Timber Machine Operator
In-Wood Timber Engineering - Whitesmith, Lewes, BN8
£26,436 – £32,000 per year, depending on experience
Full-time, Permanent | In-person (no remote working)
About Us
In-Wood Timber Engineering is a small, busy and independent timber engineering business, manufacturing a wide range of products including Glulam beams, timber frame buildings and finger-jointed claddings. We work closely with both trade customers and end users, so every day brings variety — no two production runs are quite the same. As an independent business, decisions get made quickly, everyone's contribution is visible, and there's a genuine sense of being part of a close-knit team rather than a small cog in a big machine.
The Role
We're looking for a reliable, hands-on Timber Machine Operator to join our production team. Full on-the-job training is provided — the right candidate will be trained and developed into a skilled machine operator, with no prior timber industry experience required.
You'll be responsible for:
- Operating and setting up woodworking machinery
- Preparing and collating timber for production according to specifications
- Keeping across the production schedule and completion dates to ensure timely workflow and delivery
- Loading and unloading lorries safely and efficiently
- Operating side loaders, counterbalance forklifts and pump trucks
- Maintaining a clean, safe and organised workshop environment
- Completing all required production documentation accurately and on time
- Working collaboratively with the production team to meet deadlines
- Getting involved in continuous improvement initiatives across the department
Hours of Work
This is a full-time role based on 40 hours per week. Because we work to meet customer production needs, hours are organised into shift patterns — which may include split shifts — and your allocated shift may change from time to time with reasonable notice. Start and finish times are reviewed periodically, and two unpaid 30-minute breaks are built into each working day. In short: steady, full-time hours with the flexibility to flex around what production needs.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Reliable and committed to working full-time, five days a week
- Physically fit — this is a hands-on, active role
- A good listener who can understand and follow instructions
- A genuine team player
Desirable:
- A full UK driving licence and access to a car — our Lewes site is not easily reached by public transport, so this is a real advantage
- Side loader and counterbalance forklift licence
- Previous experience in the timber industry
- Previous experience with woodworking machinery
What You'll Get
- £26,436 – £32,000 per year, depending on experience
- Company pension
- Health plan
- Free on-site parking
- Full on-the-job training, with a genuine route to becoming a qualified machine operator
- A varied role within a small, independent business — not a faceless production line
Requirements
- Location: Lewes, BN8 — reliable commute or relocation before starting required. Public transport links are available but limited, so your own transport is a real advantage
- Right to work in the United Kingdom required
- English language required
- Driving licence required
- Remote working: not available — this is an in-person, on-site role
Job Types: Full-time
Pay: £26,436.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
Work Location: In person
