At a Glance
- Tasks: Support yard operations by handling stock and providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing and building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and industry-leading training.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Work outdoors in a supportive team while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience in yard or customer service roles; forklift experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30175 - 30175 £ per year.
Lawsons is proud to be the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, with over 35 branches and 700+ colleagues across London and the South East, we continue to grow by building lasting relationships with customers and cultivating a supportive team culture. We are recruiting a Yard Operative to join our Coulsdon branch and support the safe and efficient running of the yard, stock handling and customer service operations.
Role Overview
This is a hands-on yard role for a reliable and safety-conscious individual who enjoys working outdoors and as part of a busy branch team. The successful candidate will assist with the receipt, storage, picking and loading of fencing, timber, landscaping and building materials, while helping to maintain a safe, organised and customer-focused yard environment.
Working Hours
Full-time, permanent position based at our Coulsdon branch. Working hours will be 07.30 - 17.00 and 1 in 2 Saturday mornings working 08.00 - 12.00. Flexibility for early starts, busy periods and changing operational requirements is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive deliveries of fencing, timber, landscaping and building materials, checking quantities and condition against delivery documentation.
- Pick, prepare and load customer orders accurately and safely.
- Assist customers with the collection and loading of products, providing helpful and professional service at all times.
- Move and handle heavy and bulky materials using safe manual handling techniques and appropriate equipment.
- Operate yard equipment and machinery in accordance with training, manufacturer guidance and company procedures.
- Maintain accurate stock locations and report shortages, damages or discrepancies to the branch management team.
- Keep the yard, loading areas and storage facilities clean, tidy and well organised.
- Support vehicle loading and delivery preparation, ensuring materials are secured safely where required.
- Follow all relevant health & safety, manual handling, environmental and company policies and procedures.
- Report hazards, incidents, damaged goods and equipment defects promptly.
- Work closely with branch colleagues, drivers and customers to ensure orders are fulfilled efficiently.
- Undertake other reasonable yard and branch duties as required.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in a yard, warehouse, builders’ merchant, distribution or customer service environment is essential.
- Experience handling timber, fencing, landscaping products or building materials is advantageous.
- Good understanding of safe manual handling and the ability to work safely with heavy and bulky products.
- Forklift or other relevant machinery experience is desirable; training may be provided for the right candidate.
- Physically fit and able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Reliable, punctual and willing to work as part of a busy team.
- Good attention to detail when picking orders, checking deliveries and maintaining stock.
- Good communication skills and a customer-focused attitude.
- Positive approach to health & safety, with a commitment to reporting hazards and following safe working practices.
- Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and maintain high standards during busy periods.
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary £30,175. 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays and an additional celebration day, rising with service in line with company policy. Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover. Employee Assistance Programme and access to Online GP services. Industry-leading training and development opportunities and genuine progression prospects within Lawsons.
Why Join Lawsons Coulsdon?
- Join the UK’s leading independent merchant for fencing, timber and building materials.
- Work in a supportive, team-focused branch environment.
- Play an important role in keeping the yard organised and supporting excellent service to trade and retail customers.
- Build product knowledge and develop your career through structured training and ongoing support.
- Benefit from a company committed to colleague wellbeing, safety and development.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are a reliable and hardworking Yard Operative who takes pride in working safely, supporting customers and maintaining high standards, we would like to hear from you.
Yard Operative Operations · Coulsdon employer: Lawsons Ltd.
At Lawsons Ltd., we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering our Relief HGV Drivers a supportive work culture that values safety and customer service. Located in New Malden, our team enjoys competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and robust employee support programs, all while having the opportunity to grow within a dynamic and flexible working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative Operations · Coulsdon
✨Get to Know Local Distribution Centres
Start hanging around local distribution centres and warehouses, like the ones that might belong to Lawsons Ltd.. Many times, they have sign-up sheets for job openings or even informal meet-ups that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Talk to Recruiters and Employment Agencies
There are loads of recruitment agencies that specifically focus on warehouse and logistics roles. Get in touch with them and let them know you’re looking for full-time work. They often have inside info on openings before they're advertised!
✨Brush Up on Your Skills
Think about the specific skills that are hot in the warehouse sector right now, like inventory management software or health and safety protocols. We can help you find resources to polish up your abilities, which can make you stand out when you're looking at those full-time gigs.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don't forget to keep an eye on our website for any full-time listings at Lawsons Ltd.. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in logistics and warehousing!
We think you need these skills to ace Yard Operative Operations · Coulsdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Inventory Management:When you're whipping up your CV, make sure to spotlight any experience you've got in inventory management or warehousing. We love to see proficiency in stock control systems or previous roles where you've managed inventory levels. Show us how you can keep things organised and running smoothly!
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In the warehouse and logistics field, attention to detail is key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you've caught mistakes or streamlined processes in the past. Let us know how your precision can contribute to our team at Lawsons Ltd..
Get Familiar with Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to warehousing or logistics—like health and safety or forklift operation—make sure they shine on your CV! We appreciate all the qualifications that show you're serious about the role and keeping a safe, efficient workspace.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:Logistics can be unpredictable, so if you've tackled any significant challenges in previous positions, tell us all about it! Use your cover letter to highlight how you've adapted to situations, such as changes in supply or unexpected delays. We want to see your resourcefulness in action for this full-time role at Lawsons Ltd..
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons Ltd.
✨Know Your Warehouse Systems
Familiarise yourself with popular warehouse management systems like SAP or Oracle. If you have experience using these or similar tools, be prepared to discuss how you utilised them to improve efficiency or accuracy in inventory management.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the logistics arena, unexpected challenges pop up all the time. Be ready to share some examples of when you faced a logistical hiccup and how you tackled it. This shows you can think on your feet and keep things running smoothly.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since it’s a full-time position, expect questions about your ability to work in a team in a busy warehousing environment. Share experiences where you collaborated with others, maybe to meet tight deadlines or manage large shipments, ensuring you showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Safety First! Talk About Protocols
Logistics roles require a real understanding of safety protocols. Brush up on basic safety guidelines and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented or adhered to these in past roles. This shows that you’re serious about your role in maintaining a safe working environment.
