Van Driver / Yard Operative

Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd; Biggleswade; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected timber and builders’ merchant in Biggleswade seeks a Van Driver/Yard Operative to manage the delivery of timber and associated products. This full-time position requires a valid UK driving licence and experience in a similar role. Responsibilities include ensuring secure loads, maintaining vehicles, and assisting with yard duties. The company offers a competitive salary ranging from £29,000 to £30,500 along with 25 days of holiday and comprehensive employee benefits.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday

Comprehensive pension scheme

Employee discounts on products

Opportunities for further training

Qualifications

• A valid driving licence with a good driving record is essential.
• Previous experience in a builders’ merchants or timber yard is required.
• Ability to lift and move materials safely.

Responsibilities

• Deliver timber and associated products safely and efficiently.
• Load and unload vehicles, ensuring cargo is secure.
• Complete delivery paperwork and electronic records accurately.
• Assist with yard duties including sorting and preparing stock.
• Maintain the van, carrying out daily safety checks.

Skills

Full UK driving licence (Category B)

Experience of delivering goods

Confident in manual handling

Good attention to detail

Clear communicator

Reliable and flexible

Job description

Company Overview

Southill Sawmill is part of the Lawsons Group, the UK’s largest independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchants. With a long history of supplying quality timber and fencing products to trade and retail customers across London and the South East, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service, safe working practices, and supporting our colleagues with ongoing training and development.

Role Purpose

As a Van Driver / Yard Operative at Southill Sawmill, you will deliver timber and associated products to customer sites and provide vital support within the yard. You will represent the branch professionally, ensuring goods are loaded, delivered and unloaded safely and efficiently while assisting with yard duties and stock handling as required.

Main Responsibilities

• Carry out safe and timely deliveries of timber, fencing and builder’s merchant products to trade and retail customers using company vans.
• Load and unload vehicles, ensuring loads are secure and protected during transit.
• Complete all delivery paperwork and electronic records accurately, including customer sign-offs and vehicle checks.
• Assist with general yard duties including stacking, sorting, and preparing stock for delivery or collection.
• Operate basic yard equipment (e.g. pallet trucks, forklifts where trained) and ensure tools and equipment are used safely and stored correctly.
• Maintain the van in a clean and roadworthy condition, report any defects promptly and carry out daily vehicle safety checks.
• Provide courteous, helpful service to customers and colleagues, keeping customers informed of any delivery issues or delays.
• Adhere to site Health and Safety policies, manual handling procedures and company operating standards at all times.

Essential Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Full UK driving licence (Category B) with a good driving record and experience of delivering goods is essential.
• Previous experience in a builders’ merchants, timber yard or similar environment is also essential.
• Confident in manual handling, with the ability to lift and move timber and other materials safely.
• Practical, hands‑on approach with good attention to detail and time management skills.
• Clear communicator, polite and professional when dealing with customers and colleagues.
• Willingness to learn and obtain further qualifications (e.g. forklift licence) where required and supported by the company.
• Reliable, flexible and able to work as part of a team in a fast‑paced yard environment.

Hours, Salary and Benefits

• Permanent, full‑time position – working hours are Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00 and 1 in 2 Saturday mornings working 8.00am - 12.00pm.
• Competitive salary depending on experience and skills (£29,000 - £30,500)
• Paid holiday entitlement = 25 days, plus 8 Bank Holidays, plus 1 celebration day+, comprehensive company pension scheme, and staff discounts on products.
• Employee benefits including access to Employee Assistance Programme and Online GP via our benefits platform.
• Opportunities for further Hiab and safety training, plus support from an experienced team..

Why Join Lawsons Southill Sawmill?

• Work for a respected, independent supplier with a strong reputation for quality and customer service.
• Be part of a supportive, safety-focused team with opportunities for training and career development.
• Play an important role supporting local builders, landscapers and trade customers in your community.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, background or experience. #MP