Truss Maker, Framer & Sawer - Zillmere - Finlayson's

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Truss Maker, Framer & Saw Operator

Company: Metcash (Finlayson's Timber and Hardware)

Location: Zillmere, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Casual (with potential for ongoing work)

Category: Trades & Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for the efficient production of timber trusses and frames, directly impacting the construction supply chain.

• Requires hands-on operation of specialized machinery, demanding precision, safety consciousness, and adherence to production schedules.

• Involves interpreting technical plans and measurements, ensuring the final product meets stringent quality and specification requirements.

• Contributes to a fast-paced manufacturing environment, requiring reliability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description indicates a need for experienced Truss Makers, Framers, and Saw Operators. This suggests a focus on skilled trades within a manufacturing operations context, rather than a traditional Revenue or Sales Operations role. The output will be tailored to reflect this trade-specific operations environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manufacture trusses and frames according to precise project specifications and blueprints.

• Safely and efficiently operate various saws (e.g., chop saws, panel saws) and production equipment used in timber framing.

• Accurately interpret technical drawings, plans, and measurements to ensure correct component fabrication.

• Uphold and maintain high-quality standards for all manufactured timber products, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

• Collaborate effectively with team members in a production line environment to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of orders.

• Strictly adhere to all safety procedures, protocols, and regulations to maintain a safe working environment.

• Maintain a clean and organized workspace to promote efficiency and safety.

• Potentially assist with material handling and loading/unloading of timber products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the "Key Responsibilities" section, these are core operational duties for a manufacturing trade role. The emphasis is on physical production, equipment operation, and quality adherence within a team setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is generally expected; a vocational certificate in carpentry, construction, or a related trade is highly regarded.

Experience: 2-5 years of demonstrated experience in truss manufacturing, timber framing, or saw operation. A background in carpentry or construction is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in manufacturing timber trusses and frames.

• Proficiency in operating production saws and related timber processing equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret technical plans, blueprints, and measurement specifications accurately.

• Strong understanding of timber properties and construction techniques.

• Commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in fabricated components.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a physically demanding, fast-paced production environment.

• Excellent attention to detail and precision in work.

• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.

Preferred Skills:

• Forklift license and experience operating forklifts in a production setting.

• Background in general carpentry or construction trades.

• Experience with different types of timber and their applications.

• Knowledge of relevant Australian building codes and standards.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or production efficiency principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirements focus on practical skills and experience directly related to timber manufacturing and framing. Preferred skills like a forklift license indicate a need for versatile operational capabilities within the production facility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documentation of past projects involving truss or frame manufacturing, showcasing complexity and scale.

• Visual evidence (photos/videos) of completed work, highlighting precision and quality of finished products.

• Examples of interpreting and working from technical drawings or measurement specifications.

• Case studies demonstrating problem-solving in a production setting, such as resolving a quality issue or improving a workflow.

Process Documentation:

• Descriptions of personal workflow for manufacturing trusses or frames, from plan interpretation to final product.

• Examples of quality control checks performed during the manufacturing process.

• Any documented experience in optimizing personal work processes for increased efficiency or reduced waste.

• Understanding of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for equipment use and safety in a manufacturing context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a trade role, a traditional "process and systems portfolio" might not be standard. However, demonstrating practical experience through project examples, quality adherence, and process understanding is crucial. The portfolio should focus on tangible output and operational methodology in a production setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the casual nature, weekday hours, and the location in Zillmere, Queensland, Australia, a typical hourly rate for an experienced Truss Maker/Framer/Saw Operator would likely fall within the range of AUD $28 - $35 per hour, depending on experience and specific skill set.

Benefits:

• Ongoing opportunities with consistent weekday work, providing stability.

• Supportive team culture that values collaboration and hard work.

• Opportunity to build and diversify skills across multiple areas of timber manufacturing.

• Access to a stable pipeline of work, ensuring continuous employment.

• Potential for skill development and cross-training within the Finlayson's operation.

• Opportunity to be part of a long-standing, family-oriented business.

Working Hours: Primarily Monday to Friday, with no weekend work required. Standard full-time hours (approximately 38-40 hours per week) are typical, with potential for overtime based on production demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for skilled trades in Australia, specifically Queensland, and considering the casual employment type. Benefits are derived directly from the job description's "Why Join Us?" section.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Timber and Hardware Manufacturing/Retail. Finlayson's operates within the construction materials supply chain, specializing in timber products.

