Yard Operative

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Death in Service cover

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Online GP services

Comprehensive induction and training

progression opportunities

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd is seeking a Yard Operative for our Whetstone branch. The role focuses on safe handling, stock management and delivering high service levels for trade and retail customers.

You will unload deliveries, stock shelves, assist customers, and operate yard equipment where trained. The role requires physical fitness, reliability and teamwork in a busy branch environment.

Qualifications

• Previous yard operative/warehouse/builders’ merchants experience is essential.
• Physically capable: lifting, carrying and outdoor work in all weathers.
• Basic numeracy and literacy with ability to follow simple instructions.
• Good communication and customer-focused attitude.
• Reliable, punctual and flexible for overtime and Saturdays when required.

Responsibilities

• Receive, unload and check deliveries; verify quantities and inspect for damage.
• Store and organise stock safely for easy retrieval.
• Assist customers at the yard and by phone with product selection and loading.
• Prepare and load customer collections and deliveries; ensure loads are secured.
• Operate yard equipment (forklifts/telehandlers) when trained and authorised; report defects.
• Maintain daily yard housekeeping; support stock counts and branch duties.
• Comply with health & safety, manual handling and vehicle loading regulations.
• Document incidents, damaged stock or near misses per procedures.

Skills

Yard experience

Team player

Physical fitness

Customer service

Overtime availability

Basic IT literacy

Tools

Forklift qualification

Telehandler operation

Job description

About Lawsons

Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, we operate across London and the South East of England with over 35 branches, more than 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We are committed to delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.

About Lawsons

Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, we operate across London and the South East of England with over 35 branches, more than 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We are committed to delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.

Role Overview

We are recruiting a Yard Operative to join our Whetstone branch. This is a practical, customer-facing role based in the branch yard, supporting daily operations to ensure safe handling, accurate stock management and excellent service for trade and retail customers. The successful candidate will be physically capable, dependable and able to work collaboratively with branch colleagues to maintain a safe and efficient yard environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, unload and check deliveries of timber, fencing and building materials, verifying quantities and inspecting for damage.
• Store, stack and organise stock safely to preserve product integrity and enable efficient retrieval.
• Assist customers at the yard and by phone with product selection, loading and basic product advice, providing friendly and professional service at all times.
• Prepare and load customer collections and delivery vehicles, ensuring loads are secured correctly and vehicle loading procedures are followed.
• Operate yard equipment such as forklifts, telehandlers or pallet trucks when trained and authorised, and report any defects or maintenance needs promptly.
• Maintain daily yard housekeeping, keeping work areas tidy and safe and removing waste or obstructions as required.
• Support branch colleagues with stock counts, replenishment and general yard duties to help meet branch targets and customer commitments.
• Comply with company policies and legal requirements including health and safety, manual handling and vehicle loading regulations.
• Accurately record and report incidents, damaged stock or near misses in line with company procedures.

Person Specification

• Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchants environment (essential).
• Capable of undertaking physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying and working outdoors in all weathers.
• Basic numeracy and literacy with the ability to follow instructions and complete simple paperwork accurately.
• Good communication skills and a helpful, customer-focused attitude.
• Team player who works well with colleagues across the branch including telesales, transport and management teams.
• Reliable, punctual and flexible with a willingness to work overtime or alternate Saturdays when required.
• Basic IT awareness to support use of handheld devices or branch systems for order checking (desirable).
• Valid UK driving licence desirable; forklift or telehandler certification advantageous but training can be provided for the right candidate.
• Commitment to safe working practices and continuous improvement.

Working Hours, Salary and Benefits

• Full-time, permanent position based at our Whetstone branch.
• Typical hours Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00, with 1 in 2 Saturdays working 08.00 - 12.00; the specific shift pattern will be confirmed by the branch.
• Competitive salary - £30,175
• 25 days holiday per year 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.
• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and genuine progression opportunities within Lawsons.

Why Join Lawsons?

• Be part of a well-established, family-owned company with a strong local reputation.
• Work in a supportive, team-focused environment where practical skills and customer service are valued.
• Develop your career through structured training and clear progression pathways across our branch network.
• Play an important role in delivering outstanding service to trade and retail customers in Whetstone and the surrounding area.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are reliable, hardworking and enjoy practical work in a fast-paced yard environment, we would like to hear from you. #LP