At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Yard Operative, you'll ensure excellent customer service through accurate picking, packing, and maintaining yard standards.
- Company: Lawsons is the UK's largest independent fencing and timber merchant, with a strong reputation since 1921.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and online GP access.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team that values your contributions and offers training for career growth.
- Qualifications: You need a valid forklift licence and experience in a builders' merchants yard.
- Other info: Full-time hours with alternate Saturdays; a great opportunity for hands-on work in a busy environment.
The predicted salary is between 28971 - 29000 £ per year.
About Lawsons
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchants and now boasts 35 branches, 700 employees and £165 million turnover, founded in 1921 and operates across London and the South East of England.
The Role
As a Yard Operative at Lawsons, you will be working in the yard and warehouse, and be the first and last point of contact for customers visiting the branch, so you play a huge part in delivering a fantastic customer experience. A Yard Operative will need to deliver excellent customer service in the yard, through accurate picking & packing, excellent product knowledge and demonstrating best practice in regard to Health & Safety. The role involves building strong customer relationships with our trade and retail customers and ensure we are consistently delivering to expectations and needs.
About you
You'll need to be someone who isn't afraid of hard work and is a team player. The yard is one of the busiest areas of the branch so you would need to be willing to work under pressure to ensure customers are served in an efficient and friendly manner. If you're someone who is happy to get stuck in, then we'd love to hear from you. A forklift truck licence is essential for this role.
Working Hours
The Yard Operative position offers a full-time work schedule from Monday to Friday, with alternate Saturdays from 08:00 to 12:00, totalling 44.5 hours per week.
Branch Address - Southdown Works, Laughton Rd, Ringmer, Lewes, BN8 5PN
What you will get in return
- Salary £28,971 - £29,000 depending on experience
- 25 days Holiday + Bank Holidays + 1 Celebration day
- Pension Scheme
- Death In Service Scheme
- Employee Assisted Programme
- Online GP Access
Key Accountabilities
- Accurate picking of products, checking quality and quantity prior to packing & loading.
- Ensure that stock is replenished, rotated and merchandised.
- Safe & secure packing and loading of products on or into collecting vehicles, customer or supplier.
- Accurate completion of all paperwork.
- Provide Customers & Suppliers excellent service and attention in the Yard.
- Unloading and checking of all received deliveries into yard from either customer or supplier.
- Efficient and safe storage of received deliveries into appropriate locations observing company policies and Health & Safety.
- Maintain Yard Standards in line with yard audit criteria.
- Correct reporting and management of any damaged or compromised products or materials.
- Assist in the company stock.
- Maintain the yard to a high standard of tidiness and cleanliness.
- Keeping the Yard tidy, organised and clear of Hazards and obstructions at all times.
- Correct and Safe use of all mechanical equipment and machinery.
- Observe company dress code, including the correct and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
- The safe and secure custody of company property, stock, equipment, materials and other forms of asset including information.
- Carry out any other reasonable task as requested by your line manager.
- Cultivate and maintain exceptional standards of customer service and ensure Lawsons Best Practice, Standards and Company Policies are met.
- Build rapport, be polite and courteous to customers.
- Be vigilant to prevent loss of product by theft etc.
- Be vigilant and report any Health & Safety issues to the Line Manager immediately.
We would love to meet someone with
- Previous experience working in a Yard at a Builders Merchants (essential)
- A Live and Valid Forklift License (essential)
- Up to date forklift training certificate
- A positive & approachable attitude
- Good product knowledge within the Industry
- Professionalism and who will promote and adhere to the company's values
- Good interpersonal skills, confidence and ability to approach customers
- A good problem solver, logically minded and good math skills
- Good understanding of stock control principles
- Strong attention to detail.
- Able to work to and maintain, set company standards
- Good numeracy and ability to read picking tickets/delivery notes
- Good time management.
Why You Should Apply
- Join a company that values its employees and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.
- Be part of a dynamic team where your contributions are recognised and appreciated.
- Receive training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and career prospects.
- Work in a supportive environment that encourages innovation and teamwork.
Yard Operative - AVS Lewes employer: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative - AVS Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the products and services offered by Lawsons. Understanding their range of fencing, timber, and building materials will help you engage with customers more effectively and demonstrate your knowledge during any interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service skills in conversations or interviews. Since you'll be the first point of contact for customers, showcasing your ability to build rapport and provide excellent service will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience working in a busy yard environment. Share specific examples of how you've managed pressure and maintained high standards of safety and cleanliness, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have a forklift licence, make sure to mention it prominently. Being able to operate machinery safely is essential for this position, so demonstrating your qualifications and any recent training will strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Yard Operative - AVS Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any previous work in a yard at builders' merchants. Emphasise your forklift licence and any related training to catch the employer's attention.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Yard Operative role. Mention your customer service skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight specific skills that align with the job description, such as attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and good numeracy skills. Use examples from past experiences to demonstrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Yard Operative, you'll be the first point of contact for customers. Be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experiences and how you handled challenging situations. Highlight your ability to build rapport and maintain a friendly attitude under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Product Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with common products in the builders' merchants industry. During the interview, be ready to talk about your understanding of timber, fencing, and other materials. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Hard Work
The yard is a busy environment, so it's crucial to demonstrate that you're a team player who isn't afraid of hard work. Share examples from your past where you worked collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Highlight Health & Safety Awareness
Since the role involves operating machinery and maintaining safety standards, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of health and safety practices. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, particularly your forklift licence, and how you ensure safety in the workplace.