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 turnover of £165 million. We are committed to delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.

Role Overview

We are recruiting an HGV Class 2 Driver with Hiab experience to join our AVS Chichester branch. This is a frontline, customer-facing driving role requiring safe, reliable operation of a Class 2 vehicle equipped with a Hiab crane or equivalent loading systems. The successful candidate will deliver materials to trade and retail customers, load and unload using the Hiab, ensure vehicle checks and paperwork are completed accurately, and represent Lawsons professionally at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Class 2 (C) vehicles safely and in accordance with company, legal and DVSA requirements, delivering to trade and retail customers across the region.

• Operate Hiab crane to load, unload and position timber, fencing and building materials safely and efficiently.

• Secure loads correctly for transit, ensuring compliance with vehicle loading regulations and company procedures.

• Conduct pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, report defects promptly and complete required vehicle paperwork and electronic logs accurately.

• Provide excellent customer service on deliveries, assisting customers with offloading where safe to do so and answering basic product queries professionally.

• Plan routes effectively to meet delivery schedules, maintain timekeeping and communicate with the branch and transport team regarding any delays or issues.

• Support branch colleagues with vehicle loading, vehicle cleanliness and general transport duties when required.

• Comply with company policies including health and safety, manual handling, and safe use of lifting equipment and PPE at all times.

• Accurately record delivery information, collection notes and any incidents or damage in line with company procedures.

Person Specification

• Valid UK Class 2 (Category C) HGV licence with current CPC and Driver Qualification Card (DQC) (essential).

• Proven experience operating a Hiab crane or similar vehicle loading system within a builders merchants (essential).

• Good driving record with demonstrable safe driving habits and a commitment to vehicle and road safety.

• Physically capable of manual handling duties associated with loading and unloading building materials and working outdoors in all weathers.

• Strong customer service skills, polite and professional manner when representing the company on site and at customer premises.

• Reliable, flexible and punctual with the ability to manage time pressures and work to planned schedules.

• Basic numeracy and literacy to complete paperwork and electronic logs accurately.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, liaising effectively with branch colleagues, telesales and transport staff.

• Commitment to safe working practices and adherence to company transport policies; additional training will be provided where required.

Working Hours, Salary and Benefits

• Full-time, permanent position based at our Chichester branch.

• Typical hours are Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00 plus 1 in 2 Saturdays 08.00 - 12.00.

• Competitive salary - salary to be confirmed at interview based on experience and licences (£36,000 - £38,000)

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

• Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover.

• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Online GP services.

• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and genuine progression opportunities within Lawsons, including further transport and operational development.

Why Join Lawsons?

• Be part of a well-established, family-owned company with a strong local reputation.

• Work in a supportive, team-focused environment where driving skills, safety and customer service are valued.

• Develop your career through structured training and clear progression pathways across our branch network.

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

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you hold the relevant licences, have Hiab experience and are reliable, hardworking and customer-focused, we would like to hear from you. #MP