At a Glance
- Tasks: Load and unload materials, assist customers, and maintain a clean yard environment.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing and building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture where your contributions are valued.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role with great career development opportunities.
- Qualifications: Previous yard or warehouse experience preferred; strong team player with good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30175 - 30175 £ per year.
About Us 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 Havant branch. This is an operational, hands‑on role responsible for supporting yard and branch activities, ensuring materials are handled safely and efficiently, assisting customers and drivers, and maintaining a clean, organised and compliant yard environment.
Working Hours Full time, permanent position. Typical hours: Monday to Friday 07:30 – 17:00 with every other Saturday morning 08:00 – 12:00.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£30,175)
- 25 days’ holiday plus UK bank holidays and an additional celebration day
- Pension scheme, death in service benefit, and employee assistance programme
- Access to the “My Reward” platform including online GP access and wellbeing support
- Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training with opportunities for career development
- Supportive, team‑oriented culture within a leading independent supplier
Main Responsibilities
- Load and unload materials safely and efficiently, using correct manual handling techniques and mechanical aids where provided.
- Prepare customer orders for collection and assist with customer collections at the yard, ensuring accuracy and a professional service.
- Support delivery drivers when required, including assisting with vehicle loading, securing loads and completing relevant paperwork.
- Maintain yard presentation and housekeeping, ensuring stock is stored safely, labelled and accessible.
- Operate yard equipment (e.g. forklift, telehandler) if trained and authorised, following all safety procedures and site rules.
- Carry out routine checks on stock and report shortages, damage or discrepancies to the supervisor.
- Report and record any incidents, near misses or hazards in line with company procedures and promote safe working practices.
- Assist with basic inventory tasks, stock rotation and yard reorganisations as directed by the branch manager.
- Work collaboratively with branch colleagues to support ad‑hoc tasks during quieter periods to ensure smooth branch operation.
Qualifications And Skills
- Previous yard, warehouse or manual handling experience desirable, preferably within builders’ merchants, timber, landscaping or related sectors.
- Good practical skills, physically capable of handling materials and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Basic numeracy and IT literacy, comfortable using handheld devices and company systems where required.
- Strong team orientation with good communication skills and a customer‑focused approach.
- Organised, reliable and able to work with minimal supervision while following health and safety and company procedures.
- Willingness to undertake training and obtain relevant licences/certificates (e.g. forklift/telehandler) where required.
- Full UK driving licence desirable but not essential.
Why Join Lawsons Be part of a well‑established and respected company with excellent career development opportunities. Work in a varied and rewarding role with direct impact on branch performance and customer satisfaction. Access to company benefits including pension, employee assistance programme and training opportunities. A supportive team environment where your contribution is recognised and valued. Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are practical, reliable and enjoy working in a busy yard environment, we would like to hear from you.
Yard Operative in Hampshire employer: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Lawsons is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and team-oriented culture where employees are valued and recognised for their contributions. With comprehensive onboarding, ongoing training, and excellent career development opportunities, you can thrive in a varied and rewarding role at our Havant branch. Enjoy competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and access to wellbeing support, all while being part of the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing, timber, and building materials.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lawsons. Understand their values, products, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the key responsibilities of a Yard Operative and prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills. Whether it’s handling materials or assisting customers, having real-life stories ready will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you go for your interview, wear something smart but practical. You want to show that you’re ready for a hands-on role while still making a good impression. Plus, it shows you respect the opportunity!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, if you haven’t already, apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Yard Operative in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Experience:When you're filling out your application, make sure to highlight any previous yard or warehouse experience you've got. We want to see how your skills can fit into our team, so don’t be shy about sharing relevant details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your background and what you can bring to Lawsons without any confusion.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Yard Operative role. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description that resonate with your experience. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand what Lawsons does and the specifics of the Yard Operative role. Familiarise yourself with their products and services, especially fencing, timber, and building materials. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Highlight any previous experience you have in yard or warehouse work, especially if it's related to builders’ merchants or manual handling. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've done, like loading and unloading materials or using equipment like forklifts. This will demonstrate that you're a practical fit for the role.
✨Safety First
Since safety is a big part of the job, be prepared to talk about how you handle materials safely and efficiently. Brush up on basic health and safety practices and be ready to share examples of how you've maintained a clean and organised work environment in the past.
✨Team Player Vibes
Lawsons values teamwork, so be sure to convey your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in previous roles, especially during busy periods. This will show that you can contribute positively to their supportive team culture.
