Yard Operative

Role Overview

We are recruiting a reliable and customer-focused Yard Operative to join our AVS Guildford team. This hands-on role supports the day-to-day running of the yard, helping to receive, store, pick and load building materials safely and efficiently. The successful candidate will be organised, safety conscious and able to work as part of a team while providing a professional service to trade and retail customers.

Main Responsibilities

• Receive deliveries of building materials, checking quantities and condition against delivery documentation and reporting any discrepancies.

• Store materials in the correct locations, keeping the yard organised and ensuring stock is handled and secured appropriately.

• Pick, prepare and load customer orders accurately and efficiently, following safe manual handling and loading practices.

• Assist customers with collecting materials, offering helpful service and directing enquiries to the relevant colleagues where needed.

• Operate workplace equipment, such as forklift trucks, only when trained, authorised and competent to do so.

• Carry out routine checks of equipment and report defects, damage or safety concerns promptly.

• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe yard, keeping walkways, loading areas and access routes clear.

• Follow company health and safety procedures, risk assessments, personal protective equipment requirements and site rules.

• Report accidents, incidents, near misses, damaged goods and stock discrepancies through the correct company procedures.

• Support stock checks and help maintain accurate records of goods received, stored and dispatched.

• Work collaboratively with branch colleagues to meet customer requirements and support the smooth running of the operation.

• Carry out other reasonable duties to support the yard and branch team as required.

Person Specification

• Previous experience in a yard, warehouse, builders merchants, construction or materials-handling environment is essential.

• Forklift experience and a recognised licence are desirable; training may be available for the right candidate.

• Good understanding of safe working practices, including manual handling and the safe movement and storage of goods.

• Safety conscious and able to follow instructions, procedures and site rules.

• Reliable, punctual and organised, with a positive approach to work.

• Comfortable carrying out practical, physically active work, including handling building materials where required.

• Customer focused, polite and professional when assisting customers and working with colleagues.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Flexible and willing to support the wider branch operation during busy periods.

• Comfortable working outdoors in changing weather conditions.

Working Hours, Salary and Benefits

• Working hours are Monday - Friday 07.30 - 17.00 plus 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 - 12.00.

• Competitive salary - £30,175

• 25 days holiday entitlement plus UK Bank Holidays and an additional celebration day.

• Company pension scheme.

• Life Assurance / Death in Service.

• My Reward benefits platform, including retail discounts, wellbeing support and Online GP access.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Training, development and genuine career progression.

• Supportive, team-focused working environment.

Why Join AVS Guildford?

• Join a well-established, family-owned company with a strong local reputation and commitment to customer service.

• Play an important part in helping trade and retail customers access the building materials they need.

• Work alongside a supportive branch team where safety, reliability and professionalism are valued.

• Develop practical skills and gain experience in a busy builders merchants environment.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, background or experience. If you are a dependable team member who takes pride in working safely, keeping an organised yard and helping customers, we would like to hear from you. #MP