Yard Operative

Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd; Rowlands Castle; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and career development

My Reward platform

Job summary

Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd is recruiting a Yard Operative for our Havant branch. This hands-on role ensures safe handling of materials, assists customers and drivers, and keeps a clean, organised yard environment. Full-time, permanent with typical hours Monday–Friday 07.30–17.00 and occasional Saturdays.

You will load/unload materials, help with orders, support drivers, and help maintain stock accuracy and safety across the yard. A full UK driving licence is desirable.

Qualifications

• Previous yard/warehouse experience is essential.
• Good numeracy and IT literacy; comfortable with handheld devices and company systems.
• Strong teamwork and customer‑focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload materials safely using manual handling techniques and aids.
• Prepare customer orders for collection and assist with yard collections.
• Support delivery drivers with loading and paperwork as needed.
• Maintain yard presentation, stock labelling and accessibility.
• Operate yard equipment if trained (e.g. forklift/telehandler) following safety rules.
• Report stock shortages, damage or discrepancies to supervisor.

Skills

Yard/Warehouse experience

Numeracy

IT literacy

Team player

Health and safety awareness

Forklift/Telehandler licence

Full UK driving licence (desirable)

Tools

Forklift/Telehandler

Job description

About Us

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 Us

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 Havant branch. This is an operational, hands‑on role responsible for supporting yard and branch activities, ensuring materials are handled safely and efficiently, assisting customers and drivers, and maintaining a clean, organised and compliant yard environment.

Working hours

Full time, permanent position. Typical hours will be Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00 with 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08:00 - 12:00.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary (£30,175)
• 25 days’ holiday plus UK Bank Holidays and an additional celebration day
• Pension scheme, Death in Service benefit, and Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to the “My Reward” platform including Online GP Access and wellbeing support
• Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training with opportunities for career development
• Supportive, team-oriented culture within a leading independent supplier

Main Responsibilities

• Load and unload materials safely and efficiently, using correct manual handling techniques and mechanical aids where provided.
• Prepare customer orders for collection and assist with customer collections at the yard, ensuring accuracy and a professional service.
• Support delivery drivers when required, including assisting with vehicle loading, securing loads and completing relevant paperwork.
• Maintain yard presentation and housekeeping, ensuring stock is stored safely, labelled and accessible.
• Operate yard equipment (e.g. forklift, telehandler) if trained and authorised, following all safety procedures and site rules.
• Carry out routine checks on stock and report shortages, damage or discrepancies to the supervisor.
• Report and record any incidents, near misses or hazards in line with company procedures and promote safe working practices.
• Assist with basic inventory tasks, stock rotation and yard reorganisations as directed by the branch manager.
• Work collaboratively with branch colleagues to support ad‑hoc tasks during quieter periods to ensure smooth branch operation.

Qualifications And Skills

• Previous yard, warehouse or manual handling experience essential, preferably within builders’ merchants, timber, landscaping or related sectors.
• Good practical skills, physically capable of handling materials and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Basic numeracy and IT literacy, comfortable using handheld devices and company systems where required.
• Strong team orientation with good communication skills and a customer‑focused approach.
• Organised, reliable and able to work with minimal supervision while following health and safety and company procedures.
• Willingness to undertake training and obtain relevant licences/certificates (e.g. forklift/telehandler) where required.
• Full UK driving licence desirable but not essential.

Why Join Lawsons?

• Be part of a well‑established and respected company with excellent career development opportunities.
• Work in a varied and rewarding role with direct impact on branch performance and customer satisfaction.
• Access to company benefits including pension, employee assistance programme and training opportunities.
• A supportive team environment where your contribution is recognised and valued.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are practical, reliable and enjoy working in a busy yard environment, we would like to hear from you. #MP