At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Yard Operative, you'll ensure excellent customer service through picking, packing, and maintaining yard standards.
- Company: Lawsons is the UK's largest independent fencing and builders' merchants with a strong reputation since 1921.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee assistance programmes.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday with one Saturday shift every two weeks in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team where your hard work is recognised and contributes to customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Must have previous yard experience and a valid forklift licence; good interpersonal skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 29000 £ per year.
Role Overview We are recruiting a Yard Operative to join our Colney Heath branch. This is a hands‑on, branch‑based role responsible for receiving, storing and preparing goods, supporting the yard team with loading and unloading, maintaining yard and stock accuracy, and delivering excellent customer service. The successful candidate will be reliable, safety conscious and able to work as part of a busy team to ensure efficient branch operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive deliveries from suppliers, check goods against delivery paperwork and report any discrepancies to the Yard Supervisor.
- Unload and load vehicles safely using appropriate lifting equipment and manual handling techniques; assist drivers and customers with loading where required.
- Stack, store and organise materials in the yard in a safe and accessible manner, ensuring stock is protected from damage and weather where applicable.
- Prepare customer orders and hold for collection or assist with local deliveries, ensuring items are accurate and securely packed for transport.
- Operate yard equipment such as forklifts, pallet trucks and towables where trained and authorised, following company procedures and completing daily checks.
- Maintain a clean, tidy and safe yard environment by removing waste, sweeping yard areas and ensuring spillages are dealt with promptly.
- Assist with stock counts and stock accuracy checks, recording any damaged or missing items and escalating as required.
- Deliver excellent customer service to trade and retail customers on site and over the counter, assisting with enquiries and product locations.
- Adhere to company health and safety policies, use appropriate PPE, complete required risk assessments and report incidents or near misses immediately.
- Work collaboratively with branch colleagues to support peak periods, promotions and any ad‑hoc tasks to maintain branch performance.
Person Specification
- Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchant environment is essential.
- Forklift (Counterbalance/Reach) certification is essential.
- Good practical knowledge of manual handling and safe working practices with a commitment to follow company procedures.
- Physically fit and able to carry out manual handling tasks and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Customer‑focused with strong communication skills and a professional, courteous manner.
- Reliable, punctual and able to work flexibly to meet business needs, including occasional early starts or Saturday cover where required.
- Basic IT literacy to use handheld devices and branch systems for stock checks and order processing.
- A team player who works well with colleagues across yard, sales and transport functions to deliver safe and efficient service.
Working Hours, Salary and Benefits
- Full‑time, permanent position based at our Colney Heath branch.
- Typical contracted hours are Monday to Friday 07.30 – 17.00 with 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 – 12.00 to meet customer needs; flexibility is required.
- Competitive salary in line with experience (£30,175 – £32,000).
- 25 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays and a celebration day, rising with service in line with company policy.
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to online GP services.
- Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and opportunities for career progression within the business.
Equal Opportunities
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are reliable, safety‑focused and take pride in delivering excellent service, we would like to hear from you.
Yard Operative in St Albans employer: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
At Lawsons, we pride ourselves on being the UK's largest independent fencing, timber and builders' merchants, offering a dynamic work environment in Colney Heath where our Yard Operatives play a crucial role in delivering exceptional customer service. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee development, we foster a supportive culture that values hard work and teamwork, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to grow and thrive within our well-established company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative in St Albans
✨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 and last 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 managed pressure and maintained high standards of safety and efficiency 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 St Albans
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 truck 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 commitment to health and safety practices 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 ability to pick and pack accurately, manage stock, and provide excellent customer service. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your 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 Yard Operative, you'll be the first 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 Product Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with common products in the fencing and timber industry. During the interview, showcase your knowledge about these products and how they relate to customer needs. This will demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent service.
✨Emphasise Health & Safety Awareness
Health and safety is crucial in this role. Be ready to discuss your understanding of health and safety practices, especially regarding the use of machinery and equipment. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed time-sensitive tasks or resolved issues efficiently.
