General Operative - Sawmill

Glennon Brothers; Humbie; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Glennon Brothers is seeking a General Operative – Sawmill to support safe, efficient day-to-day operations. You will work as part of a production team, carry out operational tasks, follow safety and quality standards, and help with housekeeping and continuous improvement across the site.

Based in Scotland, the role is hands-on, requires a reliable approach, and offers full training with opportunities to develop practical skills within a busy sawmill environment.

Qualifications

• Safety awareness and following safe systems of work.
• Ability to contribute effectively as part of a production team.
• Hands-on, reliable and safety-conscious approach to work.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Safety Awareness

Teamwork

Reliability & Work Ethic

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Communication

Job description

Principle Objective

Reporting to the relevant Shift Supervisor or Team Lead, the General Operative – Sawmill is

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. The role involves working as part of a production team, carrying out assigned operational tasks, maintaining safety and quality standards, and contributing to productivity, housekeeping and continuous improvement across the site

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 elevate 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