Yard Operative

Company Overview

Lawsons New Malden is part of the Lawsons Group, the UK’s largest independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchants. We supply quality timber, fencing and builders’ merchant products to trade and retail customers across London and the South East. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, safe working practices, and supporting colleagues with ongoing training and development.

Role Purpose

As a Yard Operative at Lawsons New Malden you will support the smooth running of the branch by handling stock, assisting with customer collections and deliveries, and maintaining a safe, tidy yard. You will work as part of a small team to prepare and dispatch orders, receive deliveries, and ensure products are stored and presented correctly for customers and colleagues.

Main Responsibilities

• Unload and load deliveries, ensuring goods are handled carefully and stacked safely for storage or collection.

• Prepare customer orders for collection or delivery, including picking, weighing and securing loads as required.

• Assist delivery drivers with loading/unloading and vehicle checks where required, and help with safe, timely deliveries when asked.

• Operate basic yard equipment such as pallet trucks and yard trolleys; undertake forklift duties where trained and authorised.

• Carry out routine stock checks, stacking and re-stocking duties to maintain accurate and accessible stock levels.

• Keep the yard, racking and public areas clean, tidy and safe; report any hazards or defects promptly.

• Complete paperwork and electronic records accurately for stock movements, deliveries and collections.

• Provide polite, professional service to customers and colleagues, responding to enquiries and supporting branch operations.

• Comply with company Health and Safety policies, manual handling procedures and site operating standards at all times.

Essential Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Previous experience in a builders’ merchants, timber yard, or similar manual handling environment is essential.

• Confident and safe manual handling ability with the capacity to lift and move timber and other materials regularly.

• Practical, hands-on approach with good attention to detail, time management and the ability to work to instructions.

• Good communication skills and a courteous, professional manner when dealing with customers and colleagues.

• Willingness to undertake training and obtain further qualifications (for example, forklift or Hiab training) where required and supported by the company.

• Reliable, flexible and able to work as part of a team in a busy yard environment, including occasional weekend cover as required.

• Full UK driving licence (Category B) is desirable but not essential for the Yard Operative role; candidates with relevant licence and driving experience should indicate this when applying.

Hours, Salary and Benefits

• Permanent, full-time position – typical hours Monday to Friday range between 06.30 - 17.00 and 1 in 2 Saturday mornings working 08.00 - 12.00 (hours may vary by branch requirements).

• Competitive salary (£28,971).

• Paid holiday entitlement = 25 days, plus 8 Bank Holidays, plus 1 celebration day+, comprehensive company pension scheme and staff discounts on products.

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme and Online GP via our benefits platform.

• Opportunities for training including forklift, Hiab and safety courses, plus support from an experienced team to develop your career within the Lawsons Group.

Why Join Lawsons New Malden?

• Join a respected, independent supplier with a strong reputation for quality and customer service.

• Be part of a supportive, safety-focused team with opportunities for training and career progression.

• Play an important role supporting local builders, landscapers and trade customers in your community.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, background or experience. #MP