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.
We are recruiting for a Yard Manager based at our Whetstone branch. This is a permanent, full-time position responsible for the safe, efficient and organised running of the branch yard. The role combines team leadership, yard operations, stock control and customer service to ensure high standards of health & safety, operational performance and excellent customer experience. The successful candidate will manage yard staff, coordinate deliveries and collections, maintain yard housekeeping and work closely with branch management to support commercial targets.
This is a full-time, permanent position. Typical hours are Monday to Friday 07:30–17:00, with 1 in 3 Saturdays 08:00–12:00. Occasional early starts or later finishes may be required to meet customer delivery windows and branch needs.
Competitive salary dependent on experience (£34,000 - £38,000)
25 days holiday pro rata 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.
Structured on-the-job training and development opportunities.
Uniform and PPE provided as required.
Lead, coach and supervise yard staff, including rostering, performance feedback and training to maintain a safe, productive team.
Oversee receipt, unloading, inspection and safe storage of deliveries, checking goods against paperwork and reporting discrepancies or damage promptly.
Manage and prepare customer orders for collection or local delivery, ensuring accuracy, appropriate packaging and safe securing of loads.
Ensure all local deliveries and collections are completed on time, maintaining high standards of customer service and safe driving practices where required.
Maintain yard layout and stock presentation to ensure materials are stored safely, tidily and are easily accessible for colleagues and customers.
Operate and supervise use of yard machinery and equipment (e.g. forklift, telehandler) where qualified, enforcing all safety procedures and permit requirements.
Carry out routine yard inspections, basic maintenance and housekeeping to uphold health & safety standards and compliance with company policies.
Manage stock control processes in the yard including goods received records, stock movements and reporting variances to branch management.
Complete and audit required paperwork accurately, including delivery notes, damage reports and inventory records.
Act as an ambassador for the branch, assisting customers at the yard and supporting counter colleagues when required.
Proven experience in a yard management, supervisory or senior yard operative role within builders’, timber or similar merchant environment (essential)
Valid UK driving licence desirable; entitlement to drive a company van may be required.
Valid forklift and/or telehandler licence desirable; training can be provided for the right candidate.
Strong practical skills, physically capable of manual handling in line with safe lifting practices.
Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage a small team and maintain operational standards in a busy environment.
Basic numeracy and IT literacy for completing accurate paperwork and stock records.
Excellent communication skills, customer-focused approach and the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and customers.
Flexible and reliable with a proactive approach to health & safety and continuous improvement.
Join a respected, long-established company with a strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.
Work in a supportive, team-focused environment with clear supervision and opportunities for training.
Play a key role in ensuring smooth branch operations and delivering excellent service to trade and retail customers.
Benefit from employee wellbeing support and an employee rewards package.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you have proven yard management experience, a safe working approach and the drive to lead a busy Whetstone branch yard, we would like to hear from you. #MP
Established in 1921, the Lawsons Group is now the largest independent Timber, Building, Fencing & Landscaping merchant in London and the South East, with branches located from Lincolnshire to the South Coast.
With over 740 employees and a turnover in excess of £175 million, the Group includes 19 Lawsons branches and 13 branches of AVS Fencing & Landscaping Supplies, in addition to Briants of Risborough, The Landscape Centre, Oxford Fencing Supplies, Basingstoke Building Supplies, Southill Sawmills and Witham Timber.
With continued expansion & acquisitions, our business is continuing to grow across the United Kingdom.
