At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle materials, load deliveries, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent fencing and builders' merchants.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee rewards.
- Other info: Enjoy on-the-job training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in yard work or delivery driving; valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 33000 £ per year.
About Lawsons
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchants. Founded in 1921, we operate across London and the South East with 35 branches, over 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.
Position Overview
We are recruiting for a Yard Operative / Van Driver based at our AVS Basingstoke branch on a 6 month fixed term contract. This is a practical, hands-on role combining yard duties with local delivery responsibilities to ensure materials are handled, loaded and delivered safely and efficiently while providing excellent customer service to both trade and retail customers. The successful candidate will work closely with branch colleagues to maintain yard standards, prepare orders, complete local deliveries and support general branch duties during the contract period.
Working Hours
This is a full-time, fixed term (6 months) position. Typical hours are Monday to Friday 07:30–17:00, with 1 in 2 Saturdays 08:00–12:00. Occasional early starts or later finishes may be required to meet customer delivery windows.
Benefits for the Successful Candidate
- Competitive salary dependent on experience (£31,000 - £33,000 - pro rata over 6 months)
- 25 days holiday pro rata plus 8 Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day.
- Company pension scheme and Death In Service cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme and My Reward benefits including online GP access.
- On-the-job training and development opportunities with a well-established employer.
- Uniform and PPE provided as required.
Main Responsibilities
- Receive, unload and load deliveries safely and efficiently, checking items against paperwork and reporting any discrepancies or damage promptly.
- Prepare and secure customer orders for collection or local delivery, ensuring accuracy and correct packaging of loads.
- Carry out local deliveries using a company van, ensuring safe driving, on-time delivery and high standards of customer service.
- Store and stack materials correctly in the yard, maintaining tidy, safe and accessible work areas.
- Operate yard machinery and equipment (e.g. forklift, telehandler) where qualified, following all safety procedures and company guidelines.
- Assist customers at the yard and support counter colleagues with enquiries and collections when required.
- Carry out routine yard checks, basic maintenance and housekeeping tasks to uphold health and safety standards.
- Accurately complete delivery notes, goods received records and other required paperwork in line with company procedures.
- Report stock variances, damaged goods and customer feedback to branch management promptly.
- Adhere to company policies, health and safety regulations and safe systems of work at all times.
Qualifications and Skills
- Previous experience in a yard operative, delivery driver or builders’ merchant environment is essential.
- Valid UK driving licence with entitlement to drive a commercial van is essential; PCV or C+E not required for this role.
- Valid forklift or telehandler licence advantageous; training can be provided for the right candidate.
- Good practical skills, physically fit and able to handle manual lifting in line with safe lifting practices.
- Basic numeracy and the ability to complete accurate paperwork.
- Reliable, punctual and able to work well within a team in a busy environment.
- Good communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
- Flexible attitude with willingness to assist with additional duties such as vehicle loading/unloading and local branch support.
Why You Should Consider Joining Us
- Join a respected, long-established company with strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.
- Work in a supportive, team-focused environment with clear lines of supervision and on-the-job training.
- Play a key role in ensuring smooth branch operations and delivering excellent service to trade and retail customers during the contract period.
- Benefit from employee wellbeing support and an employee rewards package.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you have practical yard and delivery experience, a safe working approach and the drive to support a busy AVS Basingstoke branch for 6 months, we would like to hear from you.
Yard Operative / Van Driver (FTC) in Basingstoke employer: Lawsons
Lawsons is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and team-focused work environment at our AVS Basingstoke branch. With a commitment to colleague development, we provide on-the-job training, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of holiday pro rata and employee wellbeing support. Join us to play a vital role in delivering exceptional service while enjoying the stability of working for the UK's largest independent fencing and timber merchant.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative / Van Driver (FTC) in Basingstoke
✨Get to Know the Local Scene
Temporary roles in logistics and supply chain often rely on local connections. Visit local businesses or warehouses and introduce yourself! You'd be surprised how often work is filled through word of mouth, so put yourself out there.
✨Leverage Industry Events
Look for trade shows, logistics expos, or supply chain seminars happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and often feature companies looking for temporary staff. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
✨Be Ready to Flex Your Skills
In temporary roles, employers want people who can easily adapt. Brush up on your knowledge of inventory management systems or logistics software—anything that can show you're ready to jump in right away. It will make you stand out!
✨Apply through Our Website!
Don't forget to check our listings at StudySmarter! We often have great temporary roles in logistics and supply chain that you can apply for directly. Getting your application in through our site is a solid step towards landing your next gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Yard Operative / Van Driver (FTC) in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Logistics Know-How:When applying for a Yard Operative / Van Driver (FTC) in logistics and supply chain, make sure to highlight your relevant skills such as inventory management, procurement knowledge, and experience with logistics software. Tailor your CV to show any specific projects or coursework you've completed that relate to the field—specifics matter!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, it's important to showcase your flexibility in your cover letter. Employers want to know that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to changing priorities, so share examples of previous roles where you've shown this adaptability.
Include Certifications and Training:If you have any relevant certifications like a Forklift License or training in supply chain management, make sure these are front and centre in your application. They really can set you apart in the logistics field, especially for a temporary role where employers may prefer someone who's ready to jump straight into the task at hand.
Why You Want This Role:In your cover letter, express why you're interested in this temporary position at Lawsons. Use it as a chance to show your enthusiasm for the logistics field and how this experience will help you grow professionally. Remember, it’s about more than just the job—show us you're keen to learn and make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on fundamental supply chain concepts, like inventory management and logistics strategies. Since this is a temporary role, having a quick grasp of these basics can set you apart and show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you solved logistics challenges. Interviewers love hearing how you approached issues like delays or order discrepancies, so come prepared with a couple of solid examples that highlight your critical thinking skills.
✨Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
As a temporary candidate, we need to demonstrate adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can quickly integrate into different teams and handle diverse tasks. This can really showcase your potential to thrive in a fast-paced environment like logistics.
✨Get Familiar with Logistics Tools
Familiarise yourself with common supply chain management software, such as SAP or Oracle. Mentioning these tools during your interview can impress your interviewer at Lawsons and demonstrate your readiness to engage with their systems right away.
