At a Glance
- Tasks: Create bespoke furniture from reclaimed materials and collaborate with the design team on innovative projects.
- Company: Join ReFactory, a creative hub focused on recycling and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, a pension scheme, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a small, dedicated team.
- Why this job: Transform waste into beautiful furniture and make a positive impact on the planet.
- Qualifications: Experience in joinery or furniture making, with a passion for creativity and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 34000 £ per year.
No two days start the same here. What comes through the doors is whatever’s been pulled from the waste stream — reclaimed timber, salvaged metal, materials most workshops would never see — and your job is to look at it and build the furniture, fittings and installations hiding inside. Some of it’s a one-off; some of it’s a short run. One day you’re developing a rough concept on the floor with the design team; the next you’re working to a drawing where every detail and millimetre counts. Either way, you’re giving material a second life as something people genuinely want — and putting your name to it.
We want a multi-skilled joiner/furniture maker who can take a piece the whole way — from first prototype, through refining the build, to the short runs that have to match it exactly, to fitting the finished thing on site. Most days you’re at the bench, building furniture and fittings from reclaimed and recycled material. Some days you’re out installing a feature piece. The design team will hand you things that have never been made before and trust you to work out how — to time, to budget, and to a standard you’d put your name to. You’ll work closely with them, and you get how that relationship works.
- Build bespoke furniture and installations from reclaimed and recycled material
- Work with the design team to turn rough ideas — and the odd impossible request — into finished pieces
- Run one-offs and short batch runs, each one as good as the last
- Operate and maintain the workshop machinery and tools, safely
- Keep quality high and waste low, to time and to budget
- Install finished pieces on site when the job calls for it — you built it, so you take the care to fit it right
- Health and safety is non-negotiable — we work to the rules and regulations every day, and we look out for each other.
ReFactory is the in-house design-and-make function of MyGroup, a Yorkshire waste-management and recycling group that has spent 35 years keeping material out of landfill. Across its sites it recovers just about everything — ocean plastic, beauty and clinical packaging, scrap timber and metal — and ReFactory is the part that closes the loop, turning that recovered waste into new materials and products. Where capability and creativity meet, even ‘unrecyclable’ material becomes something new. No two projects are the same — different waste turns up every day, and a lot of the craft is taking it apart and working out what it could become. We've delivered bespoke products and installations for some of the UK's best-known brands, all from material they'd otherwise have thrown away. We care about two things equally: doing right by the planet, and making designer products and builds that people actually want.
AT A GLANCE
- SALARY depending on experience
- CONTRACT REPORTS TO ReFactory Design & Production Office
- LOCATION Goole Site - Opus 36, New Potter Grange Rd, DN14 6BZ some work at The Maltings - Turpin Ln, South Milford, Leeds LS25 5FP own transport required
- HOLIDAY 30 days’ leave rising with service
- HOURS Mon–Fri, 7:00am–5:00pm
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- ESSENTIAL
- Proven experience as a joiner, carpenter or furniture maker
- Strong knowledge of woodworking techniques, tools and machinery — and open to working metal, plastics and whatever else turns up
- Comfortable developing a rough concept on the floor and working to a precise drawing — both take a maker who can communicate and adapt
- A creative, problem-solving head, a real eye for detail, and the pride of a maker who cares
- A portfolio or photos of your work — we don’t hire anyone who can’t show us what they’ve made
- Full UK manual driving licence — you’ll occasionally drive between sites and to jobs
- Your own transport (the workshop isn’t on a public transport route)
- You take pride in doing things right, and in doing right by the planet
- DESIRABLE
- Experience working with reclaimed or recycled materials
- A hand in R&D — developing pieces and methods from scratch
- Experience across other materials (metal, plastic, textiles)
WHAT YOU’LL GET
- Genuinely varied work — one-off bespoke pieces, short runs and feature installations
- The satisfaction of giving waste a second life as furniture people genuinely want
- Room to grow across new materials, methods and techniques
- A permanent, full-time role with a workplace pension and 30 days’ holiday (rising with service)
- A small, multi-disciplinary team that takes the planet and the craft equally seriously
Closing date: end of August.
Multi-skilled Joiner / Furniture Maker in Leeds employer: MYReFactory
ReFactory is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and sustainability, offering a dynamic work environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to innovate with reclaimed materials. Our collaborative culture fosters personal and professional growth, ensuring that our team members not only hone their craft but also contribute to meaningful projects that make a positive impact on the environment. Located in a vibrant community, we provide a supportive atmosphere that values craftsmanship and encourages continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Multi-skilled Joiner / Furniture Maker in Leeds
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Multi-skilled Joiner / Furniture Maker in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch MYReFactory's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at MYReFactory. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at MYReFactory
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at MYReFactory.
