At a Glance
- Tasks: Receive, store, pick, and load building materials safely and efficiently.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing and timber.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities with a long-established company.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and develop valuable skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in yard or warehouse roles; physically fit and safety-conscious.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About Lawsons
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 with over 35 branches and 700 colleagues. We pride ourselves on providing high quality products, expert advice and exceptional service to trade and retail customers.
Position Overview
We are recruiting for a Yard Operative to join our Bedford branch. This is a hands-on role responsible for receiving, storing, picking and loading fencing, timber, landscaping and building materials safely and efficiently. The successful candidate will support the yard and branch teams, maintain high standards of health and safety, and provide a helpful and professional service to trade and retail customers.
Working Hours
This is a full-time, permanent position based at our Bedford branch. Working hours are Monday - Friday 07.30 - 17.00 plus 1 in 2 Saturdays working 08.00 - 12.00.
Benefits for the Successful Candidate
- Competitive salary - £30,175.
- 25 days’ holiday 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.
- Industry-leading training and development opportunities within a well-established employer.
Main Responsibilities
- Receive and check deliveries of fencing, timber, landscaping and building materials, reporting any shortages, damages or discrepancies promptly.
- Unload vehicles safely using appropriate equipment and manual handling techniques.
- Pick, prepare and stage customer orders accurately for collection or delivery.
- Load customer and company vehicles safely, securely and in accordance with company procedures.
- Assist customers with loading and provide a professional, helpful and customer-focused service in the yard.
- Ensure products are handled carefully to prevent damage and maintain the quality of materials.
- Store products correctly and keep the yard organised, accessible and clearly maintained.
- Complete stock checks and assist with stock control activities as required.
- Operate yard equipment safely and only use machinery for which appropriate training has been provided.
- Keep the yard, loading areas, equipment and surrounding work areas clean, tidy and free from hazards.
- Follow all relevant health and safety, manual handling, traffic management and company policies and procedures.
- Report damaged products, unsafe conditions, equipment faults and other issues promptly to the branch management team.
- Support drivers, branch colleagues and customers with loading, unloading and general yard duties.
- Undertake other reasonable yard and branch duties as required.
Qualifications and Skills
- Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse operative, stock assistant, builders’ merchant or similar role is essential.
- Experience handling building materials, timber, fencing, landscaping products or other heavy or bulky goods is advantageous.
- Physically fit and able to lift, move and handle heavy or awkward materials safely.
- Good understanding of safe manual handling and a positive attitude towards health and safety.
- Forklift truck or other relevant equipment experience and certification is desirable, although training may be provided.
- Good attention to detail when checking goods, picking orders and completing stock-related tasks.
- Reliable, punctual and able to work effectively in an outdoor yard environment in all weather conditions.
- Professional and approachable communication skills when dealing with customers and colleagues.
- Organised and able to prioritise tasks in a busy branch environment.
- Positive attitude, willingness to learn and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Why You Should Consider Joining Us
- Join the UK’s leading independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchant.
- Work as part of a supportive, team-focused branch at Bedford.
- Develop your product knowledge, stock handling and customer service skills through training and ongoing support.
- Play an important role in ensuring customers receive the right products safely and efficiently.
- Benefit from employee wellbeing support, career development opportunities and a long-established company culture.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are reliable, hardworking and take pride in maintaining a safe, organised yard while providing excellent customer service, we would like to hear from you.
Yard Operative in Bedford employer: Lawsons
Lawsons is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where practical skills and reliable service are highly valued. As a Yard Operative / Van Driver at our Peterborough branch, you'll enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career progression within a respected company that prioritises safety and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative in Bedford
✨Get to Know Local Distribution Centres
Start hanging around local distribution centres and warehouses, like the ones that might belong to Lawsons. Many times, they have sign-up sheets for job openings or even informal meet-ups that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Talk to Recruiters and Employment Agencies
There are loads of recruitment agencies that specifically focus on warehouse and logistics roles. Get in touch with them and let them know you’re looking for full-time work. They often have inside info on openings before they're advertised!
✨Brush Up on Your Skills
Think about the specific skills that are hot in the warehouse sector right now, like inventory management software or health and safety protocols. We can help you find resources to polish up your abilities, which can make you stand out when you're looking at those full-time gigs.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don't forget to keep an eye on our website for any full-time listings at Lawsons. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in logistics and warehousing!
We think you need these skills to ace Yard Operative in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Inventory Management:When you're whipping up your CV, make sure to spotlight any experience you've got in inventory management or warehousing. We love to see proficiency in stock control systems or previous roles where you've managed inventory levels. Show us how you can keep things organised and running smoothly!
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In the warehouse and logistics field, attention to detail is key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you've caught mistakes or streamlined processes in the past. Let us know how your precision can contribute to our team at Lawsons.
Get Familiar with Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to warehousing or logistics—like health and safety or forklift operation—make sure they shine on your CV! We appreciate all the qualifications that show you're serious about the role and keeping a safe, efficient workspace.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:Logistics can be unpredictable, so if you've tackled any significant challenges in previous positions, tell us all about it! Use your cover letter to highlight how you've adapted to situations, such as changes in supply or unexpected delays. We want to see your resourcefulness in action for this full-time role at Lawsons.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons
✨Know Your Warehouse Systems
Familiarise yourself with popular warehouse management systems like SAP or Oracle. If you have experience using these or similar tools, be prepared to discuss how you utilised them to improve efficiency or accuracy in inventory management.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the logistics arena, unexpected challenges pop up all the time. Be ready to share some examples of when you faced a logistical hiccup and how you tackled it. This shows you can think on your feet and keep things running smoothly.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since it’s a full-time position, expect questions about your ability to work in a team in a busy warehousing environment. Share experiences where you collaborated with others, maybe to meet tight deadlines or manage large shipments, ensuring you showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Safety First! Talk About Protocols
Logistics roles require a real understanding of safety protocols. Brush up on basic safety guidelines and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented or adhered to these in past roles. This shows that you’re serious about your role in maintaining a safe working environment.
