General Yard Operative
Location
Biddenden Vineyards, Gribble Bridge Lane, Biddenden, Kent TN27 8DF
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 6:00pm
Holiday Entitlement
20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
Reporting To
General Manager
About the Role
We are seeking a hardworking and reliable General Yard Operative to join our team. This is a varied, hands-on role involving yard operations, winery support, estate maintenance, and seasonal harvest activities. The successful candidate will be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and undertaking physically demanding tasks as part of a busy agricultural and production environment.
Key Responsibilities
Yard Operations
- Load, unload and move apples, other fruit, and goods using forklift trucks.
- Organise, sort and stack stock and materials as required.
- Ensure the yard is maintained to a high standard, free from hazards, and kept clean and tidy.
- Carry out routine machinery checks on vans, tractors and forklift trucks, ensuring compliance with company Health & Safety policies.
- Pick, prepare and load vans for deliveries, events and shows.
- Undertake general yard duties, including stock control and supporting the wine shop.
- Provide cover for van driving duties when required.
Winery Support
- Assist with bottling, filling and labelling wines, ciders and other products.
- Pump fruit products and assist with production processes.
- Wash, prepare and fill barrels.
- Assemble boxes, trays and packaging materials.
- Carry out cleaning, maintenance and stock replenishment duties within the winery.
Harvest Activities
- Assist during harvest periods, including the pressing of grapes and apples.
- Support production and processing activities as required during peak seasons.
Estate Maintenance
- Assist with general estate upkeep, including grass mowing, strimming, hedge cutting and general grounds maintenance.
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Valid Counterbalance and Reach Forklift Truck Certificates.
- Good understanding of workplace Health & Safety practices.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexible and willing to undertake a variety of duties.
Expectations
- This role involves significant manual and physical labour, including lifting, carrying, bending and prolonged periods of standing.
- Regular outdoor working in varying weather conditions is required.
- Additional hours, including evenings and weekends, will be required during harvest and other busy periods.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
- 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Opportunity to work within a dynamic vineyard, winery and estate environment.
- Varied role with opportunities to develop skills across multiple areas of the business.
Applicants must be over 18 with a full driving license and own transport due to rural location.
If this sounds the role for you, please, give us a call on 01580 291726 or email a current CV and covering letter to admin@biddendenvineyards.co.uk hand delivered CV’s are more than welcome!
