Yard Operative
If you are interested in joining our experienced team as a Yard Operative, please submit your CV and preferred location.
Lawsons, the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber, and building materials, is delighted to offer multiple opportunities for Yard Operatives across several branches. If you thrive in an active, outdoor environment and are dedicated to providing excellent service, we would love to hear from you.
Yard Operative Opportunities
As a Yard Operative with Lawsons, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the day-to-day success of our busy yards. Your responsibilities will centre on the safe handling, movement, and storage of building materials, helping our company set the standard for customer service in the industry. Multiple roles are available across various branches, offering flexibility and a chance to be part of our expanding business.
Key Yard Operative Duties and Responsibilities
- Safely load and unload timber, fencing, and building materials for customer and company vehicles.
- Keep the yard clean, tidy, and hazard-free at all times, adhering to company and statutory safety guidelines.
- Deliver prompt, friendly, and efficient service to customers, assisting with locating and retrieving products.
- Conduct regular inventory and stock checks; promptly report any discrepancies to management.
- Operate manual handling equipment and, where trained, forklifts (or be willing to undertake training).
- Support team members, sharing best practice and contributing to the smooth operation of daily activities.
- Champion a safety-first, customer-focused workplace environment at all times.
Essential Yard Operative Skills, Experience, and Personal Attributes
- Proven experience in a yard, builders’ merchant, or similar outdoor/manual role is essential.
- Existing forklift experience is essential, along with a valid Forklift License.
- Ability to conduct manual handling tasks safely, including lifting, carrying, and stacking (essential).
- Clear understanding of health and safety practices, and willingness to follow full training provided.
- Strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills, with a helpful attitude to colleagues and customers from all backgrounds.
- Positive, reliable, and self-motivated approach to work.
Working Hours, Pay, and Employee Benefits
- Full-time yard operative positions available, working Monday to Friday, plus 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 - 12.00.
- Annual salary of £29,000, dependent on experience and location.
- 25 days Annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, and an additional celebration day.
- Company pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Staff discount, access to an Online GP, and a comprehensive My Reward platform.
- Opportunities for training, forklift qualification, and long-term progression within the Lawsons Group.
Why Choose a Yard Operative Career with Lawsons?
- Join a respected, family-owned company with a legacy stretching back over a century.
- Work within a supportive, safety-driven, and team-oriented culture across our regional network.
- Take on a fulfilling, hands-on role contributing directly to the success of the building and construction sector.
- Benefit from clear development pathways, ongoing support, and the chance to advance your career within Lawsons.
- Be a valued member of your local community, recognised for delivering outstanding service and reliability. #YardJobs
- Department
- Operations
- Role
- Yard Operative
- Locations
- Ascot, New Malden, Bedford, Whetstone, Guildford

Colleagues
Our Perks & Benefits
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🏖️ 25 days paid holiday
- plus Bank Holidays and an extra day off for your birthday
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🎁 MyReward benefits platform
- including retail discounts and an online GP service
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🪙 Pension scheme
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👓 Specsavers eyecare vouchers
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🚲 Cycle to work scheme
- a loan of up to £1000 to buy a bike
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💷 Generous staff discount
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🚉 Annual season ticket loan
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🗣️ Employee Assisted Programme
- free legal, financial or relationship advice for you and your immediate family
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🧑🤝🧑 Life assurance
Workplace, Culture & Diversity
Corporate culture is essential to allow the organization to differentiate itself. In terms of image on the one hand, it has strengths both internally and externally to consumers. It is indeed a source of cohesion and motivation of employees and it limits conflicts. With customers, it conveys a positive image and can develop a feeling of closeness to the company or even become a criterion of choice.