Yard Operative

Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd; Salfords; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Death in Service cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing support

Induction and ongoing training

Career development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Lawsons is recruiting a Yard Operative for our Salfords branch. You will support day-to-day yard activities, handle timber, fencing and building materials, and prepare customer orders for collection or delivery.

We are looking for reliable, physically fit individuals with a focus on safety, customer service and teamwork. The role is full-time, 44.5 hours per week, with some Saturdays on a 1-in-3 basis.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchants role is essential.
• A Full and valid Forklift License is also advantageous.
• Physically fit and able to carry, lift and move materials safely throughout the shift.
• Awareness of safe material handling practices and commitment to following health & safety procedures.
• Good communication skills and a customer-focused attitude.
• Basic numeracy and ability to complete simple records accurately.
• Willingness to learn to operate forklifts/plant and obtain relevant qualifications where required.
• Reliable, punctual and flexible with a practical, team-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Unload, load and safely stack timber, fencing and building materials by hand and using mechanical plant where trained.
• Pick and prepare customer orders accurately and promptly for collection or delivery.
• Maintain yard organisation, ensuring stock is presented tidily and accessible for customers and colleagues.
• Carry out basic stock checks and record stock movements to support accurate inventory control.
• Assist drivers with vehicle loading and securing of goods to ensure safe, compliant deliveries.
• Complete routine housekeeping tasks, including waste removal and keeping work areas clean and safe.
• Follow health & safety procedures, report hazards, and assist with routine checks and incident reporting.
• Operate forklifts, telehandlers or other plant only if qualified and authorised, and assist with training coordination where required.
• Provide friendly, helpful service to customers visiting the yard and support colleagues during busy periods.
• Undertake any additional reasonable duties required to support branch operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer focus

Numeracy

Team player

Reliability

Flexibility

Safety awareness

Willingness to learn

Physical ability

Tools

Forklift license

Plant operation

Job description

Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of timber, fencing and building materials. With over 35 branches and 700+ colleagues across London and the South East, we deliver quality products, expert advice and excellent customer service. We are recruiting for a Yard Operative based at our Salfords branch to join a busy local team that supports trade and retail customers.

Position Overview

We are looking for a reliable, hard-working Yard Operative to support day-to-day yard activities at Salfords. This hands-on role involves handling timber, fencing and building materials, preparing customer orders, maintaining yard presentation and ensuring safe working practices. The successful candidate will work closely with the branch team to deliver a positive experience for customers and contribute to efficient yard operations.

Main Responsibilities

• Unload, load and safely stack timber, fencing and building materials by hand and using mechanical plant where trained
• Pick and prepare customer orders accurately and promptly for collection or delivery
• Maintain yard organisation, ensuring stock is presented tidily and accessible for customers and colleagues
• Carry out basic stock checks and record stock movements to support accurate inventory control
• Assist drivers with vehicle loading and securing of goods to ensure safe, compliant deliveries
• Complete routine housekeeping tasks, including waste removal and keeping work areas clean and safe
• Follow health & safety procedures, report hazards, and assist with routine checks and incident reporting
• Operate forklifts, telehandlers or other plant only if qualified and authorised, and assist with training coordination where required
• Provide friendly, helpful service to customers visiting the yard and support colleagues during busy periods
• Undertake any additional reasonable duties required to support branch operations

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchants role is essential.
• A Full and valid Forklift License is also advantageous.
• Physically fit and able to carry, lift and move materials safely throughout the shift
• Awareness of safe material handling practices and commitment to following health & safety procedures
• Good communication skills and a customer-focused attitude
• Basic numeracy and ability to complete simple records accurately
• Willingness to learn to operate forklifts/plant and obtain relevant qualifications where required
• Reliable, punctual and flexible with a practical, team-oriented approach

Working Hours

This is a full-time, permanent position. Typical hours are 44.5 per week Monday to Friday with 1 in 3 Saturday mornings required (08:00–12:00).

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£30,175 - £32,500)
• 25 days’ holiday plus UK Bank Holidays and an additional celebration day
• Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing support including online GP
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training with opportunities for career development
• Supportive team environment within a leading independent supplier

Why Join Lawsons at Salfods?

• Be part of the UK’s leading independent supplier of timber, fencing and building materials
• Work in a varied, practical role with opportunities to develop new skills and progress internally
• Contribute to a friendly local branch serving trade and retail customers
• Join a business that values safety, customer service and colleague wellbeing

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are a dependable team player with practical experience or the willingness to learn, we would like to hear from you. #MP