Side Loader
Join Glennon Brothers as a Side Loader Driver: safely move and load timber, support sawmill operations, and grow with a collaborative, safety-first team.
Side Loader
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 Side Loader Driver is responsible for the safe, efficient and accurate movement, storage and loading of timber products throughout the sawmill and storage areas.
The role involves operating side loader vehicles and associated material handling equipment to transport long-length timber products, support production activities, maintain stock accuracy and ensure customer orders are loaded safely and efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, quality and housekeeping.
Knowledge & Experience
- Valid Side Loader Licence or relevant Material Handling Equipment Certification (essential).
– Valid Counterbalance Forklift Licence (desirable).
– Previous experience operating side loaders, forklifts or similar equipment within a timber, manufacturing, warehouse or industrial environment.
– Experience handling long-length timber products and oversized loads.
– Good understanding of loading, storage and despatch operations.
– Awareness of health, safety and environmental requirements within an operational environment.
– Experience working within a fast-paced production environment.
– Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues and supervisors.
– Basic understanding of stock control processes and scanning systems.
– Understanding of timber products, grading and storage methods would be advantageous.
– Flexible approach to work and willingness to support wider operational activities as required.
Key Responsibilities
– Operate side loader vehicles safely and efficiently in accordance with company procedures and site rules.
– Transport timber packs, sawn products and materials between production, storage and despatch areas.
– Load and unload customer vehicles and internal transport safely and accurately.
– Ensure timber packs are stored correctly within designated areas whilst maintaining stock integrity.
– Supply production and processing areas with materials to support operational requirements.
– Conduct daily pre-use inspections and basic maintenance checks on side loader equipment.
– Report equipment defects, damage, near misses or safety concerns promptly.
– Ensure loads are secure, stable and transported without damage to product, equipment or facilities.
– Assist with stock movements, stock counts and inventory control activities.
– Maintain clear access routes, storage areas and loading zones.
– Follow all health, safety, environmental and quality procedures and standards.
– Work closely with production, planning, warehouse and logistics teams to achieve operational targets.
– Participate in training, toolbox talks, safety briefings and continuous improvement initiatives.
– Support housekeeping activities and maintain clean and organised work areas.
– Assist in other operational duties as required during periods of low side loader activity.
Essential Competencies
– Valid Side Loader Certification.
– Strong awareness of health and safety requirements.
– Excellent spatial awareness and safe load-handling skills.
– 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 operational requirements.
– Commitment to quality standards and continuous improvement.
– Professional and safety-conscious attitude at all times.
Key Performance Measures
– Safe operation of side loader vehicles and material handling equipment.
– Zero preventable safety incidents or equipment damage.
– Timely movement of timber products to support production and customer 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 despatch performance targets.
– Positive contribution to team performance and continuous improvement activities.
Key Relationships
– Supervisors, Chargehands and Plant Manager.
– Production Colleagues.
– Despatch and Logistics Teams.
– Engineering and Maintenance.
– Health, Safety and Quality Teams.
– Transport Providers and Delivery Drivers.
- Department
- Operations
- Role
- General Operative
- Location
- Troon