Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of timber, fencing and building materials. With over 35 branches and 700 colleagues across London and the South East, we deliver quality products, expert advice and excellent customer service. We are recruiting for a Steels Manager to be based at our Colney Heath branch to join a busy local team that supports trade and retail customers. Position Overview We are looking for an experienced, organised and safety-focused Steels Manager to lead steels operations at Colney Heath on a permanent basis. This role is responsible for managing a team of approximately 20 staff across design, production, and administration, ensuring efficient order fulfilment for trade and retail customers, and maintaining high standards of health & safety and customer service. The successful candidate will combine hands-on operational capability with strong people management and stock control skills. Turnover of the Steels department is circa £4 million! Main Responsibilities Manage day-to-day steels yard operations including receiving, storing, batching and dispatching steel products to ensure timely and accurate fulfilment of customer orders. Supervise, coach and develop yard staff and drivers, including allocating tasks, managing rotas and ensuring appropriate training, competence and licence checks are in place. Oversee safe use of lifting equipment and mechanical plant (cranes, forklifts, telehandlers), ensuring operators are authorised and inspections are completed. Ensure stock accuracy through regular checks, assist with physical inventories, manage stock locations and report discrepancies to the branch manager promptly. Coordinate loading and securing of steel loads for deliveries, complying with load restraint regulations and company procedures. Maintain yard presentation and safe working areas, ensuring all goods are stored safely to prevent damage and minimise risk to colleagues and customers. Manage customer queries and escalations professionally, liaising with sales, branch and transport teams to resolve issues and maintain service levels. Complete and review relevant paperwork and electronic records accurately, including delivery notes, stock movements and plant checklists. Implement and enforce health & safety procedures, report hazards or incidents immediately and take corrective action to reduce risk. Plan resource requirements, support continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to increase efficiency or reduce waste. Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by your line manager to support branch performance and customer satisfaction. Essential Skills & Experience Previous experience, ideally within steels, metals distribution, construction, builders’ merchants or a similar materials environment (essential). Experience supervising or line managing a team with the ability to motivate and develop colleagues. Good knowledge of safe manual handling practices, load securing and storage of steel products. Proven ability to operate or coordinate mechanical handling plant safely; relevant licences/qualifications (e.g. forklift) preferred. In-depth knowledge of EN 1090 Execution Class 2, including traceability and certification requirements. Experience working with RWCs and managing external audits Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and the ability to prioritise in a busy, deadline-driven environment. Good communication skills and a customer-focused approach with the ability to manage customer expectations and resolve issues. Basic numeracy and literacy to maintain accurate records and complete paperwork. Commitment to follow and promote company Health & Safety standards and report any concerns to the Line Manager. A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to assist with yard duties when required. Working Hours This is a full-time, permanent position. You will be working 44.5 hours per week within the department opening hours which are Monday to Friday 06.30 - 17.00 plus 1 in 2 Saturdays 08.00 - 12.00, with start times aligned to branch requirements to meet customer demand. Some flexibility may be necessary to support peak periods. Employee Benefits Competitive salary, dependent on experience. 28 days’ holiday pro rata plus Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day. Car Allowance / Company Car, Laptop and Mobile Phone. Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover. Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing support including online GP. Training and development opportunities including plant refresher training and management development. Comprehensive induction and ongoing support with opportunities for career progression within Lawsons. Why Join Lawsons at Colney Heath? Be part of a respected, long-established company with a strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development. Work within a supportive team where your contribution is valued and recognised. Take on a varied, practical management role with regular customer contact and scope to develop operational and leadership skills. Join a business that prioritises safety, customer service and colleague wellbeing. Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you meet the essential requirements and are available to work from our Colney Heath branch, we would like to hear from you. MP