Timber Yard Foreman

Thrive Personnel; Leeds; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Thrive Personnel is seeking an experienced Timber Yard Foreman to oversee day-to-day operations of a busy timber yard in Leeds. You will supervise yard staff, coordinate workloads, manage stock movements, and ensure safety and efficiency on site.

The role requires hands-on supervision, strong knowledge of timber products, and the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced environment. Forklift operation and health & safety awareness are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in timber yard or timber merchant environment is essential.
• Good knowledge of timber products, sizes, grades and applications.
• Experience managing stock, deliveries and goods-in/goods-out operations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the daily activities of the yard team and allocate workloads.
• Oversee loading/unloading of timber deliveries and stock organisation.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with stock checks and inventory control.
• Ensure safe operation of forklift trucks and yard machinery.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and health and safety in the yard.
• Train and motivate yard operatives and liaise with transport, warehouse and sales teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Timber knowledge

Stock management

Health & safety

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Job Overview

We are currently recruiting for an experienced and hands-on Timber Yard Foreman to oversee the day-to-day operations of a busy timber yard. The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising yard staff, coordinating workloads, managing stock movements and ensuring the yard operates safely, efficiently and effectively.

This is a hands-on supervisory role, requiring someone with good knowledge of timber products, strong organisational skills and the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Timber Yard Foreman will supervise and coordinate the daily activities of the yard team, allocating workloads and ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently and on time. They will oversee the loading and unloading of timber deliveries, ensuring stock is stored correctly, organised and easily accessible.

The role will involve monitoring stock levels, assisting with stock checks and inventory control, and ensuring customer orders are picked, prepared and ready for collection or delivery. The Foreman will also operate or oversee the safe operation of forklift trucks and other yard machinery.

Maintaining high standards of housekeeping and organisation throughout the yard will be essential, alongside ensuring all health and safety procedures are followed at all times. The successful candidate will be responsible for training, motivating and supporting yard operatives, as well as liaising with transport, warehouse and sales teams to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Skills & Experience Required

Previous experience working within a timber yard or timber merchant environment is essential, alongside previous supervisory or team leader experience. Candidates should have a good knowledge of timber products, sizes, grades and applications, as well as experience managing stock, deliveries and goods-in/goods-out operations.

A valid forklift licence would be advantageous. A good understanding of health and safety within a yard or warehouse environment is also required.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organisational skills, the ability to lead and motivate a team, and a hands-on approach with the ability to work under pressure.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is reliable, hardworking and enthusiastic, with the confidence to lead a team and get the best out of their colleagues. You will be organised, proactive and have strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to take responsibility, use your initiative and maintain a customer-focused approach.

What We Offer

A competitive salary depending on experience, the opportunity to join an established and growing business, long-term career prospects and a supportive working environment where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of the day-to-day running of the yard.