At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Yard Operative, handling stock and assisting customers daily.
- Company: Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing and building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and develop your career in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Experience in a yard or warehouse environment and a customer-focused attitude.
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 a Yard Operative to join our AVS Guildford branch. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role working in the branch yard to support daily operations, ensure safe handling of stock, assist colleagues and deliver excellent customer service. The successful candidate will be reliable, physically capable and able to work within a team to maintain an efficient, safe and customer-focused yard environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive, unload and check deliveries of timber, fencing and building materials, ensuring quantities and quality meet company standards.
- Store and stack products safely and in an organised manner to maintain stock integrity and easy retrieval.
- Assist customers at the yard and on the phone with product selection, loading and basic product advice, delivering friendly and professional service at all times.
- Prepare and load customer collections and delivery vehicles, securing loads correctly and following vehicle loading procedures.
- Operate yard equipment such as forklifts, telehandlers or pallet trucks where trained and authorised, and report any defects promptly.
- Carry out daily yard housekeeping, keeping work areas tidy and safe and removing waste or obstructions as required.
- Support branch colleagues with stock counts, replenishment and general yard duties to help meet branch targets and customer commitments.
- Comply with company policies and legal requirements including health and safety, manual handling and vehicle loading regulations.
- Record and report incidents, damaged stock or near misses in line with company procedures.
Person Specification
- Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchants environment (essential).
- Ability to undertake physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying and working outdoors in all weathers.
- Basic numeracy and literacy with the ability to follow instructions and complete simple paperwork accurately.
- Good communication skills and a helpful, customer-focused attitude.
- Team player who works well with colleagues across the branch including telesales, transport and management teams.
- Reliable, punctual and flexible with a willingness to work overtime or alternate Saturdays when required.
- Basic IT awareness to support use of handheld devices or branch systems for order checking (desirable).
- Valid UK driving licence desirable; forklift or telehandler certification advantageous but training can be provided for the right candidate.
- Commitment to safe working practices and continuous improvement.
Working Hours, Salary and Benefits
- Full-time, permanent position based at our AVS Guildford branch.
- Typical hours Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00, with 1 in 2 Saturdays working 08.00 - 12.00.... specific shift pattern to be confirmed by the branch.
- Competitive salary - £30,175
- 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.
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 practical skills 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 Guildford and the surrounding area.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are reliable, hardworking and enjoy practical work in a fast-paced yard environment, we would like to hear from you.
Yard Operative in Guildford 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 Guildford
✨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 Guildford
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.
