Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Yard Operative / Van Driver (FTC)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About Lawsons
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent fencing, timber, and builders' merchants. Founded in 1921, we operate across London and the South East with 35 branches, over 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.
Position Overview
We are recruiting for a Yard Operative / Van Driver based at our AVS Basingstoke branch on a 6-month fixed-term contract.
This is a practical, hands-on role combining yard duties with local delivery responsibilities to ensure materials are:
- Handled safely and efficiently
- Loaded and delivered accurately
- Provides excellent customer service to trade and retail customers
The successful candidate will work closely with branch colleagues to:
- Maintain yard standards
- Prepare orders
- Complete local deliveries
- Support general branch duties during the contract period
Working Hours
- Full-time, fixed-term (6 months) position
- Typical hours:
- Monday to Friday: 07:30–17:00
- 1 in 2 Saturdays: 08:00–12:00
- Occasional early starts or later finishes may be required to meet customer delivery windows
Benefits for the Successful Candidate
- Competitive salary (pro-rated for 6 months): £31,000 – £33,000 (dependent on experience)
- Holiday:
- 25 days holiday + 8 Bank Holidays + 1 celebration day (pro-rated)
- Pension scheme and Death in Service cover
- Employee Assistance Programme and My Reward benefits:
- Online GP access
- On-the-job training and development opportunities with a well-established employer
- Uniform and PPE provided as required
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Main Responsibilities
-
Yard Operations:
- Receive, unload, and safely load deliveries, ensuring paperwork accuracy and promptly reporting any discrepancies or damage.
- Prepare and secure customer orders for collection or local delivery, ensuring accuracy and correct packaging.
-
Delivery:
- Carry out local deliveries using a company van, adhering to safe driving standards and on-time delivery.
- Provide high-quality customer service during local deliveries.
-
Stock and Equipment:
- Store and stack materials in the yard while maintaining tydikey, safe, and accessible work areas.
- Operate yard machinery and equipment (e.g., forklift, telehandler), following health and safety procedures.
-
Customer Service:
- Assist customers at the yard and support colleagues with enquiries/collections.
-
Maintenance and Safety:
- Carry out routine yard checks, basic maintenance, and housekeeping tasks to meet health & safety standards.
- Complete delivery notes, goods received records, and other paperwork accurately.
-
Reporting:
- Report stock variances, damaged goods, and customer feedback to branch management promptly.
-
Compliance:
- Adhere to company policies, health and safety regulations, and safe systems of work.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Qualifications and Skills
-
Essential:
-
Previous experience in a yard operative, delivery driver, or builders’ merchant environment.
-
Valid UK driving licence with entitlement to drive a commercial van (PCV or C+E not required).
-
Good practical skills, physically fit and capable of manual lifting adhering to safe lifting practices.
-
Sound basic numeracy and ability to complete accurate paperwork.
-
Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team in a busy environment.
-
Good communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
-
Flexible attitude, willing to assist with additional duties (loading/unloading, branch support).
-
-
Advantageous:
- Forklift or telehandler licence (training can be provided if suitable).
Why Join Us?
- Work with a respected, long-established company with a strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.
- Experience a supportive, team-focused environment with clear supervision and on-the-job training.
- Play a key role in smooth branch operations and excellent customer service delivery.
- Benefit from employee wellbeing support and a competitive rewards package.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer. All suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
If you meet the experience requirements, have a safe working approach, and are ready to support the AVS Basingstoke branch for 6 months—apply now! #MP
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills