At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to handle stock, assist customers, and ensure a safe yard environment.
- Company: Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing and building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team and enjoy practical work outdoors.
- Why this job: Be part of a family-owned company with real career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in a yard or warehouse environment and a customer-focused attitude.
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, we operate across London and the South East of England with over 35 branches, more than 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We are committed to delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.
Role Overview
We are recruiting a Yard Operative to join our AVS Guildford branch. This is a hands‑on, customer‑facing role working in the branch yard to support daily operations, ensure safe handling of stock, assist colleagues and deliver excellent customer service. The successful candidate will be reliable, physically capable and able to work within a team to maintain an efficient, safe and customer‑focused yard environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive, unload and check deliveries of timber, fencing and building materials, ensuring quantities and quality meet company standards.
- Store and stack products safely and in an organised manner to maintain stock integrity and easy retrieval.
- Assist customers at the yard and on the phone with product selection, loading and basic product advice, delivering friendly and professional service at all times.
- Prepare and load customer collections and delivery vehicles, securing loads correctly and following vehicle loading procedures.
- Operate yard equipment such as forklifts, telehandlers or pallet trucks where trained and authorised, and report any defects promptly.
- Carry out daily yard housekeeping, keeping work areas tidy and safe and removing waste or obstructions as required.
- Support branch colleagues with stock counts, replenishment and general yard duties to help meet branch targets and customer commitments.
- Comply with company policies and legal requirements including health and safety, manual handling and vehicle loading regulations.
- Record and report incidents, damaged stock or near misses in line with company procedures.
Person Specification
- Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchants environment (essential).
- Ability to undertake physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying and working outdoors in all weathers.
- Basic numeracy and literacy with the ability to follow instructions and complete simple paperwork accurately.
- Good communication skills and a helpful, customer‑focused attitude.
- Team player who works well with colleagues across the branch including telesales, transport and management teams.
- Reliable, punctual and flexible with a willingness to work overtime or alternate Saturdays when required.
- Basic IT awareness to support use of handheld devices or branch systems for order checking (desirable).
- Valid UK driving licence desirable; forklift or telehandler certification advantageous but training can be provided for the right candidate.
- Commitment to safe working practices and continuous improvement.
Working Hours, Salary And Benefits
- Full‑time, permanent position based at our AVS Guildford branch.
- Typical hours Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00, with 1 in 2 Saturdays working 08.00 - 12.00.... specific shift pattern to be confirmed by the branch.
- Competitive salary - £30,175
- 25 days holiday per year 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.
- Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and genuine progression opportunities within Lawsons.
Why Join Lawsons?
- Be part of a well‑established, family‑owned company with a strong local reputation.
- Work in a supportive, team‑focused environment where practical skills and customer service are valued.
- Develop your career through structured training and clear progression pathways across our branch network.
- Play an important role in delivering outstanding service to trade and retail customers in Guildford and the surrounding area.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are reliable, hardworking and enjoy practical work in a fast‑paced yard environment, we would like to hear from you. #MP
Yard Operative in Guildford employer: LAWSONS TIMBER LIMITED
Lawsons Timber Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where safety and professionalism are paramount. As part of our Wandsworth team, you'll benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, a clear path for career progression, and a competitive pension scheme, all while being part of a dedicated team that values strong customer service and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative in Guildford
✨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!
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 TIMBER LIMITED'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 TIMBER LIMITED. 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 TIMBER LIMITED
✨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 TIMBER LIMITED.
