Clarkes of Walsham Ltd – Walsham-le-Willows, Bury St Edmunds
40 Hours Monday to Friday between 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wood Machinist / Sawmill Operative / Timber Production Operative
Clarkes of Walsham Ltd is one of the largest independently owned timber and builders’ merchants in East Anglia. Established in 1908, we are a long-standing family-run business with a strong reputation for quality and service.
Job Overview
We are looking for a Wood Machinist / Sawmill Operative to join our busy timber production team.
Working as part of a team within our Sawmill department constructing and making timber-based items for customer orders. Items will include floorboards, skirting boards, architraves, mouldings, doors and window frames. This is a hands-on role involving the machining, cutting, and assembly of timber products for stock / order purposes in a fast-paced workshop environment. This will require operating woodworking machinery such as planers, moulders, and bandsaws.
Key Responsibilities
- Processing raw timber materials for production
- Operating woodworking machinery including bandsaws, planers, moulders, and saws
- Manufacturing timber products such as:
- Floorboards
- Skirting boards
- Architraves
- Mouldings
- Doors and window frames
- Working from cutting lists and technical drawings with minimal waste
- Carrying out basic joinery tasks as required
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised workshop environment
- Supporting customer orders and workshop operations
- Serving customers professionally when required
Skills & Experience Required
- Experience in a wood machinist, sawmill, joinery, or timber production role (preferred)
- OR at least 2 years’ experience in a timber-related environment
- Ability to use hand tools and woodworking machinery (training provided)
- Ability to read and interpret drawings and cutting lists
- Good maths and English skills
- Strong attention to detail and quality workmanship
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Reliable with excellent timekeeping
- Health & Safety awareness
Desirable (Not Essential)
- Experience operating:
- Sided planer
- Spindle moulder
- Bandsaw
- Thicknesser/planer
- Table saw
- Cross-cut saw
- Panel saw
- Forklift (FLT) licence or experience (training can be provided)
This role involves regular lifting and manual handling
Who This Role Would Suit
This role would suit candidates with experience as a:
- Wood Machinist
- Sawmill Operative
- Joiner or Bench Joiner
- Carpenter
- Timber Production Operative
- Workshop Operative
What We’re Looking For
- A team player who can also work independently
- Self-motivated and eager to learn new skills
- A strong work ethic and positive attitude
- Interest in timber, manufacturing, or construction
- Commitment to quality and safety
Benefits
- Guaranteed weekly hours
- Overtime opportunities
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance (Death in Service)
- Staff discount account
- Medicash health plan - Supporting your health and your wallet, this benefit reimburses you the cost of everyday health care from prescriptions to dental work
- Cycle to Work scheme, , get a new bike, equipment or both at a discounted price Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
- Full uniform provided
- Additional leave based on length of service
- Free on-site parking
- Friendly, family-run business environment
Experience
- Wood machining / sawmill / labouring: 1 year (preferred)
- OR timber-related role: 2 years (preferred)
Apply Now
Join a well-established, family-run business and build your career in timber manufacturing.
Pay: From £26,520.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bury St. Edmunds IP31 3BA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you hold 1 year of wood machining / sawmill / labouring experience?
- Do you hold 2 years experience within a timber-related role?
Language:
- fluent English (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
