At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and paint steel products while supporting a busy team.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible hours and a focus on teamwork.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in painting and a commitment to safety and quality.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 30000 £ per year.
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 General Operative / Painter to be based at our Colney Heath Steels branch to join a busy local team that supports trade and retail customers.
Position Overview
We are seeking a reliable, safety-conscious and skilled General Operative / Painter on a permanent basis. This hands-on role involves preparing, painting and finishing steel products, carrying out general operative duties in the yard and workshop, and supporting the branch team to ensure timely, high-quality service for our customers. The successful candidate will combine practical painting expertise with good attention to health & safety, teamwork and a customer‑focused attitude.
Main Responsibilities
- Prepare steel surfaces for painting, including cleaning, degreasing, sanding, grit blasting or other surface preparation methods as required.
- Apply paint, primers, coatings and protective finishes using brushes, rollers, spray equipment or other appropriate methods to achieve consistent, high‑quality results.
- Mix and prepare paint and coatings to specified ratios, ensuring correct coverage and finish while minimising waste.
- Inspect finished work for quality, completeness and adherence to specifications; rectify defects and touch up as necessary to meet company standards.
- Undertake general operative duties in the yard and workshop including loading and unloading materials, moving stock, basic fabrication support and packaging finished items for dispatch.
- Operate mechanical handling equipment (e.g., pallet trucks, forklifts) where authorised and trained; ensure safe use and daily checks are completed.
- Maintain a clean, organised and safe working area; ensure tools, equipment and materials are stored correctly to prevent damage and reduce risk.
- Follow all health & safety procedures, including use of PPE, COSHH guidance for handling paints and solvents, and reporting hazards or incidents promptly.
- Assist colleagues with general branch duties when required and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency and customer service.
- Complete and maintain accurate records and paperwork related to jobs, materials used, and quality checks as required by the branch.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by your line manager to support branch performance and customer satisfaction.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in painting, coating application or a similar industrial/metal finishing environment (essential).
- Experience of surface preparation techniques and familiarity with different paint systems and protective coatings.
- Knowledge of health & safety practices related to painting works, including COSHH, safe handling of chemicals and correct use of PPE.
- Ability to use hand tools and basic powered equipment safely and competently; forklift or plant licence desirable but not essential.
- Good attention to detail with a commitment to delivering high quality workmanship and finishing standards.
- Basic IT literacy to complete electronic records and paperwork; ability to follow written instructions and job specifications.
- Good communication skills with a cooperative, team‑oriented approach and a customer‑focused attitude.
- Physically able to perform manual handling tasks, work at heights when required and stand for extended periods.
- Flexible and reliable with a practical, can‑do attitude and willingness to assist with a range of branch duties.
Working Hours
This is a full‑time, permanent position – 44.5 hours per week. Typical hours Monday to Friday plus 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 ‑ 12.00.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£30,175 ‑ £32,000)
- 25 days’ holiday pro rata plus Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day.
- Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing support including online GP.
- Training and development opportunities, including refresher training for painting, plant and safety courses.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing support with opportunities for career progression within Lawsons.
Why Join Lawsons at Colney Heath Steels?
- Work for a respected, long‑established company with strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.
- Join a supportive team where practical skills are valued and contributions are recognised.
- Take on a varied, hands‑on role with scope to develop technical skills and progress within the business.
- Be part of a business that prioritises safety, quality and excellent customer service.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you meet the essential requirements and are available to work from our Colney Heath Steels branch, we would like to hear from you.
General Operative / Painter Steels · Colney Heath employer: Lawsons Ltd.
Lawsons is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment at our Colney Heath Steels branch where practical skills are highly valued. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training opportunities and a clear path for career progression, all while prioritising safety and quality in our operations. Join us to be part of a respected company that recognises contributions and fosters a culture of teamwork and customer focus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Operative / Painter Steels · Colney Heath
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace General Operative / Painter Steels · Colney Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Lawsons Ltd.'s eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Lawsons Ltd.. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons Ltd.
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Lawsons Ltd..
