Yard Operative/handyperson

Wernick Hire; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous holiday allowance

Pension

Life assurance

Free onsite parking

Training and progression opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Wernick Hire is seeking a Yard Operative/Handyperson to join our depot team. You will clean, inspect, and prepare cabins and modular buildings for hire, ensuring they meet quality standards and safety requirements.

You will also perform basic fitting-out tasks and assist with repairs, while working closely with the Yard Foreman and hire desk staff. A forklift certification is preferred, and a proactive, customer-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Practical trade skills in joinery, plumbing, decorating or general maintenance.
• Ability to follow instructions, maintain safety procedures and use PPE correctly.
• Capable of handling outdoor/workshop duties and working with depot teams.

Responsibilities

• Clean, prepare and maintain cabins and site units to depot standards.
• Inspect returned units for damage; report and coordinate repairs.
• Assist with loading/unloading and basic fittings; operate depot equipment only if trained.
• Ensure safe, organized yard/workshop areas and minimal waste.

Skills

Joinery

Plumbing

Decorating

General maintenance

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Yard Operative/handyperson

Exciting Opportunity: Join Us as a Yard Operative/Handyperson at Wernick Hire!

Wernick Hire - Depot based unit preparation, maintenance and repair

About Wernick Hire

Wernick Hire is part of the Wernick Group and provides permanent and temporary modular buildings and site accommodation across the UK. Our success is built on quality, dependable service and colleagues who bring enthusiasm, professionalism, friendliness and a genuine can-do approach to their work.

Role Purpose

To support the safe and efficient running of the depot by cleaning, inspecting, maintaining, repairing and preparing cabins, modular buildings, welfare units, furniture and associated equipment for hire. The role helps ensure that units are presented to the required standard, work is completed on time and the yard and workshop remain safe, organised and ready to meet customer requirements.

About the role

Key Responsibilities

• Clean, wash, paint and prepare cabins, modular buildings and site accommodation units in line with depot priorities and required standards.
• Inspect returned units and furniture, identify damage or defects and report any work required to the appropriate supervisor.
• Remove, check, clean and store furniture and fittings safely, ready for future hire.
• Complete basic fitting-out and general handyperson tasks, which may include straightforward joinery, plumbing, decorating and minor repairs within the postholder’s competence.
• Prepare mobile welfare units and assist with servicing activity as required.

Maintenance, repairs and site support

• Carry out planned and reactive maintenance or repairs to cabins, buildings and associated equipment as instructed.
• Attend customer sites when required to complete repairs or maintenance safely, professionally and with minimal disruption.
• Use tools, equipment and materials correctly, reporting faults, shortages or further specialist work promptly.
• Minimise material waste and make responsible use of parts, consumables and other depot resources.

Yard operations and teamwork

• Assist with the safe loading and unloading of cabins, buildings, furniture, equipment and materials.
• Operate forklift trucks or other depot equipment only where trained, authorised and competent to do so, and complete required checks.
• Work closely with the Yard Foreman, Chargehand, hire desk and other depot colleagues to plan work, meet deadlines and support a smooth customer journey.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the yard, workshop, storage and work areas.
• Remain flexible and support the wider depot team with other reasonable duties when operational priorities require it.

Health, Safety, Quality and Compliance

• Follow company health, safety, environmental and quality procedures, site rules, risk assessments and safe systems of work at all times.
• Wear the required personal protective equipment and use tools, machinery and access equipment safely and correctly.
• Complete relevant checks and records accurately and report hazards, defects, incidents, near misses or unsafe conditions without delay.
• Keep work areas tidy and materials stored safely to reduce risk and maintain efficient depot standards.
• Only undertake work for which appropriate instruction, training and authorisation have been provided.

What Success Looks Like:

• Units and equipment are prepared safely, thoroughly and on time, with defects identified and addressed before hire.
• The yard and workshop are clean, organised and compliant with required standards.
• Repairs are completed to a good standard, with issues escalated promptly when specialist support is needed.
• Materials are used responsibly and avoidable waste or rework is minimised.
• Colleagues and customers receive helpful, professional and dependable support

Person Specification

Essential:

• Understands the importance of following instructions, safe systems of work and correct use of PPE, tools and equipment.
• Able to follow priorities, manage a varied workload and complete tasks accurately within agreed timescales.
• Takes pride in workmanship and pays close attention to cleanliness, presentation and detail.
• Communicates clearly, works positively with others and is willing to support different depot activities when needed.
• Professional and respectful when working at customer sites or representing Wernick Hire.
• Able to undertake a practical, active role involving outdoor and workshop-based duties, subject to appropriate workplace adjustments.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a yard, workshop, maintenance, construction, refurbishment, facilities or similar hands-on environment.
• Practical ability in one or more areas such as basic joinery, plumbing, decorating, general maintenance or repair work.
• Forklift or other relevant plant certification. Training may be provided where required.

What You Will Get in Return:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
• Generous holiday allowance (rising with service).
• Option to buy extra holidays.
• Option to sell or carry over up to 5 days holiday.
• Group pension.
• Annual salary review each January.
• Life assurance of 2x annual salary.
• Christmas shutdown.
• Early finish on Fridays.
• Personal accident insurance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Training and progression opportunities.
• Family-run and well-established, secure company (trading 90 years).
• Open door policy.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee referral scheme.
• Benefits scheme (discounted retailers).
• Corporate eyecare scheme through Specsavers.
• Direct communication with MD/CEO and staff satisfaction surveys.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in our company.

What You Should Know

The company is unable to sponsor employment of international workers in this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK.

About the company

The Wernick® Group of Companies has a proud history stretching back to 1934, growing from a humble maker of poultry crates to become Britain’s largest independent manufacturer and hirer of portable and modular accommodation.

Required Criteria

• Trade Skills:- Practical ability in one or more areas such as basic joinery, plumbing, decorating, general maintenance or repair work.
• Safety:- Understands the importance of following instructions, safe systems of work and correct use of PPE, tools and equipment.
• Organisation:- Able to follow priorities, manage a varied workload and complete tasks accurately within agreed timescales.
• Quality:- Takes pride in workmanship and pays close attention to cleanliness, presentation and detail.
• Teamwork:- Communicates clearly, works positively with others and is willing to support different depot activities when needed.
• Customer Service:- Professional and respectful when working at customer sites or representing Wernick Hire. (if required)
• Physical Capability:- Able to undertake a practical, active role involving outdoor and workshop-based duties, subject to appropriate workplace adjustments.

Desired Criteria

• Practical Experience:- Previous experience in a yard, workshop, maintenance, construction, refurbishment, facilities or similar hands-on environment.
• Equipment:- Forklift or other relevant plant certification. Training may be provided where required.

Skills you\'ll need