Yard Manager - Forklift Driver/Operative

About Us:

Since 1976, Lowden Building Supplies has been a key player in the construction industry, delivering high\-quality building materials to projects across London and Essex. Known for our consistent dedication to excellence and our forward\-thinking approach, we’ve grown into one of the UK’s most trusted names in the trade.

We are recruiting for a Yard Manager based at our London branch to support the day\-to\-day running of a busy yard serving trade and retail customers.

Working hours will be 8am \- 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am \- 12pm Saturday.

Job Description: Yard Manager \- Forklift Driver/Operative

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee daily yard operations, organising workflow and delegating tasks to ensure smooth service.


• Coordinate the safe receipt, loading \& unloading, quality checking, and tidy storage of materials.


• Prioritise and prepare customer orders for collection and delivery, ensuring accuracy and minimal wait times.


• Provide direct leadership to yard staff, offering clear guidance and hands\-on support during busy periods.


• Manage inventory control by conducting routine stock counts and accurately logging damages or discrepancies.


• Supervise the safe loading and securing of transport and customer vehicles in line with safety guidelines.


• Operate plant machinery (e.g., forklifts, telehandlers) safely, strictly in line with training and certifications.


• Assist trade and retail customers directly with loading, product collections, and general enquiries.


• Uphold strict health, safety, and housekeeping standards, including hazard reporting, site cleanliness, and waste management.


• Collaborate with sales, branch, and transport teams to align yard operations with broader delivery targets.

• Proven track record in a builders' merchant, logistics, warehouse, or yard environment (essential).


• Demonstrated experience supervising or leading a small operational team (desirable).


• Working knowledge of building/timber materials, stock control systems, and safe handling practices.


• Physically fit and comfortable with manual handling and active outdoor work throughout the day.


• Valid forklift, counterbalance, or telehandler licence (desirable).


• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively under pressure.


• Clear communication skills and a confident, professional approach to customer service.


• Sound numeracy and literacy for completing stock counts, delivery notes, and digital records.


• Uncompromising commitment to health and safety protocols and hazard prevention.

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£35,000 \- £37,000\)


• ️ 28 days holiday


• Competitive salary \+ company pension


• Training, development \& genuine career progression


• Supportive, team\-focused working environment


• Company discount

Pay: £35,000\.00\-£37,000\.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

• London E7 0EB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

• Management: 2 years (preferred)


• Mechanical knowledge: 1 year (preferred)


• Reach truck: 2 years (preferred)

• Forklift License (required)

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