Experienced Yard Operative

South East Metals; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site training

Professional environment

Job summary

South East Metals is a small but highly experienced team of metal and scrap merchants serving the London Area and beyond. The Yard Operative role is a full-time, on-site position based in the London Area.

The successful candidate will load and unload vehicles, operate basic yard equipment, weigh materials, and help keep a clean, safe yard. Experience in yard work and forklift operation is essential; 360° crane/rotator experience is desirable.

Qualifications

• Ability to work safely in an outdoor, manual-handling environment.
• Basic knowledge of yard operations or warehousing.
• Understanding of health and safety practices and PPE.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Basic numeracy and record-keeping for weighing and documenting materials.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload vehicles and sort metals and scrap in a busy yard.
• Operate basic yard equipment and assist with equipment handling as trained.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized yard environment and assist colleagues.
• Weigh materials and follow safety procedures; interact with drivers and customers on-site.

Skills

Safety awareness

Manual handling

Teamwork

Communication

Numeracy

Record-keeping

Forklift cert

Right to work

Job description

South East Metals is a small but highly experienced team of dedicated metal and scrap metal merchants serving customers in the London Area and beyond. The company focuses on supplying reliable, high-quality metal products and scrap services to a range of commercial and individual clients. South East Metals prides itself on professional, responsive customer service that helps build long-term relationships and repeat business. Team members work closely together in a hands-on environment where safety, efficiency, and honesty are central to daily operations.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Yard Operative role is a full-time, on-site position based in the London Area, United Kingdom. In this role, the Yard Operative will handle and sort various types of metals and scrap materials, ensuring they are processed and stored correctly. Daily tasks include loading and unloading vehicles, operating basic yard equipment (such as forklifts or lifting tools, where appropriately trained), and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized yard environment. The Yard Operative will assist with weighing materials, following safety procedures, and supporting colleagues to meet operational and customer service standards. The role may also involve interacting with drivers and customers on-site, providing helpful and professional service.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work safely in an outdoor, manual-handling environment, including lifting, moving, and sorting metal and scrap materials.
• Basic knowledge of yard operations or experience in warehousing, recycling, construction, or a similar hands-on role.
• Understanding of health and safety practices, with a commitment to following procedures and using personal protective equipment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to follow instructions and collaborate with colleagues.
• Basic numeracy and record-keeping skills for weighing, counting, and documenting materials accurately.
• Reliability and punctuality, with a flexible approach to tasks and willingness to learn.
• Forklift or other relevant equipment certification is beneficial but not essential; training may be provided.
• Right to work in the United Kingdom; prior experience in metal or scrap yards is an advantage but not required.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR!

We are looking for an experienced, hard-working Yard Operative who takes pride in their work and thrives in a hands-on environment.

Previous yard experience and forklift experience are essential.

360° crane/rotator experience is desired.

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity within a growing Essex scrap-metal and recycling company.

Salary is dependent on experience.

• Candidates with strong relevant skills may be considered