £32,356.48 per annum + shift allowance of £2,548.42 per annum

Shunter Driver Salary (upon successful completion of training) – £37,648 per annum + shift allowance of £2,548.42 per annum

Competency Training Period | The competency training period is expected to last approximately 8 weeks. However, the duration may be shortened or extended depending on your individual progress, performance, and ability to demonstrate the required competencies.

What you will be doing as a Shunter Driver:

• Support the successful delivery of the Transport and Warehouse operation, working closely with the Transport/Yard Supervisor to meet the demands of our growing distribution network
• The shunting operation is a physically demanding, critical & very busy role within the distribution centre
• Take ownership of all trailer movements across the site, ensuring the daily transport plan is executed efficiently and effectively
• Coordinate trailer placements to ensure equipment is in the right location at the right time, enabling a smooth and seamless operation
• Manage trailer allocation decisions, proactively identifying and reporting any defects, issues, or equipment shortages to maintain operational performance

What do you need to qualify for the Shunter Driver:

• A current clean Class 1 Driving (LGV C+E) licence is essential
• Previous transport/distribution experience with shunting experience highly desirable

Please note: As part of the recruitment process, you'll be asked to provide a DVLA check code to enable us to carry out a driving licence verification check.

What can we offer you as a Shunter Driver:

• Competitive salary and generous shift allowance
• 25 days + bank holidays per year and the opportunity to buy extra holidays
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• Free on-site parking
• A friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition
• Highest standards of health & safety

About Howdens:

Howdens Joinery is a highly successful FTSE 100 business, with more than 900 depots nationwide and more than 11,000 staff. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we continue to experience significant growth and success. Despite our scale, Howdens remains a local business with traditional values. There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast‑paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For. Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email [e-mail] with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.

Discover your next role with us and see how you can fit into one of the UK’s best big companies to work for. As a proud member of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, we offer exciting opportunities for both apprentices starting out and experienced professionals ready to take the next step in their careers. Whether you’re working in our depots, building strong relationships with our trade customers, or applying your expertise to create, manufacture and distribute our market‑leading products, there are many roles that make Howdens a success. Find out more about what makes our Depots tick. Howdens is the UK’s number one specialist kitchen supplier, trusted by the trade since 1995. From just 14 depots when we started, we’ve grown to nearly 950 across the UK and Europe, and we’re still growing. At Howdens, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Whether in our depots, manufacturing sites, or support teams, everyone plays a vital role in helping us grow, innovate, and make a difference. We work exclusively with trade professionals, giving them the products, service, and support they need to deliver kitchens fitted to the highest standard. By building strong partnerships with local tradespeople, we help them exceed their customers’ expectations, and in turn, we all succeed together. Our success is built on a simple but powerful model: locally empowered depot teams backed by a world‑class supply chain. This means we can keep products in stock, provide exceptional service, and deliver real value to our customers every day.