Yard Operative

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 multi‑million pound turnover. 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 Whetstone branch. This is a hands‑on, branch‑based role responsible for receiving, storing and preparing goods, supporting the yard team with loading and unloading, maintaining yard and stock accuracy, and delivering excellent customer service. The successful candidate will be reliable, safety conscious and able to work as part of a busy team to ensure efficient branch operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive deliveries from suppliers, check goods against delivery paperwork and report any discrepancies to the yard supervisor.

• Unload and load vehicles safely using appropriate lifting equipment and manual handling techniques; assist drivers and customers with loading where required.

• Stack, store and organise materials in the yard in a safe and accessible manner, ensuring stock is protected from damage and weather where applicable.

• Prepare customer orders and hold for collection or assist with local deliveries, ensuring items are accurate and securely packed for transport.

• Operate yard equipment such as forklifts, pallet trucks and towables where trained and authorised, following company procedures and daily checks.

• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe yard environment by removing waste, sweeping yard areas and ensuring spillages are dealt with promptly.

• Assist with stock counts and stock accuracy checks, recording any damaged or missing items and escalating as required.

• Deliver excellent customer service to trade and retail customers on site and over the counter, assisting with enquiries and product locations.

• Adhere to company health and safety policies, use appropriate PPE, complete required risk assessments and report incidents or near misses immediately.

• Work collaboratively with branch colleagues to support peak periods, promotions and any ad‑hoc tasks to maintain branch performance.

Person Specification

• Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse or builders’ merchant environment is essential.

• Forklift (Counterbalance/Reach) certification is essential; willingness to undertake training and obtain licences will be supported.

• Good practical knowledge of manual handling and safe working practices with a commitment to follow company procedures.

• Physically fit and able to carry out manual handling tasks and work outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Customer‑focussed with strong communication skills and a professional, courteous manner.

• Reliable, punctual and able to work flexibly to meet business needs, including occasional early starts or Saturday cover where required.

• Basic IT literacy to use handheld devices and branch systems for stock checks and order processing.

• A team player who works well with colleagues across yard, sales and transport functions to deliver safe and efficient service.

Working Hours, Salary and Benefits

• Full‑time, permanent position based at our Whetstone branch.

• Typical contracted hours are Monday to Friday and 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 - 12.00.

• Competitive salary in line with experience and role responsibilities (30,175 - £31,000)

• 25 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays and a celebration day, rising with service in line with company policy.

• Company pension scheme.

• Employee Assistance Programme and access to online GP services.

• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and opportunities for career progression within the business.

Why Join Lawsons?

• Work for a well‑established, family‑owned company with a strong local reputation and commitment to service.

• Be part of a supportive, team‑focused environment where safety and customer service are prioritised.

• Develop your career through structured training and clear progression pathways.

• Play an important role in delivering outstanding service to trade and retail customers in Whetstone and the surrounding area.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are reliable, safety‑focused and take pride in delivering excellent service, we would like to hear from you. #MP