Saw Shop / Yard Operative
Location: Bradford on Avon
Department: Production Yard
Reports to: Production Yard Manager
Job Overview
This is a hands-on, physically active role based in a busy stone masonry and saw shop production yard. You will be working in a noisy, fast-paced industrial environment with heavy machinery, moving vehicles, stone products, dust, and changing weather conditions.
The yard can be demanding, dirty, and safety-critical, and you will need to stay alert at all times. You will regularly work around saws, CNC machinery, forklifts, heavy stone products, delivery vehicles, and manual handling tasks. Attention to detail, safe working practices, and reliability are essential.
The role suits someone with labouring experience, is practical, dependable, safety-conscious, and comfortable working outdoors and on an active production site.
Role Purpose
As a Saw Shop / Yard Operative, you will support the efficient day-to-day running of the production yard by handling stone materials safely, assisting with machinery operations, maintaining yard organisation, and helping ensure customer orders are prepared accurately and on time.
You will be expected to follow company procedures, health and safety standards, and management instructions while contributing positively to production output and site housekeeping.
Key Responsibilities
- Follow daily instructions from the Production Yard Manager
- Attend work punctually and be ready to start on time to support production schedules.
- Use the company clocking-in and clocking-out system accurately.
- Take breaks only at allocated times to support operational flow.
- Stack stone blocks and finished products safely and correctly in accordance with company procedures.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the yard, keeping work areas clean, tidy, and safe.
- Support other operatives during breaks, annual leave, or sickness absence as required.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties requested by your line manager.
Loading, Handling and Dispatch
- Load and unload stone block and finished goods from HGVs and other vehicles safely and efficiently.
- Operate a forklift truck where licensed and authorised to do so.
- Check incoming and outgoing goods for accuracy, condition, and correct loading.
- Ensure picked products are packaged securely and to a high standard, with no damaged pallets, torn labels, or incomplete wrapping.
- Help organise materials and stock in the yard to support efficient production and dispatch.
Machinery and Production Support
- Operate saws and other cutting equipment safely and accurately in line with production requirements and specifications.
- Train in the use of CNC machinery (as operational requirements dictate) and assist with production tasks as required.
- Assist with routine machinery checks and report any faults, defects, or safety concerns promptly.
- Use hand tools and power tools safely for fabrication, finishing, and related production tasks.
- Support masonry, stone carving, and banker shop duties where required.
Equipment and Maintenance
- Carry out pre-use forklift checks at the start of each shift and complete all relevant documentation.
- Assist with the cleanliness and basic maintenance of forklifts and machinery.
- Report equipment defects, damage, or maintenance concerns to the Yard Supervisor or management team.
- Monitor dust extraction and water waste systems and raise any concerns promptly.
Health, Safety and Compliance
- Work at all times in line with Health & Safety regulations, company policies, and safe systems of work.
- Stay within designated safety zones around machinery and site operations.
- Report hazards, near misses, and HSE concerns immediately to management.
- Attend and complete all required in-house Health & Safety training.
- Follow company waste management procedures, including correct waste segregation and disposal.
- Empty vessels containing waste and slag safely and in a timely manner.
Teamwork and Performance
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to meet daily production and picking targets.
- Support efficient yard operations so customer orders are ready for dispatch by required deadlines.
- Contribute to a positive team culture through reliability, communication, and a proactive approach.
Requirements
Essential
- Practical experience using mechanical tools, hand tools, and power tools.
- Ability to work safely in a busy industrial or production environment.
- Ability to carry out physical work, including heavy lifting, repetitive manual handling, and working on your feet for long periods.
- Strong punctuality and reliability, with the ability to attend work consistently and on time.
- A proactive and responsible attitude towards health and safety.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
- Good attention to detail and commitment to maintaining quality standards.
- Must be able to travel to site reliably and attend work punctually each day.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a stone masonry, manufacturing, yard, warehouse, or production environment.
- Knowledge of stone production processes, cutting operations, or assembly techniques.
- Forklift truck licence or previous forklift experience (training can be provided for the right candidate).
- Experience working with saws, CNC machinery, or similar production equipment.
- Basic understanding of stock handling, goods-in/goods-out, or dispatch preparation.
- A full UK driving licence.
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:
- Reliable and punctual, with a strong work ethic.
- Safety-conscious and aware of the risks in a heavy industrial environment.
- Practical and hands-on, with confidence using tools and equipment.
- Resilient and adaptable, able to work in a noisy, dusty, and all-weather yard environment.
- Calm under pressure and able to maintain standards in a busy workplace.
- Team-oriented, willing to support colleagues and cover duties when needed.
- Organised and disciplined, with a focus on accuracy, housekeeping, and efficiency.
- Willing to learn, especially in relation to machinery, processes, and site procedures.
Working Environment
This role is based in a stone masonry and saw shop production yard and involves:
- Working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
- Exposure to a busy, noisy, and dusty site environment
- Regular use of PPE
- Working around heavy machinery, saws, forklifts, moving vehicles, and stone products
- Manual handling and physically demanding tasks as part of daily operations
Summary
This is a strong opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, site-based work and can thrive in a demanding production environment. The successful candidate will be dependable, safety-focused, physically capable, and ready to contribute to a productive and well-run yard operation.
Pay: £12.71-£13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
