Production Operator

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