At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and paint steel products while supporting a busy team.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of timber and building materials.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and training opportunities.
- 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 career progression.
- Qualifications: Experience in painting and a commitment to safety and quality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37500 £ 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 employer: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Lawsons is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where practical skills are highly valued and contributions are recognised. Located at the Colney Heath Steels branch, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a commitment to safety and quality service. Join a respected company that prioritises colleague growth and provides a varied, hands-on role with clear pathways for career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Operative / Painter
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like General Operative / Painter at Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace General Operative / Painter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
