Assistant Yard Manager

Briants of Risborough; Greater London; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary aligned to exp.

25 days holiday + bank holidays + day

Company pension scheme

Death in Service cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing support including online GP

Induction and training with career dev

Plant training support

Team environment

Job summary

Lawsons in Wandsworth is seeking an energetic Assistant Yard Manager to support the Yard Manager and branch team with the day-to-day operations of a busy timber and builders’ merchant yard. This hands-on role focuses on safe stock handling, accurate stock presentation and excellent customer service.

You will supervise yard colleagues, coordinate deliveries and collections, and work with branches, transport and sales to ensure smooth operations during peak periods.

Qualifications

• Prev. experience in a yard, warehouse or builders’ merchant.
• Experience supervising or coordinating colleagues in yard/warehouse.
• Full UK driving licence essential; forklifts operate on public roads.
• Good knowledge of safe material handling, stock control and yard housekeeping.
• Physically fit to lift/move materials safely.
• Experience operating forklift/telehandler or similar plant is desirable.
• Strong organisational and customer-focused communication skills.
• Reliable, punctual and flexible with a team approach.
• Commitment to health and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support the Yard Manager with daily organisation and yard operations.
• Coordinate receipt, unloading, storage and presentation of stock.
• Plan and prioritise customer orders for collection and delivery.
• Supervise yard colleagues and allocate tasks.
• Ensure stock is stored safely, tidily and accessible.
• Carry out regular stock checks and record movements.
• Assist with vehicle loading and safe handling of goods.
• Operate forklifts or plant only when trained and authorised.
• Provide friendly service to customers and assist with queries.
• Maintain housekeeping and safety standards.
• Support induction and training of new yard staff.
• Collaborate with branch, transport and sales teams.
• Undertake additional duties to support branch operations.

Skills

Organised

Customer focused

Team supervision

Full UK driving licence

Forklift/plant experience

Stock control

Health and safety awareness

Tools

Forklift/telehandler

Job description

Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of timber, fencing and building materials. With over 35 branches and 700+ colleagues across London and the South East, we deliver quality products, expert advice and excellent customer service. We are recruiting for an Assistant Yard Manager based at our Wandsworth branch to support the day-to‑day running of a busy yard serving trade and retail customers.

Position Overview

We are looking for an organised, practical and customer‑focused Assistant Yard Manager to support the Yard Manager and branch team at Wandsworth. This hands‑on role involves coordinating yard activities, overseeing the safe handling and storage of timber, fencing and building materials, supporting customer collections, maintaining stock accuracy and helping to ensure high standards of health and safety. The successful candidate will lead by example, support colleagues and contribute to efficient branch operations during busy trading periods.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the Yard Manager with the daily organisation and smooth operation of the yard.
• Coordinate the receipt, unloading, checking, storage and presentation of timber, fencing and building materials.
• Help plan and prioritise customer orders for collection and delivery, ensuring goods are picked accurately and on time.
• Supervise and support yard colleagues, allocating tasks effectively and providing guidance during busy periods.
• Ensure stock is stored safely, presented tidily and accessible to customers and colleagues.
• Carry out regular stock checks and support accurate recording of stock movements, discrepancies and damaged goods.
• Assist with vehicle loading and ensure goods are handled and secured safely in line with company procedures.
• Operate forklifts, telehandlers or other mechanical plant only where trained, qualified and authorised.
• Provide friendly and professional service to customers visiting the yard, assisting with product collections and queries.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, including waste removal and keeping working areas clean, organised and safe.
• Help ensure all health and safety procedures are followed, report hazards and support routine checks and incident reporting.
• Assist with the induction, training and development of new yard colleagues where required.
• Work closely with the branch, transport and sales teams to support efficient customer service and delivery operations.
• Undertake any additional reasonable duties required to support branch operations.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse, logistics or builders’ merchant environment is essential.
• Experience of supervising or coordinating colleagues in a yard or warehouse environment is desirable.
• A Full UK driving License is essential as Forklifts are operated on public roads.
• Good knowledge of safe material handling, stock control and yard housekeeping practices.
• Physically fit and able to carry, lift and move materials safely throughout the shift.
• Experience operating a forklift, telehandler or similar mechanical plant is desirable, with relevant qualifications preferred.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks in a busy working environment.
• Good communication skills and a confident, customer‑focused approach.
• Basic numeracy and literacy with the ability to complete stock records and paperwork accurately.
• Commitment to following health and safety procedures and challenging unsafe practices appropriately.
• Reliable, punctual and flexible with a practical, team‑oriented approach.
• Willingness to support colleagues and take responsibility for maintaining high standards across the yard.

Working Hours

This is a full‑time, permanent position. Typical hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 4.45pm, plus 1 in 2 Saturdays working 8am to 12pm. Occasional flexibility may be required to meet customer and branch needs.

Employee Benefits)

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£31,000 - £34,000)
• 25 days’ holiday plus UK Bank Holidays and an additional celebration day
• Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing support including online GP
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training with opportunities for career development
• Support with relevant plant training and qualifications where required
• Supportive team environment within a leading independent supplier

Why Join Lawsons at Wandsworth?

• Be part of the UK’s leading independent supplier of timber, fencing and building materials.
• Take on a varied role with responsibility for supporting the successful operation of a busy branch yard.
• Develop your leadership and operational skills with opportunities for internal progression.
• Work with a friendly local team serving trade and retail customers.
• Join a business that values safety, customer service and colleague wellbeing.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are an organised and dependable team player with yard or warehouse experience and the ability to support colleagues, we would like to hear from you. #MP