Yard Operative

Briants of Risborough; Coulsdon; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Company pension

Death in Service cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Online GP services

Training & progression opportunities

Job summary

Lawsons Coulsdon is seeking a reliable Yard Operative to maintain a clean, safe yard and support stock handling and customer service at the Coulsdon branch. You will assist with deliveries, picking and loading, and help customers with collection of goods in a busy retail/merchant environment.

The role is full-time based at our Coulsdon site, with early starts and a rotating Saturday shift. A strong commitment to health & safety and teamwork is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Prior yard/warehouse or builders’ merchant experience essential.
• Experience handling timber, fencing, landscaping products or building materials.
• Safe manual handling knowledge and ability to lift heavy items.
• Desirable forklift or other machinery experience; training may be provided.
• Physically fit to work outdoors in varying weather.
• Reliable, punctual and team player with good attention to detail.
• Customer-focused with clear communication and safety mindset.

Responsibilities

• Receive deliveries and check quantities against documentation.
• Pick, prepare and load customer orders safely.
• Assist customers with collection and loading of products.
• Move and handle heavy materials with safe manual techniques.
• Operate yard equipment and machinery per training and procedures.
• Maintain stock locations and report shortages or discrepancies.
• Keep yard and loading areas clean and organised.
• Support vehicle loading and delivery preparation.
• Follow health & safety, environmental and company policies.
• Report hazards, incidents and equipment defects promptly.
• Work with branch colleagues, drivers and customers to fulfil orders.
• Undertake other reasonable yard/branch duties as required.

Skills

Yard experience

Timber/Building Materials

Manual handling safety

Forklift experience

Outdoor work fitness

Reliability

Attention to detail

Customer service

Health & safety

Independent working

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