At a Glance
- Tasks: Safely operate forklifts to move timber and materials in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Glennon Brothers, a leading timber processing group with over a century of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive team culture, and opportunities for growth in a sustainable industry.
- Other info: Collaborative work environment with a focus on safety and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a green tech leader and contribute to innovative timber solutions.
- Qualifications: Valid forklift licence and experience in a fast-paced production setting.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Timber Frame Forklift Operator
Founded in 1913, Glennon Brothers is a leading timber processing Group operating across Ireland and the UK, with over a century of experience and a strong, well‑established growth story.
Today, the Group operates through a portfolio of respected brands including Glennon Brothers, Balcas, DTE, Alexanders Timber Design and, most recently, Pontrilas, reflecting both its scale and strategic expansion.
As a recognised leader within the Green Tech and sustainable construction sectors, the Group is dynamic, innovative and firmly focused on long‑term, responsible growth.
Across its brands, Glennon Brothers supplies a wide range of timber products to the Irish and UK markets, serving the construction, pallet wood and fencing industries.
The Group also manufactures timber frame homes and engineered roof trusses for the housebuilding sector and operates several combined heat and power (CHP) and wood pellet manufacturing facilities.
Following the acquisition of Pontrilas in January 2026, the Group has significantly increased its turnover and expanded its workforce to over 1,400 colleagues.
This growth has been driven by a strong commitment to its people, a customer‑focused service ethos, and continued investment in advanced technology and operational capability.
Glennon Brothers operates a multi‑site footprint across Longford, Fermoy, Enniskillen, Troon, Irvine, Windymains and Invergordon, providing a diverse and collaborative working environment across its Group brands and functions.
Principle Objective
Reporting to the relevant Shift Supervisor or Team Lead, the Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient and accurate movement of timber, materials, finished products and components through the timber frame manufacturing facility.
The role involves operating forklift trucks and associated material handling equipment to support production, storage, loading and despatch activities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, housekeeping and operational efficiency.
- Knowledge & Experience
- Valid Counterbalance Forklift Truck Licence (essential).
- Previous experience operating forklifts in a manufacturing, timber, construction or industrial environment.
- Experience handling long, bulky or irregular loads would be advantageous.
- Good understanding of warehouse, production and logistics operations.
- Awareness of health, safety and environmental requirements within an operational setting.
- Experience working within a fast-paced production environment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues and supervisors.
- Familiarity with stock control systems, scanners or warehouse management systems would be advantageous.
- Understanding of timber products and timber frame manufacturing processes is desirable but not essential.
- Flexible approach to work and willingness to support wider operational activities as required.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate forklift trucks safely and efficiently in accordance with company procedures and site rules.
- Transport raw materials, timber packs, finished panels, trusses and other products throughout the facility.
- Load and unload delivery vehicles safely and accurately.
- Supply production areas with materials to ensure production schedules are met.
- Store products and materials in designated locations while maintaining stock integrity.
- Conduct daily pre-use inspections and basic maintenance checks on forklift equipment.
- Report any defects, damage, near misses or safety concerns promptly.
- Assist with stock movements, stock counts and inventory control activities.
- Ensure all loads are secure, stable and moved without damage to products, equipment or facilities.
- Support housekeeping activities and maintain clean, organised work areas.
- Follow all health, safety, environmental and quality procedures.
- Work closely with production, warehouse and logistics teams to achieve operational targets.
- Participate in training, toolbox talks, safety briefings and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist in other operational tasks as required during periods of low forklift activity.
Essential Competencies
- Valid Counterbalance Forklift Certification.
- Strong awareness of health and safety requirements.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work accurately and safely under pressure.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Reliable and dependable approach to work.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and respond to changing production requirements.
- Commitment to quality standards and continuous improvement.
- Professional and safety-conscious attitude at all times.
- Key Performance Measures
- Safe operation of forklift trucks and material handling equipment.
- Zero preventable safety incidents or equipment damage.
- Timely movement of materials in support of production requirements.
- Accuracy of stock movements and inventory transactions.
- Quality of loading and unloading activities.
- Compliance with company health, safety and environmental procedures.
- Housekeeping standards within operational areas.
- Support of production efficiency and operational targets.
- Positive contribution to team performance and continuous improvement activities.
- Key Relationships
- Supervisors, Team Leads and Operations Manager.
- Production Colleagues.
- Engineering and Maintenance.
- Health, safety and quality teams.
- Transport providers and delivery drivers
Timber Frame Forklift Operator in Irvine employer: Glennon Brothers
Glennon Brothers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment across its multi-site operations in Ireland and the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the company fosters a culture of innovation and sustainability, ensuring that team members are supported in their professional journeys while contributing to meaningful projects in the Green Tech and construction sectors. Employees benefit from a customer-focused ethos, advanced technology investments, and a diverse range of opportunities within a well-established and respected group.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Timber Frame Forklift Operator in Irvine
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Timber Frame Forklift Operator in Irvine
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Glennon Brothers specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Glennon Brothers
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Glennon Brothers, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Glennon Brothers value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.