Yard Operative

Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd; Coulsdon; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Company pension

Death in Service

Employee Assistance Programme

Online GP services

Training and progression

Job summary

Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd is recruiting a Yard Operative for our Coulsdon branch to support the safe and efficient running of the yard, stock handling and customer service.

This hands-on role suits a reliable individual who enjoys outdoor work and works as part of a busy branch team; responsibilities include receiving deliveries, picking and loading orders, and helping customers while maintaining high safety standards.

Qualifications

• Previous yard/warehouse experience essential.
• Experience handling timber, fencing or building materials advantageous.
• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in varying weather.
• Good communication and customer-focused attitude.
• Willing to follow health and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Receive deliveries and check quantities and condition against delivery documentation.
• Pick, prepare and load customer orders accurately and safely.
• Assist customers with collection and loading of products, providing helpful service.
• Maintain accurate stock locations and report discrepancies to branch management.
• Keep yard, loading areas and storage facilities clean and well organised.
• Support vehicle loading and delivery preparation, ensuring materials are secured.
• Follow health & safety, manual handling and company policies; report hazards promptly.

Skills

Yard experience

Manual handling safety

Customer service

Reliability

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Lawsons is proud to be the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, with over 35 branches and 700+ colleagues across London and the South East, we continue to grow by building lasting relationships with customers and cultivating a supportive team culture. We are recruiting a Yard Operative to join our Coulsdon branch and support the safe and efficient running of the yard, stock handling and customer service operations.

Role Overview

This is a hands-on yard role for a reliable and safety-conscious individual who enjoys working outdoors and as part of a busy branch team. The successful candidate will assist with the receipt, storage, picking and loading of fencing, timber, landscaping and building materials, while helping to maintain a safe, organised and customer-focused yard environment.

Working Hours

• Full-time, permanent position based at our Coulsdon branch.

• Working hours will be 07.30 - 17.00 and 1 in 2 Saturday mornings working 08.00 - 12.00.

• Flexibility for early starts, busy periods and changing operational requirements is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive deliveries of fencing, timber, landscaping and building materials, checking quantities and condition against delivery documentation.

• Pick, prepare and load customer orders accurately and safely.

• Assist customers with the collection and loading of products, providing helpful and professional service at all times.

• Move and handle heavy and bulky materials using safe manual handling techniques and appropriate equipment.

• Operate yard equipment and machinery in accordance with training, manufacturer guidance and company procedures.

• Maintain accurate stock locations and report shortages, damages or discrepancies to the branch management team.

• Keep the yard, loading areas and storage facilities clean, tidy and well organised.

• Support vehicle loading and delivery preparation, ensuring materials are secured safely where required.

• Follow all relevant health & safety, manual handling, environmental and company policies and procedures.

• Report hazards, incidents, damaged goods and equipment defects promptly.

• Work closely with branch colleagues, drivers and customers to ensure orders are fulfilled efficiently.

• Undertake other reasonable yard and branch duties as required.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a yard, warehouse, builders' merchant, distribution or customer service environment is essential.

• Experience handling timber, fencing, landscaping products or building materials is advantageous.

• Good understanding of safe manual handling and the ability to work safely with heavy and bulky products.

• Forklift or other relevant machinery experience is desirable; training may be provided for the right candidate.

• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Reliable, punctual and willing to work as part of a busy team.

• Good attention to detail when picking orders, checking deliveries and maintaining stock.

• Good communication skills and a customer-focused attitude.

• Positive approach to health & safety, with a commitment to reporting hazards and following safe working practices.

• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and maintain high standards during busy periods.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary £30,175.

• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays and an additional celebration day, rising with service in line with company policy.

• Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover.

• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Online GP services.

• Industry-leading training and development opportunities and genuine progression prospects within Lawsons.

Why Join Lawsons Coulsdon?

• Join the UK's leading independent merchant for fencing, timber and building materials.

• Work in a supportive, team-focused branch environment.

• Play an important role in keeping the yard organised and supporting excellent service to trade and retail customers.

• Build product knowledge and develop your career through structured training and ongoing support.

• Benefit from a company committed to colleague wellbeing, safety and development.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are a reliable and hardworking Yard Operative who takes pride in working safely, supporting customers and maintaining high standards, we would like to hear from you. #MP