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 with over 35 branches and 700 colleagues. We pride ourselves on providing high quality products, expert advice and exceptional service to trade and retail customers.

Position Overview

We are recruiting for a Yard Operative to join our Bedford branch. This is a hands-on role responsible for receiving, storing, picking and loading fencing, timber, landscaping and building materials safely and efficiently. The successful candidate will support the yard and branch teams, maintain high standards of health and safety, and provide a helpful and professional service to trade and retail customers.

Working Hours

This is a full-time, permanent position based at our Bedford branch. Working hours are Monday - Friday 07.30 - 17.00 plus 1 in 2 Saturdays working 08.00 - 12.00.

Benefits for the Successful Candidate

• Competitive salary - £30,175.
• 25 days’ holiday plus 8 Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day.
• Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover.
• Employee Assistance Programme and My Reward benefits including online GP access.
• Industry-leading training and development opportunities within a well-established employer.

Main Responsibilities

• Receive and check deliveries of fencing, timber, landscaping and building materials, reporting any shortages, damages or discrepancies promptly.
• Unload vehicles safely using appropriate equipment and manual handling techniques.
• Pick, prepare and stage customer orders accurately for collection or delivery.
• Load customer and company vehicles safely, securely and in accordance with company procedures.
• Assist customers with loading and provide a professional, helpful and customer-focused service in the yard.
• Ensure products are handled carefully to prevent damage and maintain the quality of materials.
• Store products correctly and keep the yard organised, accessible and clearly maintained.
• Complete stock checks and assist with stock control activities as required.
• Operate yard equipment safely and only use machinery for which appropriate training has been provided.
• Keep the yard, loading areas, equipment and surrounding work areas clean, tidy and free from hazards.
• Follow all relevant health and safety, manual handling, traffic management and company policies and procedures.
• Report damaged products, unsafe conditions, equipment faults and other issues promptly to the branch management team.
• Support drivers, branch colleagues and customers with loading, unloading and general yard duties.
• Undertake other reasonable yard and branch duties as required.

Qualifications And Skills

• Previous experience in a yard operative, warehouse operative, stock assistant, builders’ merchant or similar role is essential.
• Experience handling building materials, timber, fencing, landscaping products or other heavy or bulky goods is advantageous.
• Physically fit and able to lift, move and handle heavy or awkward materials safely.
• Good understanding of safe manual handling and a positive attitude towards health and safety.
• Forklift truck or other relevant equipment experience and certification is desirable, although training may be provided.
• Good attention to detail when checking goods, picking orders and completing stock-related tasks.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work effectively in an outdoor yard environment in all weather conditions.
• Professional and approachable communication skills when dealing with customers and colleagues.
• Organised and able to prioritise tasks in a busy branch environment.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Why You Should Consider Joining Us

• Join the UK’s leading independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchant.
• Work as part of a supportive, team-focused branch at Bedford.
• Develop your product knowledge, stock handling and customer service skills through training and ongoing support.
• Play an important role in ensuring customers receive the right products safely and efficiently.
• Benefit from employee wellbeing support, career development opportunities and a long-established company culture.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are reliable, hardworking and take pride in maintaining a safe, organised yard while providing excellent customer service, we would like to hear from you. #MP