At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Yard Operative, you'll ensure excellent customer service through accurate picking, packing, and maintaining yard standards.
- 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 assistance programmes.
- Other info: Work full-time Monday to Friday with alternate Saturdays; be ready for a fast-paced environment!
- Why this job: Join a supportive team that values your contributions and offers training for career growth.
- Qualifications: You need a valid forklift licence and experience in a builders' merchants yard.
The predicted salary is between 24900 - 29100 £ 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 Yard Operative based at our Salfods branch to join a busy local team that supports trade and retail customers.
Position Overview
We are looking for a reliable, hard-working Yard Operative to support day-to-day yard activities at Salfods. This hands-on role involves handling timber, fencing and building materials, preparing customer orders, maintaining yard presentation and ensuring safe working practices. The successful candidate will work closely with the branch team to deliver a positive experience for customers and contribute to efficient yard operations.
Main Responsibilities
- Unload, load and safely stack timber, fencing and building materials by hand and using mechanical plant where trained
- Pick and prepare customer orders accurately and promptly for collection or delivery
- Maintain yard organisation, ensuring stock is presented tidily and accessible for customers and colleagues
- Carry out basic stock checks and record stock movements to support accurate inventory control
- Assist drivers with vehicle loading and securing of goods to ensure safe, compliant deliveries
- Complete routine housekeeping tasks, including waste removal and keeping work areas clean and safe
- Follow health & safety procedures, report hazards, and assist with routine checks and incident reporting
- Operate forklifts, telehandlers or other plant only if qualified and authorised, and assist with training coordination where required
- Provide friendly, helpful service to customers visiting the yard and support colleagues during busy periods
- Undertake any additional reasonable duties required to support branch operations
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchants role is essential.
- Physically fit and able to carry, lift and move materials safely throughout the shift
- Awareness of safe material handling practices and commitment to following health & safety procedures
- Good communication skills and a customer-focused attitude
- Basic numeracy and ability to complete simple records accurately
- Willingness to learn to operate forklifts/plant and obtain relevant qualifications where required
- Reliable, punctual and flexible with a practical, team-oriented approach
Working Hours
This is a full-time, permanent position. Typical hours are 44.5 per week Monday to Friday with 1 in 3 Saturday mornings required (08:00–12:00).
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£30,175 - £32,500)
- 25 days’ holiday plus UK Bank Holidays and an additional celebration day
- Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing support including online GP
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training with opportunities for career development
- Supportive team environment within a leading independent supplier
Why Join Lawsons at Salfods?
- Be part of the UK’s leading independent supplier of timber, fencing and building materials
- Work in a varied, practical role with opportunities to develop new skills and progress internally
- Contribute to a friendly local branch serving trade and retail customers
- Join a business that values safety, customer service and colleague wellbeing
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are a dependable team player with practical experience or the willingness to learn, we would like to hear from you. #MP
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Yard Operative in Salfords employer: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Ascot where teamwork and safety are paramount. With a commitment to employee growth, the company provides training opportunities and a competitive salary, making it an ideal place for those looking to build a rewarding career in the timber and building materials industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative in Salfords
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the products and services offered by Lawsons. Understanding their range of fencing, timber, and building materials will help you engage with customers more effectively and demonstrate your knowledge during any interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service skills in conversations or interviews. Since you'll be the first point of contact for customers, showcasing your ability to build rapport and provide excellent service will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Make sure to emphasise your experience working in a busy yard environment. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed pressure and maintained high standards of safety and organisation in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have a forklift licence, be prepared to discuss your training and any relevant experiences. Being able to demonstrate your competence and confidence in operating machinery will be crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Yard Operative in Salfords
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any previous roles in a yard or builders' merchants. Emphasise your forklift licence and any specific skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your customer service skills and ability to work under pressure. Mention your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to maintaining high standards in the yard.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your application, detail any past experiences that demonstrate your product knowledge and ability to build strong customer relationships. Use specific examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented 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
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Yard Operative, you'll be the first point of contact for customers. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in customer service and how you handled challenging situations. Highlight your ability to build rapport and maintain a friendly attitude under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Product Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with common products in the fencing and timber industry. During the interview, be ready to discuss specific items and their uses. This will show that you have a genuine interest in the role and can provide valuable information to customers.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Hard Work
The yard is a busy environment, so it's important to convey your willingness to work hard and collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Highlight Health & Safety Awareness
Since the role involves operating machinery and maintaining safety standards, be prepared to discuss your understanding of health and safety protocols. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, particularly your forklift licence, and how you ensure safety in the workplace.
