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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to receive, store, and prepare goods while delivering top-notch customer service.
- Company: A family-owned business with a strong local reputation and commitment to service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Flexible hours with structured training and clear pathways for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in a yard or warehouse environment and forklift certification required.
The predicted salary is between 30175 - 30175 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Yard Operative to join our Guildford branch. This is a hands-on, branch-based role responsible for receiving, storing and preparing goods, supporting the yard team with loading and unloading, maintaining yard and stock accuracy, and delivering excellent customer service. The successful candidate will be reliable, safety conscious and able to work as part of a busy team to ensure efficient branch operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive deliveries from suppliers, check goods against delivery paperwork and report any discrepancies to the Yard Supervisor.
- Unload and load vehicles safely using appropriate lifting equipment and manual handling techniques; assist drivers and customers with loading where required.
- Stack, store and organise materials in the yard in a safe and accessible manner, ensuring stock is protected from damage and weather where applicable.
- Prepare customer orders and hold for collection or assist with local deliveries, ensuring items are accurate and securely packed for transport.
- Operate yard equipment such as forklifts, pallet trucks and towables where trained and authorised, following company procedures and completing daily checks.
- Maintain a clean, tidy and safe yard environment by removing waste, sweeping yard areas and ensuring spillages are dealt with promptly.
- Assist with stock counts and stock accuracy checks, recording any damaged or missing items and escalating as required.
- Deliver excellent customer service to trade and retail customers on site and over the counter, assisting with enquiries and product locations.
- Adhere to company health and safety policies, use appropriate PPE, complete required risk assessments and report incidents or near misses immediately.
- Work collaboratively with branch colleagues to support peak periods, promotions and any ad-hoc tasks to maintain branch performance.
Person Specification
- Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchant environment is essential.
- Forklift (Counterbalance/Reach) certification is essential.
- Good practical knowledge of manual handling and safe working practices with a commitment to follow company procedures.
- Physically fit and able to carry out manual handling tasks and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Customer-focused with strong communication skills and a professional, courteous manner.
- Reliable, punctual and able to work flexibly to meet business needs, including occasional early starts or Saturday cover where required.
- Basic IT literacy to use handheld devices and branch systems for stock checks and order processing.
- A team player who works well with colleagues across yard, sales and transport functions to deliver safe and efficient service.
Working Hours, Salary and Benefits
- Full-time, permanent position based at our Guildford branch.
- Typical contracted hours are Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00 with 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 - 12.00 to meet customer needs; flexibility is required.
- Competitive salary (£30,175).
- 25 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays and a celebration day, rising with service in line with company policy.
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to online GP services.
- Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and opportunities for career progression within the business.
Why Join Guildford?
- Work for a well-established, family-owned company with a strong local reputation and commitment to service.
- Be part of a supportive, team-focused environment where safety and customer service are prioritised.
- Develop your career through structured training and clear progression pathways.
- Play an important role in delivering outstanding service to trade and retail customers in Guildford and the surrounding area.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are reliable, safety-focused and take pride in delivering excellent service, we would like to hear from you.
Yard Operative Operations · Guildford employer: Lawsons Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Lawsons Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative Operations · Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Guildford branch and its operations. This will help you understand their values and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions related to yard operations and customer service. Practising your answers will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have experience with forklifts or manual handling, be sure to highlight this during your interview. Share specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to demonstrate your capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Yard Operative Operations · Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in yard operations or similar roles. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your forklift certification and manual handling knowledge!
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our Guildford branch. Mention your customer service skills and how you work well in a team – we love that kind of stuff!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the point. No need for fluff – just show us what you’ve got!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons Ltd.
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Yard Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like receiving deliveries, loading and unloading goods, and maintaining stock accuracy. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Safety Awareness
Since safety is a big deal in this role, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of health and safety practices. Mention any relevant certifications, like your forklift training, and share examples of how you've prioritised safety in previous jobs. This will demonstrate that you take safety seriously and can contribute to a safe working environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This job requires working closely with others, so highlight your teamwork skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in past roles, especially in busy environments. This will show that you can fit into their team and help maintain efficient branch operations.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones about the company culture, training opportunities, or how they handle peak periods. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if the company is the right fit for you.