Background Information
W H Timber Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Woodland Heritage, the latter being an active, registered charity (no. 1041611), about which more can be read at www.woodlandheritage.org.
Woodland Heritage’s aims are to:
Raise awareness and appreciation of well managed woodlands and timber
Forge links in the British wood supply chain
Influence the choices of growers and consumers
Enable people to grow better quality trees and better quality timber
W H Timber Limited was incorporated in May 2016, in order to take over the running of Whitney Sawmills (https://www.whitneysawmills.com/) and to allow Woodland Heritage to demonstrate its commitment to an economically, socially and environmentally viable wood supply chain.
Whitney Sawmills and timber merchants was founded by furniture maker Will Bullough some thirty years ago. At the time he found it difficult to source the fine quality of timber that he required from existing timber suppliers. Since those days the sawmill has grown to become a leading timber merchant with sales in 2020/21 around £1m.
Currently, the mill employs seven people and is being run profitably. Relocation of the office and reception, as well as the main dry timber sales and storage area are all underway with completion due by the end of summer 2021. A new saw is expected to be operational by spring 2022 and will be housed in the current dry store area, taking the current investment programme to £300,000.
W H Timber Limited sees an exciting future for the mill – interest in our products is increasing, we attract growing numbers of views and then orders via our website, we are active on social media, and have a varied and expanding portfolio of local and high-profile customers across the UK.
W H Timber Limited is committed to supplying high quality timber, sourced in the UK as much as possible and in support of our Grown in Britain certification. Our prices are competitive, and we play our part in growing a connected and successful timber supply chain in the UK.
We are seeking a high calibre Sales Co-ordinator to join our team and contribute to our success story. The Sales Co-ordinator will be the initial point of contact for all customers, a person able to understand and fulfil their needs, whilst generating sales and a growing financial surplus for the company, also keeping control of its most financially valuable asset, its stock, typically, worth around £0.75m at any one time.
Job Purpose
The Timber Sales Co-ordinator is responsible for the sale of freshly sawn timber and dry timber sales The role is the first point of contact with most customers and potential customers, handling telephone, face-to-face and e-mailed enquiries. Understanding the customers’ needs, and successfully relating that to our business, is vital, so excellence in establishing and managing a high quality customer service is paramount.
With an in-depth knowledge of the timber stocks, making sure all stock information is communicated to the Administrator/Secretary to update records will be vital, with regular checks to make sure the stock lists are accurate with the required grading information.
Job Description
To have responsibility as the lead contact with customers regarding timber sales
Answer the office and mobile phones, and reply to emails, for sales enquiries
Price enquiries accurately and in detail, in consultation with the Manager when necessary.
Send orders to the sawyers and sawmill workers as they are confirmed, keeping on top of lead times so that customers can be kept informed if needed.
Assist the Dry Timber Co-ordinator, who runs the dry timber storage, in the selection and preparation of timber for orders, communicating volumes used to the Administrator/Secretary to enable the stock lists to be adjusted.
Raise purchase orders for secondary machining operations in line with order requirements, including liaising with subcontractors.
Make contact with customers promptly on completion of orders to ensure that sales orders are fulfilled as quickly as possible, also arranging deliveries if required.
Grade individual packs of timber and record the results on the stock lists.
Maintain stock lists in collaboration with the Administrator/Secretary, including six-monthly stock takes. Also check grades and tallies on all stock transfers and purchases, bringing any items of interest or concern to the Manager’s attention.
Any other duties as required for the smooth operation of the business.
Line Management
The Timber Sales Co-ordinator reports to the Sawmill Manager.
Personal Specification
The Timber Sales Co-ordinator will have a proven track record in a sales environment. This will ideally be in a timber-based business, but related sectors such as construction, joinery, agriculture, environment etc will also be considered. The successful candidate will be able to communicate clearly verbally and in writing, and will demonstrate high standards of administration of information, monitoring and control, be computer literate in Word and Excel, show willingness to learn, and demonstrate a high level of professional conduct. The candidate will need to enjoy working in a dedicated and hardworking team and contribute to its continued well-being and development.
Essential Criteria
A proven track record in sales and customer management
Meticulous record keeping, neat and orderly work style
Working knowledge of, or interest in, the timber and forestry sectors
Good listener and able to efficiently carry out instructions
A good ‘finisher’ – following through on tasks that may take longer than expected
A proactive approach and problem-solving attitude, being flexible as needed
Personal integrity and energy
A clear thinker who can work independently when required, but is also a team player
Computer literate, including familiarity with Office packages as a minimum.
Enthusiasm, honesty, loyalty, and high-quality customer care
Financially literate and ‘good with numbers’ e.g. to ensure that margins on sales are maximised wherever possible and that stocks are recorded accurately
Desirable Criteria
Potential to contribute to the wider development of the business
The ability to engage and communicate effectively with a wide range of guests, including Woodland Heritage members, forestry businesses and students, and the general public when they visit the mill
Working knowledge of European hardwoods and those softwoods which are sold by Whitney Sawmills, as well as of machined timber products
A valid driving licence
Salary:
Paid monthly in arrears, will be dependant on the experience of the candidate, plus a pension contribution into a qualifying scheme within the meaning of the Pensions Act 2008, as well as
reasonable expenses upon completion of a claim form supported by receipts as appropriate. Subject to business performance, all employees are eligible for consideration for a discretionary bonus each year, typically awarded at Christmas.
Location
The position is based at Whitney Sawmills, Whitney-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Some travel with occasional nights away from home may be a requirement.
Duration:
The post is a permanent one, subject to a six-month probation period, and with an annual performance appraisal. The post is full time (40 hours Monday to Friday, 08:00 -17:00 daily, including a paid break of no less than 30 minutes each day) with 20 days’ annual leave, plus eight days of Public Holiday.
To apply, send your CV and cover letter to dermot@whitneysawmills.co.uk