Yard Operative

OXFORD FENCING SUPPLIES LIMITED; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Pension & Death In Service

Employee wellbeing & rewards package

Training & development opportunities

Job summary

Lawsons is recruiting a Yard Operative based at The Landscape Centre for a full-time permanent role. You will assist with loading/unloading, order preparation, and maintaining safe yard standards while delivering excellent service to trade and retail customers.

You will work with branch colleagues to ensure accurate paperwork, support deliveries, and operate yard machinery where qualified, following health and safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• Experience as yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchant environment.
• Forklift or telehandler licence is advantageous (training may be provided).
• Physically fit with safe lifting practices.

Responsibilities

• Receive, unload and load deliveries safely and efficiently, check against paperwork, report discrepancies.
• Store and stack materials, keep yard tidy and safe.
• Prepare customer orders for collection or delivery with proper packaging.

Skills

Forklift

Telehandler

Manual handling

Team player

Customer service

Tools

Driving licence (UK)

Job description

About Lawsons

Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchants. Founded in 1921, we operate across London and the South East with 35 branches, over 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.

Position Overview

We are recruiting for a Yard Operative to be based at The Landscape Centre. This is a permanent, full-time position. This practical, hands‑on role is responsible for supporting yard operations, ensuring goods are handled safely and efficiently, and delivering excellent customer service to trade and retail customers. The successful candidate will work closely with branch colleagues to maintain yard standards, assist with loading and unloading, and support order fulfilment and general yard duties.

Working Hours

This is a full‑time, permanent position. Typical hours are Monday to Friday 07:30–17:00, plus 1 in 2 Saturdays 08:00–12:00.

Benefits for the Successful Candidate

• Competitive salary (£30,175)
• 25 days holiday pro rata plus 8 Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day.
• Company pension scheme and Death In Service cover.
• Employee Assistance Programme and My Reward benefits including online GP access.
• On‑the‑job training and development opportunities within a well‑established employer.

Main Responsibilities

• Receive, unload and load deliveries safely and efficiently, checking items against paperwork and reporting discrepancies.
• Store and stack materials correctly, maintaining tidy, safe and accessible yard areas.
• Prepare customer orders for collection or delivery, ensuring accuracy and appropriate packaging or securing of loads.
• Operate yard machinery and equipment (e.g. forklift, telehandler) where qualified, following all safety procedures and company guidelines.
• Assist customers at the yard and support counter colleagues with enquiries and collections when required.
• Carry out routine yard checks, basic maintenance and housekeeping tasks to uphold health and safety standards.
• Accurately complete delivery notes, goods received records and other required paperwork in line with company procedures.
• Report stock variances, damaged goods and customer feedback to branch management promptly.
• Adhere to company policies, health and safety regulations and safe systems of work at all times.

Qualifications And Skills

• Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchant environment is essential.
• Valid forklift or telehandler licence advantageous; training can be provided for the right candidate.
• Good practical skills, physically fit and able to handle manual lifting in line with safe lifting practices.
• Basic numeracy and the ability to complete accurate paperwork.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work well within a team in a busy environment.
• Good communication skills and a customer‑focused approach.
• Flexible attitude with willingness to assist with additional duties such as local deliveries or vehicle loading when required.
• Valid UK driving licence desirable.

Why You Should Consider Joining Us

• Join a respected, long‑established company with strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.
• Work in a supportive, team‑focused environment with clear lines of supervision and on‑the‑job training.
• Play a key role in ensuring smooth branch operations and delivering excellent service to trade and retail customers.
• Benefit from employee wellbeing support and an employee rewards package.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you have practical yard experience, a safe working approach and the drive to support a busy branch, we would like to hear from you. #MP