Production Operator

Description:

Westray Recruitment are recruiting a Production Operator on a permanent basis in the Durham area, to work in a modern and expanding sawmill operation.
  
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

Permanent opportunity
Salary £31,819.84 per annum (£13.63 per hour plus £53.09 weekly shift allowance)
Full-time position working 41 hours per week
Week 1: Monday–Thursday 06:00–15:00, Friday 06:00–11:00
Week 2: Monday–Thursday 15:00–24:00, Friday 11:00–16:00 From January 2027, the new sawmill is expected to be operational on a day-shift-only pattern

Shift allowance will cease when the new mill moves to days – giving you an excellent work-life balance
Durham location
26 days’ holiday plus 7 bank holidays
Annual profit and performance-related bonus scheme
Life assurance cover
Employee Assistance Programme
Pension in line with government guidelines
Opportunity to develop your skills across modern, automated sawmill equipment
Join a business with significant ongoing investment in its people, technology and production facilities   
THE BUSINESS
  
Westray Recruitment Group is seeking a Production Operator (Level 3) to join an established timber manufacturing organisation on a permanent basis in the Durham area.
  
The business manufactures bespoke homegrown fencing, pallet and packaging timbers for customers throughout the UK. Over the past decade, the business has quadrupled its production capacity through continued investment in modern, automated sawmill equipment while retaining the specialist processes needed to produce a wide range of timber products.
  
Established over 170 years ago, the company has developed into one of the UK's largest timber processing groups, with operations across Sawmilling, Engineered Timber Products and Pallets.
  
This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful North East manufacturer at a key point in its development. With a new sawmill due to be operational from January 2027, the role offers the chance to be part of a significant investment programme and help shape the future of the operation.
  
The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation and monitoring of sawmill equipment, helping to deliver consistent production, high recovery and excellent product quality. The role will suit someone who enjoys a hands-on manufacturing environment and wants to develop their technical skills.
  
THE ROLE

Maintain correct material flow to ensure optimal machine performance and agreed standards of speed, cleanliness and quality
Plan and support start-up and production runs using Mill Expert and Navision
Operate and monitor equipment including the USNR Sawline, USNR Optimisers, VK Debarker and Kallfass Crosscuts
Ensure logs, cants and boards are correctly presented to scanning and optimisation equipment
Monitor optimiser solutions and adjust settings to maximise timber recovery
Verify product specifications, dimensions and cutting patterns against production requirements
Identify and respond to scanner faults, sensor issues, debris build-ups and optimiser alarms
Replace bandsaw blades and guide blocks when damaged or scheduled, and complete routine maintenance checks
Perform routine calibrations and quality checks on scanners and measuring systems
Coordinate with Maintenance and Engineering to minimise downtime and resolve mechanical or electrical faults
Set up and operate Kallfass CNC crosscut saws in line with the production schedule
Load cutting lists, programmes and optimisation parameters into the CNC control system and adjust as required
Replace circular saw blades and carry out routine maintenance checks when required
Identify and remove defective timber or material that does not meet quality specifications
Maintain accurate production, quality and downtime records and provide clear information to the Shift Supervisor
Follow all safety and environmental procedures, including PPE, guarding, lockout/tagout and documented pre-start checks
Communicate equipment issues, production delays and quality concerns promptly to the Shift Supervisor and/or Maintenance team
Support daily and weekly production targets and contribute ideas that drive continuous improvement across the operation
Ensure the correct quantity and specification of timber is produced to complete customer orders   
THE PERSON

Previous experience in a manufacturing, production, timber-processing or similarly fast-paced environment
Competent in operating and adjusting production or sawmill equipment, with basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
Understanding of timber grading and measurement standards would be advantageous
Physically able to stand for extended periods and work in a noisy, fast-paced environment
Strong attention to safety, quality and detail
Good communication and teamwork skills, with a positive one-team approach
Able to follow verbal and written instructions and established production processes accurately
Comfortable using computer systems and accurately recording production and quality information
Flexible and willing to work overtime when required in accordance with the employment contract
Strong awareness of workplace health and safety requirements
Able to identify problems, respond calmly to equipment issues and suggest practical improvements
Experience of modern lean-manufacturing techniques would be advantageous
Experience within a business moving from reactive to proactive working practices would be beneficial
Willing to undertake training and development to broaden your knowledge of the mill and its equipment   
  
HEALTH, SAFETY AND QUALITY

Ensure all machinery and equipment are operated in accordance with safe working procedures
Complete documented start-of-shift checks for all relevant equipment
Wear the correct personal protective equipment and comply with site safety requirements
Follow site fire procedures, COSHH requirements, machinery guarding and lockout/tagout controls
Report all accidents, incidents and near misses promptly and assist with investigations when required
Maintain high standards of cleanliness across the working area and ensure equipment is kept in a safe condition
Ensure production leaving your area meets the required quality specifications and complete all quality-control checks
Maintain a relentless focus on product quality, presentation, recovery and continuous improvement   
TO APPLY
  
If you are looking for a long-term manufacturing career with a successful North East business, modern equipment, strong investment and the prospect of an excellent day-shift work-life balance from January 2027, we would like to hear from you.
  
Please send your updated CV to Harry Mann or apply directly by calling Westray Recruitment Group