General Operative

Glennon Brothers Group; Humbie; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training provided

Job summary

Glennon Brothers Group is seeking a Sawmill General Operative to support safe, efficient day-to-day sawmill operations across its UK sites. The role focuses on hands-on production tasks, teamwork, and strict adherence to safety standards within a busy timber processing environment.

Full training will be provided, and the successful candidate will join a multi-site operation emphasising reliability, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in a sawmill, manufacturing, or production environment is desirable but not essential.
• Willingness to learn and follow health & safety procedures.
• Able to work as part of a practical, team-based operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate within health, safety, and environmental standards and safe systems of work.
• Carry out sawmill production tasks in line with standard procedures.
• Safely operate tools, machinery, and equipment and report faults.
• Assist with material handling: feeding, stacking, grading, banding and packing timber.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organised working areas.
• Conduct basic quality checks and address issues as needed.
• Collaborate with team to meet daily production targets.
• Support shift handovers and supervisor instructions.
• Participate in training, safety briefings, toolbox talks, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Sawmill experience

Health & safety awareness

Teamwork

Reliability

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Communication

Job description

Sawmill General Operative

Founded in 1913, Glennon Brothers is a leading timber processing Group operating across Ireland and the UK, with over a century of experience and a strong, well‑established growth story. Today, the Group operates through a portfolio of respected brands including Glennon Brothers, Balcas, DTE, Alexanders Timber Design and, most recently, Pontrilas, reflecting both its scale and strategic expansion.

As a recognised leader within the Green Tech and sustainable construction sectors, the Group is dynamic, innovative and firmly focused on long‑term, responsible growth. Across its brands, Glennon Brothers supplies a wide range of timber products to the Irish and UK markets, serving the construction, pallet wood and fencing industries. The Group also manufactures timber frame homes and engineered roof trusses for the housebuilding sector and operates several combined heat and power (CHP) and wood pellet manufacturing facilities.

Following the acquisition of Pontrilas in January 2026, the Group has significantly increased its turnover and expanded its workforce to over 1,400 colleagues. This growth has been driven by a strong commitment to its people, a customer‑focused service ethos, and continued investment in advanced technology and operational capability. Glennon Brothers operates a multi‑site footprint across Longford, Fermoy, Enniskillen, Troon, Irvine, Windymains and Invergordon, providing a diverse and collaborative working environment across its Group brands and functions.

Principle Objective

Reporting to the relevant Shift Supervisor or Team Lead, the General Operative – Sawmill is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient and well‑organised day‑to‑day operation of the sawmill.

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience in a sawmill, manufacturing, production or similar operational environment is desirable but not essential.
• Awareness of health and safety requirements and safe systems of work, or a willingness to learn and follow them.
• Experience working effectively as part of a team in a practical, operational setting.
• A hands‑on, reliable and safety‑conscious approach to work.
• Flexibility to support different areas of the sawmill operation as required.
• Relevant training, licences or certifications are advantageous but not required, as full training will be provided.
• Formal qualifications are not essential where the right attitude, aptitude and willingness to learn are demonstrated.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate within all health, safety, and environmental standards, policies, and safe systems of work
• Carry out sawmill production tasks in line with standard operating procedures
• Operate tools, machinery, and equipment safely and report any faults or hazards
• Support material handling activities including feeding, stacking, grading, banding, and packing timber products
• Maintain clean, safe, and organised working areas (housekeeping standards)
• Conduct basic quality checks and eliminate issues where required
• Work collaboratively with team members to achieve daily production targets
• Follow supervisor instructions and support effective shift handovers
• Participate actively in training, safety briefings, toolbox talks, and improvement initiatives
• Contribute to continuous improvement and operational efficiency across the site

Essential Competencies

• Safety Awareness – Demonstrates commitment to safe working practices
• Teamwork – Works effectively and cooperatively with others
• Reliability & Work Ethic – Consistent attendance and dependable performance
• Attention to Detail – Maintains quality standards in all tasks
• Adaptability – Flexible and willing to support different tasks/areas
• Communication – Listens, understands, and follows instructions clearly

Key Performance Measures

• Adherence to health and safety standards and zero harm objectives
• Achievement of daily/shift production targets
• Quality compliance and reduction in defects
• Housekeeping and audit standards
• Attendance, punctuality, and reliability
• Participation in training and continuous improvement activities

Key Relationships

• Shift Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Production and Log Yard Teams
• Engineering and Maintenance Teams
• Health, Safety, and Quality Personnel