Yard Operative

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Death in Service cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Online GP services

25 days holiday + bank holidays + a‑dd

Job summary

Lawsons is the UK’s leading independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. The Yard Operative at AVS Guildford will work in the yard to support daily operations, ensure safe handling of stock, and deliver excellent customer service in a busy branch environment.

You will be reliable, physically capable and a team player, contributing to a safe, efficient and customer‑focused yard operation across the Guildford branch network.

Qualifications

• Essential: Yard/warehouse experience in a builders’ merchants or similar environment.
• Physically capable, able to lift and carry, and work outdoors in all weathers.
• Basic numeracy and literacy to follow instructions and complete simple paperwork.
• Good communication and customer‑facing skills.
• Reliable, punctual and flexible with overtime/alternate Saturdays when required.

Responsibilities

• Receive, unload and check deliveries of timber, fencing and building materials to company standards.
• Store and stack products safely and organized for easy retrieval.
• Assist customers in yard and on the phone with product selection and loading.
• Prepare and load customer collections and delivery vehicles, ensuring loads are secure.
• Operate yard equipment (forklifts, telehandlers, pallet trucks) if trained and authorised.

Skills

Teamwork

Customer service

Communication

Health & safety awareness

Basic IT literacy

Driving licence (desirable)

Education

Basic numeracy and literacy

Tools

Forklift/telehandler (certification advantageous)

Job description

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 AVS Guildford branch. This is a hands‑on, customer‑facing role working in the branch yard to support daily operations, ensure safe handling of stock, assist colleagues and deliver excellent customer service. The successful candidate will be reliable, physically capable and able to work within a team to maintain an efficient, safe and customer‑focused yard environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, unload and check deliveries of timber, fencing and building materials, ensuring quantities and quality meet company standards.
• Store and stack products safely and in an organised manner to maintain stock integrity and easy retrieval.
• Assist customers at the yard and on the phone with product selection, loading and basic product advice, delivering friendly and professional service at all times.
• Prepare and load customer collections and delivery vehicles, securing loads correctly and following vehicle loading procedures.
• Operate yard equipment such as forklifts, telehandlers or pallet trucks where trained and authorised, and report any defects promptly.
• Carry out 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.
• 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).
• Ability to undertake 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 AVS Guildford branch.
• Typical hours Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00, with 1 in 2 Saturdays working 08.00 - 12.00.... specific shift pattern to 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 Guildford 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. #MP