At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to handle timber and building materials while ensuring a safe and organised yard.
- Company: Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of timber and building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Full-time position with a supportive team environment and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a practical role with opportunities for skill development.
- Qualifications: Previous yard or warehouse experience preferred; must be physically fit and a team player.
The predicted salary is between 30157 - 32500 £ per year.
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of timber, fencing and building materials. With over 35 branches and 700+ colleagues across London and the South East, we deliver quality products, expert advice and excellent customer service. We are recruiting for a Yard Operative based at our Salfords branch to join a busy local team that supports trade and retail customers.
Position Overview
We are looking for a reliable, hard-working Yard Operative to support day-to-day yard activities at Salfords. This hands-on role involves handling timber, fencing and building materials, preparing customer orders, maintaining yard presentation and ensuring safe working practices. The successful candidate will work closely with the branch team to deliver a positive experience for customers and contribute to efficient yard operations.
Main Responsibilities
- Unload, load and safely stack timber, fencing and building materials by hand and using mechanical plant where trained.
- Pick and prepare customer orders accurately and promptly for collection or delivery.
- Maintain yard organisation, ensuring stock is presented tidily and accessible for customers and colleagues.
- Carry out basic stock checks and record stock movements to support accurate inventory control.
- Assist drivers with vehicle loading and securing of goods to ensure safe, compliant deliveries.
- Complete routine housekeeping tasks, including waste removal and keeping work areas clean and safe.
- Follow health & safety procedures, report hazards, and assist with routine checks and incident reporting.
- Operate forklifts, telehandlers or other plant only if qualified and authorised, and assist with training coordination where required.
- Provide friendly, helpful service to customers visiting the yard and support colleagues during busy periods.
- Undertake any additional reasonable duties required to support branch operations.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchants role is essential.
- Physically fit and able to carry, lift and move materials safely throughout the shift.
- Awareness of safe material handling practices and commitment to following health & safety procedures.
- Good communication skills and a customer-focused attitude.
- Basic numeracy and ability to complete simple records accurately.
- Willingness to learn to operate forklifts/plant and obtain relevant qualifications where required.
- Reliable, punctual and flexible with a practical, team-oriented approach.
Working Hours
This is a full-time, permanent position. Typical hours are 44.5 per week Monday to Friday with 1 in 3 Saturday mornings required (08:00–12:00).
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£30,175 - £32,500).
- 25 days’ holiday plus UK Bank Holidays and an additional celebration day.
- Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing support including online GP.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training with opportunities for career development.
- Supportive team environment within a leading independent supplier.
Why Join Lawsons at Salfords?
- Be part of the UK’s leading independent supplier of timber, fencing and building materials.
- Work in a varied, practical role with opportunities to develop new skills and progress internally.
- Contribute to a friendly local branch serving trade and retail customers.
- Join a business that values safety, customer service and colleague wellbeing.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are a dependable team player with practical experience or the willingness to learn, we would like to hear from you.
Yard Operative in Salfords employer: Lawsons-
Lawsons is an excellent employer, offering a supportive team environment at our Salfords branch where you can thrive in a hands-on role as a Yard Operative. With competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career development, we prioritise employee wellbeing and safety while serving our trade and retail customers. Join us to be part of the UK's leading independent supplier of timber and building materials, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Yard Operative in Salfords
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Yard Operative in Salfords
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Lawsons-'s eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Lawsons-. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons-
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Lawsons-.
