Yard Operative

Yard Operative

Birmingham Full-Time 22600 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Yard Operative, picking orders and serving customers daily.
  • Company: We're a leading independent builders' merchant with over 100 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, profit share bonus, pension scheme, and health cash plan.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values your growth and community impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience with stock handling and a valid forklift licence is preferred.
  • Other info: Workwear and PPE provided, plus an Employee Assistance Programme for your well-being.

The predicted salary is between 22600 - 30000 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity for a Yard Operative has become available based at our Olton delivery depot.

The Role

We require an enthusiastic individual who can provide excellent customer service to our trade and retail customers. You will be working in the yard and warehouse to retrieve stock as well as preparing and picking orders to be loaded onto our lorries for delivery.

Person & Skills

The successful candidate will be familiar with all aspects of stock handling and have knowledge of heavy‑side building materials. Ideally you will have recent experience of driving a counterbalance and combination forklift, as well as having a valid forklift licence.

Key Tasks

  • Picking orders and serving customers
  • Assisting with loading/unloading of HGV vehicles in a safe manner
  • Stock rotation and maintenance
  • Delivering a safe, first‑class service to our valued trade customers and members of the public
  • Health & Safety awareness/adherence
  • Basic salary of £,311.20 (£12.81 per hour)
  • Company Profit Share Bonus (dependant on company performance)
  • Company pension scheme
  • Life Assurance Scheme
  • Health Cash Plan – Salary Sacrifice
  • Company workwear/PPE provided
  • Employee Assistance Programme

Location

Brighton Road, Birmingham

About Us

With over a century of experience in the construction industry, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchants. Our network of branches across the Midlands and South‑East offer a wide range of building materials and expert advice to everyone from national housebuilders to local tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. Whether it’s bricks and blocks, timber, landscaping supplies, or specialist products, we deliver with reliability and care. Our knowledgeable staff, responsive service and strong supply partnerships ensure our customers can depend on us to keep their projects moving forward.

We have a deep‑rooted commitment to our people and communities, and giving back is core to who we are. Each year we donate a portion of our profits to the EH Smith Charitable Trust, supporting local charities and not‑for‑profit organisations that make a real difference in the communities we serve.

Our People

At the heart of our business are our colleagues, and that’s why we champion a people‑first culture that is caring, respectful and genuinely supportive. We prioritise our colleagues’ well‑being and growth, fostering a culture where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

We believe that learning never stops, and so we actively invest in the development of our colleagues, providing opportunities to grow and thrive in an inclusive, positive environment. Whether someone is just starting their journey with us or looking to take the next step, we provide the tools, encouragement, and opportunities to help them grow and thrive.

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Yard Operative employer: Eh Smith (builders Merchants) Ltd.

Join our Birmingham Central branch as a Yard Operative and become part of a people-first culture that values your contributions and supports your growth. With competitive salaries, profit-sharing bonuses, and a commitment to employee well-being, we offer a rewarding work environment where you can thrive in the construction industry. Our dedication to community support and continuous learning ensures that you will not only excel in your role but also make a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

Eh Smith (builders Merchants) Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Yard Operative

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific building materials and stock handling processes relevant to the role. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.

✨Tip Number 2

If you have experience driving forklifts, be prepared to discuss this in detail. Highlight any specific situations where you ensured safety while loading or unloading materials, as this is crucial for the Yard Operative role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully interacted with customers in previous roles. This will help illustrate your ability to provide first-class service, which is a key aspect of the job.

✨Tip Number 4

Research our company culture and values, especially our commitment to community and employee development. Being able to align your personal values with ours can make a strong impression during the interview process.

We think you need these skills to ace Yard Operative

Customer Service Skills
Stock Handling Knowledge
Experience with Heavy-Side Building Materials
Counterbalance Forklift Operation
Combination Forklift Operation
Valid Forklift Licence
Health and Safety Awareness
Order Picking Skills
Loading and Unloading Skills
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Yard Operative position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in stock handling and customer service.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any previous experience you have with heavy-side building materials, as well as your familiarity with operating forklifts. Mention your valid forklift licence prominently in your CV.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your values align with their commitment to customer service and community support, and provide examples of how you've delivered excellent service in the past.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a role that involves customer interaction.

How to prepare for a job interview at Eh Smith (builders Merchants) Ltd.

✨Know Your Stock

Familiarise yourself with the types of heavy-side building materials the company offers. Being able to discuss specific products and their uses will show your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.

✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills

Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. This could include handling difficult situations or going above and beyond for a customer, as this role heavily relies on serving trade and retail customers.

✨Highlight Forklift Experience

If you have experience driving a counterbalance or combination forklift, be sure to mention it. Bring your valid forklift licence to the interview, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the role.

✨Emphasise Health & Safety Awareness

Discuss your understanding of health and safety protocols, especially in a yard and warehouse environment. Showing that you prioritise safety will align with the company's commitment to providing a safe working environment.

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