Sawmill Machine Operator

Gap Personnel; South Petherton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

20 days annual leave + Bank Holidays

Holiday bonus scheme based on length

Job summary

Gap Personnel is recruiting on behalf of our client for a Sawmill Machine Operator to join a well-established timber manufacturing business in South Petherton, Somerset. You will operate sawmill and woodworking machinery, select timber to order, and maximise yield while maintaining high quality and safety standards.

The role offers a Monday–Friday, 7:00am–4:00pm schedule (40 hours/week) with competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Experience in timber sawmills or woodworking machinery.
• Timber machining certificate preferred.
• Good math and basic education.
• Fluent spoken English.
• Positive attitude and teamwork.
• Quick learner and practical problem-solver.
• Disciplined, organised and safety-conscious.
• Attention to detail and quality work.
• Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Good communication and physical fitness.
• Forklift licence preferred.

Responsibilities

• Select timber boards to fulfil customer orders.
• Operate sawmill and woodworking machinery safely and efficiently.
• Saw and machine timber to specification.
• Maximise yield and minimise waste.
• Record production using paperwork and company systems.
• Stack, band and label finished orders safely.
• Maintain a clean, safe working environment.
• Support other production and sawmill duties as required.

Skills

Timber sawmill

Forklift licence

English fluency

Education

Timber machining cert

Job description

Sawmill Machine Operator

South Petherton

gap personnel are recruiting on behalf of our client for a Sawmill Machine Operator to join a well-established timber manufacturing business based in South Petherton, Somerset.

If you enjoy hands-on work, have experience operating woodworking machinery, and take pride in producing high-quality products, this could be the ideal opportunity for you.

Working within a skilled team of around 20 colleagues, you'll be responsible for converting and machining timber to customer specifications, ensuring products are manufactured accurately, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

The Role

Your responsibilities will include:

• Selecting timber boards to fulfil customer orders.
• Operating sawmill and woodworking machinery safely and efficiently.
• Sawing and machining timber accurately to specification.
• Maximising yield from every piece of timber to minimise waste.
• Recording production accurately using paperwork and company systems.
• Stacking, banding and labelling completed orders safely and neatly.
• Maintaining a clean, organised and safe working environment.
• Supporting other production and sawmill duties as required.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• Experience working in a timber sawmill or operating woodworking machinery.
• A certificate, diploma or qualification in timber machining or a related discipline (preferred).
• Good mathematical skills and a sound basic education.
• Fluent spoken English.
• A positive attitude and strong team-working skills.
• The ability to learn quickly and solve practical problems.
• A disciplined, organised and safety-conscious approach.
• Good attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to meet production deadlines.
• Strong communication skills.
• Physical fitness and the ability to handle heavy timber throughout the working day.
• A Forklift Truck licence (preferred but not essential).

Salary & Hours:

£13.85 - £14.50 per hour (depending on skills and experience)

Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm (40 hours per week)

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay
• 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Holiday bonus scheme based on length of service
• Company pension
• Free onsite parking
• Staff canteen and welfare facilities
• Ongoing training and development
• Opportunities to progress within the department and business

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful and growing business that invests in its people. You'll become part of a supportive team where quality, safety and continuous improvement are valued, with genuine opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career.

If you have the experience, motivation and practical skills to succeed in this role, we'd love to hear from you.