At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive Class 2 vehicles and operate Hiab crane to deliver building materials safely.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing and building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy career progression and a family-owned company culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Valid UK Class 2 HGV licence and Hiab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 40000 £ 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 of England with over 35 branches, more than 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We are committed to delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.
Role Overview
We are recruiting an HGV Class 2 Driver with Hiab experience to join our AVS Chichester branch. This is a frontline, customer-facing driving role requiring safe, reliable operation of a Class 2 vehicle equipped with a Hiab crane or equivalent loading systems. The successful candidate will deliver materials to trade and retail customers, load and unload using the Hiab, ensure vehicle checks and paperwork are completed accurately, and represent Lawsons professionally at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive Class 2 (C) vehicles safely and in accordance with company, legal and DVSA requirements, delivering to trade and retail customers across the region.
- Operate Hiab crane to load, unload and position timber, fencing and building materials safely and efficiently.
- Secure loads correctly for transit, ensuring compliance with vehicle loading regulations and company procedures.
- Conduct pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, report defects promptly and complete required vehicle paperwork and electronic logs accurately.
- Provide excellent customer service on deliveries, assisting customers with offloading where safe to do so and answering basic product queries professionally.
- Plan routes effectively to meet delivery schedules, maintain timekeeping and communicate with the branch and transport team regarding any delays or issues.
- Support branch colleagues with vehicle loading, vehicle cleanliness and general transport duties when required.
- Comply with company policies including health and safety, manual handling, and safe use of lifting equipment and PPE at all times.
- Accurately record delivery information, collection notes and any incidents or damage in line with company procedures.
Person Specification
- Valid UK Class 2 (Category C) HGV licence with current CPC and Driver Qualification Card (DQC) (essential).
- Proven experience operating a Hiab crane or similar vehicle loading system within a builders merchants (essential).
- Good driving record with demonstrable safe driving habits and a commitment to vehicle and road safety.
- Physically capable of manual handling duties associated with loading and unloading building materials and working outdoors in all weathers.
- Strong customer service skills, polite and professional manner when representing the company on site and at customer premises.
- Reliable, flexible and punctual with the ability to manage time pressures and work to planned schedules.
- Basic numeracy and literacy to complete paperwork and electronic logs accurately.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, liaising effectively with branch colleagues, telesales and transport staff.
- Commitment to safe working practices and adherence to company transport policies; additional training will be provided where required.
Working Hours, Salary and Benefits
- Full-time, permanent position based at our Chichester branch.
- Typical hours are Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00 plus 1 in 2 Saturdays 08.00 - 12.00.
- Competitive salary - salary to be confirmed at interview based on experience and licences (£36,000 - £38,000).
- 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays and an additional celebration day, rising with service in line with company policy.
- Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Online GP services.
- Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and genuine progression opportunities within Lawsons, including further transport and operational development.
Why Join Lawsons?
- Be part of a well-established, family-owned company with a strong local reputation.
- Work in a supportive, team-focused environment where driving skills, safety and customer service are valued.
- Develop your career through structured training and clear progression pathways across our branch network.
- Play an important role in delivering outstanding service to trade and retail customers in Chichester and the surrounding area.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you hold the relevant licences, have Hiab experience and are reliable, hardworking and customer-focused, we would like to hear from you.
HGV Class 2 Hiab in Chichester 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 HGV Class 2 Hiab in Chichester
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Lawsons.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Lawsons. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace HGV Class 2 Hiab in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Lawsons, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Lawsons and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Lawsons. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Lawsons.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Lawsons.
