Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Van Driver / Yard Operative, ensuring top-notch customer service and efficient logistics.
- Company: Lawsons is the UK's largest independent fencing and builders' merchants with a rich history since 1921.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee perks like online GP access.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, enhance your skills, and make a real impact on customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Must have a full valid category B driving license and a forklift truck licence; previous yard experience is essential.
- Other info: Work full-time Monday to Friday with alternate Saturdays; based in Camden, London.
About Lawsons
Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchants and now boasts 35 branches, 700 employees and £165 million turnover, founded in 1921 and operates across London and the South East of England.
The Role
We are looking for a proactive and reliable Van Driver / Yard Operative to join our team at Lawsons Camden. This role is essential to maintain our high standards of service and customer satisfaction. If you have a passion for logistics and are eager to support operations on the ground, this job is for you.
As a Yard Operative at Lawsons, you will be working in the yard and warehouse, and be the first and last point of contact for customers visiting the branch, so you play a huge part in delivering a fantastic customer experience.”
A Yard Operative will need to deliver excellent customer service in the yard, through accurate picking & packing, excellent product knowledge and demonstrating best practice in regard to Health & Safety.
The role involves building strong customer relationships with our trade and retail customers and ensure we are consistently delivering to expectations and needs.
About you
You\’ll need to be someone who isn\’t afraid of hard work and is a team player. The yard is one of the busiest areas of the branch so you would need to be willing to work under pressure to ensure customers are served in an efficient and friendly manner. If you\’re someone who is happy to get stuck in, then we\’d love to hear from you.
A full valid category B driving license is essential.
A forklift truck licence is also essential for this role.
Working Hours
The Van Driver / Yard Operative position in Camden offers a full-time work schedule from Monday to Friday, with alternate Saturdays from 08:00 to 12:00, totalling 44.5 hours per week.
Branch Address – 53 Blundell St, London N7 9BN
What you will get in return…
£29,000 – £31,500, depending on experience
25 days Holiday + Bank Holidays + 1 Celebration day
Pension Scheme
Death In Service Scheme
Employee Assisted Programme
My Reward, including Online GP Access
Key Accountabilities…
Accurate picking of products, checking quality and quantity prior to packing & loading.
Ensure that stock is replenished, rotated and merchandised
Safe & secure packing and loading of products on or into collecting vehicles, customer or supplier.
Accurate completion of all paperwork.
Provide Customers & Suppliers excellent service and attention in the Yard.
Unloading and checking of all received deliveries into yard from either customer or supplier.
Efficient and safe storage of received deliveries into appropriate locations observing company policies and Health & Safety.
Maintain Yard Standards in line with yard audit criteria.
Correct reporting and management of any damaged or compromised products or materials.
Assist in the company stock
Maintain the yard to a high standard of tidiness and cleanliness
Keeping the Yard tidy, organised and clear of Hazards and obstructions at all times.
Correct and Safe use of all mechanical equipment and machinery
Observe company dress code, including the correct and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
The safe and secure custody of company property, stock, equipment, materials and other forms of asset including information.
Carry out any other reasonable task as requested by your line manager. Cultivate and maintain exceptional standards of customer service and ensure Lawsons Best Practice, Standards and Company Policies are met
Build rapport, be polite and courteous to customers
Be vigilant to prevent loss of product by theft etc
Be vigilant and report any Health & Safety issues to the Line Manager immediately #hp
We would love to meet someone with…
Previous experience working in a Yard at a Builders Merchants (essential)
A full valid category B driving license (essential)
A Live and Valid Forklift License (essential)
A Full UK Driving License (essential)
Up to date forklift training certificate
A positive & approachable attitude
Good product knowledge within the Industry
Professionalism and who will promote and adhere to the company\’s value’s
Good interpersonal skills, confidence and ability to approach customers
A good problem solver, logically minded and good math skills
Good understanding of stock control principles
Strong attention to detail.
Able to work to and maintain, set company standards
Good numeracy and ability to read picking tickets/delivery notes
Good time management
Van Driver / Yard Operative employer: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Van Driver / Yard Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the products and services offered by Lawsons. Understanding their range of fencing, timber, and building materials will not only help you in customer interactions but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in a similar yard or logistics role. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed customer relationships and maintained high standards of service in a busy environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of health and safety practices relevant to the yard environment. Being able to articulate your understanding of safe equipment use and hazard management will set you apart as a responsible candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your teamwork skills during the interview. Since the role requires working under pressure, be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with colleagues to meet tight deadlines and ensure customer satisfaction.
We think you need these skills to ace Van Driver / Yard Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any previous roles in yard operations or logistics. Emphasise your driving licence and forklift licence, as these are essential for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as customer service experience and attention to detail.
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you have experience working in a builders' merchants or similar environment, be sure to detail this in your application. Highlight your ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards of service.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Van Driver / Yard Operative, you'll be the first and last point of contact for customers. Be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experiences and how you handled challenging situations. Highlight your ability to build rapport and maintain a positive attitude.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Health & Safety
Health and safety is crucial in this role. Familiarise yourself with relevant health and safety regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure a safe working environment. Mention any specific training or certifications you have related to health and safety practices.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork Abilities
This position requires a strong team player who can work under pressure. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues in past roles, especially in busy environments. Show that you're willing to support your team and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Driving Experience
Since a full valid category B driving license is essential, be prepared to talk about your driving experience. Share any relevant details about your familiarity with different vehicle types, your driving record, and how you ensure safe and efficient deliveries.
