At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate delivery schedules and support transport operations at our Bury Hill branch.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of timber and building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, laptop, mobile phone, 22 days holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible hours and a focus on safety and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact on customer service.
- Qualifications: Previous admin experience, strong organisational skills, and good communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30150 - 36850 £ 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 Transport Administrator to join our Bury Hill branch and support the efficient coordination of deliveries for trade and retail customers.
Position Overview
We are looking for an organised and reliable Transport Administrator to support the day-to-day administration of the transport operation at our Bury Hill branch on a 6 month fixed term contract. You will help coordinate delivery schedules, communicate with drivers and customers, prepare transport documentation and ensure delivery information is recorded accurately. This is a busy and varied role requiring excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
Main Responsibilities
- Coordinate daily delivery schedules in liaison with the Transport Manager, branch colleagues, drivers and customers.
- Plan and allocate deliveries efficiently, taking account of customer requirements, vehicle availability, delivery locations and agreed timeframes.
- Prepare, check and process delivery notes, transport paperwork, route information and other relevant documentation.
- Communicate delivery details and updates to drivers, customers and branch teams by telephone, email and internal systems.
- Monitor delivery progress and provide customers with accurate updates regarding scheduled and delayed deliveries.
- Record delivery information accurately, including completed deliveries, failed deliveries, returns, damages and customer queries.
- Respond to transport-related enquiries professionally and escalate issues to the Transport Manager or relevant branch colleague where required.
- Work closely with the sales, yard and transport teams to ensure customer orders are ready, loaded correctly and dispatched on time.
- Assist with the investigation and resolution of delivery discrepancies, product shortages, damages and service issues.
- Maintain accurate records in company systems and ensure transport documentation is filed in line with company procedures.
- Support driver administration, including vehicle checks, defect reporting, compliance records and working time documentation where required.
- Help ensure all transport activities are carried out in accordance with company Health & Safety procedures and relevant legal requirements.
- Carry out any other reasonable administrative or operational tasks as requested by your line manager.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous administration experience, ideally within transport, logistics, distribution, builders’ merchants or a similar fast-paced environment.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Good telephone and written communication skills, with a professional and customer-focused approach.
- Confident using Microsoft Office, email and computer-based administration systems.
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills, with the ability to check quantities, delivery details and transport information accurately.
- Ability to remain calm and solution-focused when dealing with changes, delays or customer queries.
- Experience of delivery scheduling, route planning or transport management systems is desirable.
- Knowledge of driver compliance, vehicle documentation or transport regulations is desirable but not essential.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a busy branch team.
Working Hours
This is a full-time position = 45 per week, working on a 6 month fixed term contract. Typical hours will be Monday to Friday 07.00 - 17.00 with some flexibility required to support operational requirements and customer delivery schedules.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive annual salary £36,500 - £37,500 + Laptop + Mobile Phone (pro rata for 6 months)
- 22 days’ holiday pro rata plus UK Bank Holidays
- Company pension scheme and Death in Service benefit
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing support including online GP
- Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training
- Opportunities for career development and progression
- Supportive, team-oriented culture within a leading independent supplier
Why Join Lawsons?
- Join a well-established and respected business with a strong regional presence.
- Work in a varied role that directly supports customer service and branch performance.
- Develop your transport, logistics and administration skills through training and practical experience.
- Be part of a supportive team where your contribution is valued and recognised.
- Work for a company that prioritises safety, service quality and colleague wellbeing.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are organised, detail-focused and enjoy working in a busy transport and customer service environment, we would like to hear from you.
Transport Administrator - 6 months fixed term contract 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 Transport Administrator - 6 months fixed term contract
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In transportation and logistics, hands-on experience is golden. If you're looking for a temporary position, don't just sit back; consider volunteering at local logistics companies or joining community transport initiatives. It’s a great way to gain industry insight and showcase your commitment!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring
Temporary roles in logistics often peak during busy seasons, like holidays or sales events. Keep an eye out for those hiring windows and brush up on your local networks. Joining industry groups on social media or attending local job fairs can be your golden ticket to snagging a role!
✨Show You’re Flexibly Awesome
Temporary roles often require quick adaptability, so make sure you highlight your flexibility and problem-solving skills in every discussion. When chatting with recruiters or at interviews, be ready to give examples of how you’ve quickly adjusted in past roles—this will help you stand out among other candidates.
✨Hit Us Up Directly!
Don't forget to apply through our website directly to see the freshest temporary opportunities available at Lawsons! It’s always a good idea to follow up after submitting your application, just to show you’re keen on joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Transport Administrator - 6 months fixed term contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to emphasise any previous experience in this field. Whether you've worked as a warehouse operative or in a delivery role, make sure you showcase those skills and experiences that will help you hit the ground running right away!
Focus on Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, your availability and flexibility are key. In your cover letter, be clear about when you can start and any scheduling flexibility you might have. Employers love candidates who can jump in without a hitch, so show off that readiness!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to logistics, like forklift licenses or health and safety training, don’t leave them out! These certifications can give you an edge, showing that you’re not just capable but also qualified for the job. Mention these in your CV to catch the hiring manager’s eye!
Tailor Your CV to Logistics Jargon:When crafting your CV, use industry-specific terms and jargon that reflect your understanding of transportation and logistics. Whether it’s ‘supply chain management’ or ‘route optimisation’, sprinkle these phrases throughout your CV and cover letter. This shows that you’re not just applying at random, but that you know the industry well!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the transportation and logistics field, demonstrating your knack for problem-solving can really set you apart. Be ready to talk about specific challenges you’ve faced in past roles or during your studies, especially those involving route planning or supply chain issues, and how you tackled them.
✨Get Familiar with Key Tools
This role will likely involve using industry-specific tools like SAP or Microsoft Excel for logistics management. Brush up on these tools before your interview and be ready to discuss how you've used them in the past – or how you'd approach using them if you're not familiar yet!
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this position is temporary, companies are keen on finding someone who can hit the ground running. Share examples from previous roles or projects where you quickly adapted to new processes or worked under tight deadlines to show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand Key Regulations
In the transportation and logistics sector, regulations play a huge role. Familiarising yourself with relevant laws and compliance standards can give you an edge. If you can drop in some specifics about how these impact logistics operations, it’ll show you're serious about the industry and that you can handle the responsibilities of the role with confidence.
