General Operative / Painter

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 General Operative / Painter to be based at our Colney Heath Steels branch to join a busy local team that supports trade and retail customers.

Position Overview

We are seeking a reliable, safety-conscious and skilled General Operative / Painter on a permanent basis. This hands-on role involves preparing, painting and finishing steel products, carrying out general operative duties in the yard and workshop, and supporting the branch team to ensure timely, high-quality service for our customers. The successful candidate will combine practical painting expertise with good attention to health & safety, teamwork and a customer-focused attitude.

Main Responsibilities

• Prepare steel surfaces for painting, including cleaning, degreasing, sanding, grit blasting or other surface preparation methods as required.

• Apply paint, primers, coatings and protective finishes using brushes, rollers, spray equipment or other appropriate methods to achieve consistent, high-quality results.

• Mix and prepare paint and coatings to specified ratios, ensuring correct coverage and finish while minimising waste.

• Inspect finished work for quality, completeness and adherence to specifications; rectify defects and touch up as necessary to meet company standards.

• Undertake general operative duties in the yard and workshop including loading and unloading materials, moving stock, basic fabrication support and packaging finished items for dispatch.

• Operate mechanical handling equipment (e.g., pallet trucks, forklifts) where authorised and trained; ensure safe use and daily checks are completed.

• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working area; ensure tools, equipment and materials are stored correctly to prevent damage and reduce risk.

• Follow all health & safety procedures, including use of PPE, COSHH guidance for handling paints and solvents, and reporting hazards or incidents promptly.

• Assist colleagues with general branch duties when required and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency and customer service.

• Complete and maintain accurate records and paperwork related to jobs, materials used, and quality checks as required by the branch.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by your line manager to support branch performance and customer satisfaction.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in painting, coating application or a similar industrial/metal finishing environment (essential).

• Experience of surface preparation techniques and familiarity with different paint systems and protective coatings.

• Knowledge of health & safety practices related to painting works, including COSHH, safe handling of chemicals and correct use of PPE.

• Ability to use hand tools and basic powered equipment safely and competently; forklift or plant licence desirable but not essential.

• Good attention to detail with a commitment to delivering high quality workmanship and finishing standards.

• Basic IT literacy to complete electronic records and paperwork; ability to follow written instructions and job specifications.

• Good communication skills with a cooperative, team-oriented approach and a customer-focused attitude.

• Physically able to perform manual handling tasks, work at heights when required and stand for extended periods.

• Flexible and reliable with a practical, can-do attitude and willingness to assist with a range of branch duties.

Working Hours

This is a full-time, permanent position - 44.5 hours per week. Typical hours Monday to Friday plus 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 - 12.00.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£30,175 - £32,000)

• 25 days’ holiday pro rata plus Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day.

• Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover.

• Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing support including online GP.

• Training and development opportunities, including refresher training for painting, plant and safety courses.

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing support with opportunities for career progression within Lawsons.

Why Join Lawsons at Colney Heath Steels?

• Work for a respected, long-established company with strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.

• Join a supportive team where practical skills are valued and contributions are recognised.

• Take on a varied, hands-on role with scope to develop technical skills and progress within the business.

• Be part of a business that prioritises safety, quality and excellent customer service.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you meet the essential requirements and are available to work from our Colney Heath Steels branch, we would like to hear from you. #LP