Company Size: Finlayson's is described as a "150-year-old, 4th generation, family orientated business." While its specific employee count isn't stated, it's backed by Mitre 10, suggesting a robust operational scale. This implies a culture that balances traditional family business values with the operational efficiency of a larger entity.

Founded: Finlayson's was founded 150 years ago, indicating a long-standing history and deep expertise in the timber and hardware market in Queensland.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely consists of skilled tradespeople, production supervisors, and potentially warehouse/logistics staff supporting the manufacturing process.

• Reporting structure would typically flow from tradespeople to a Production Supervisor or Site Manager.

Methodology:

• Data analysis is likely focused on production efficiency, material yield, and order fulfillment rates.

• Workflow planning centers on optimizing the manufacturing process for trusses and frames, ensuring timely delivery.

• Automation practices might be limited to specific machinery operations, with a strong emphasis on manual craftsmanship and precision.

Company Website: https://www.mitre10.com.au/stores/qld/finlaysons-timber-hardware-zillmere (Note: Direct Finlayson's website not readily available, linked to Mitre 10 store page)

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about Finlayson's culture and structure is inferred from its description as a family business, its long history, and its association with Mitre 10, a major hardware retailer. This suggests a blend of tradition and operational rigor.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a skilled trades position, operating at an experienced craftsperson level. The role focuses on executing specific manufacturing tasks with a high degree of autonomy and technical skill.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Production Supervisor or Site Manager who oversees the manufacturing operations at the Zillmere facility.

Operations Impact: Directly impacts the company's ability to supply essential building components to the construction industry. Efficient and quality production contributes to customer satisfaction, repeat business, and Metcash's overall market share in timber and hardware.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill diversification: Opportunity to gain proficiency in operating a wider range of saws and machinery, or cross-train in other timber processing areas.

• Team Lead/Supervisory roles: With significant experience and demonstrated leadership, potential to move into a supervising role overseeing production teams.

• Quality Assurance: Specialization in quality control processes for timber products.

• Training: Opportunity to mentor newer team members on manufacturing techniques and safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth within this type of role is typically horizontal (skill expansion) or into team leadership, rather than a typical corporate ladder progression. The focus is on deepening trade expertise and operational responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hands-on, production-focused environment. The primary workspace will be within a timber manufacturing facility, likely involving a workshop or factory floor setting.

Office Location(s): Zillmere, Queensland, Australia. This is a specific operational site.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is a busy manufacturing floor, characterized by the sounds and activity of machinery and production.

• Access to specialized tools and equipment for timber cutting, shaping, and assembly is standard.

• Opportunities for interaction with a dedicated team of fellow tradespeople and supervisors.

• Emphasis on safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean work area.

Work Schedule: Primarily Monday to Friday. The role is casual but offers consistent weekday work, suggesting a predictable schedule that allows for planning outside of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is clearly defined as an on-site manufacturing facility, distinct from an office setting. The focus is on practical, hands-on work with machinery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application for relevant experience in truss making, framing, or saw operation.

• Practical Assessment/Workshop Tour: Potentially a hands-on assessment or demonstration of skills, or a tour of the facility to gauge understanding of the production environment. This would involve showcasing proficiency in operating relevant machinery and interpreting plans.

• Interview with Hiring Manager/Supervisor: Discussion about previous experience, technical skills, safety record, reliability, and team fit. Questions may relate to problem-solving in a production setting and commitment to quality.

• Reference Checks: Verification of past employment and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on showcasing tangible results: Include clear photos of completed trusses/frames, demonstrating precision and quality.

• Detail your specific role and responsibilities in past projects.

• Be prepared to discuss your process for interpreting plans and ensuring accuracy.

• Highlight any experience with specific types of saws or machinery.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to production challenges, such as dealing with material defects, equipment malfunctions, or tight deadlines.

• Prepare examples of how you have contributed to maintaining quality standards or improving efficiency in previous roles.

• Understand and be able to articulate the importance of safety in a manufacturing setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for a trade role will heavily emphasize practical skills and experience over theoretical or strategic operational knowledge. A portfolio, if requested, would focus on visual evidence of work and process descriptions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Various types of saws: Chop saws, panel saws, potentially radial arm saws or CNC saws.

• Timber framing jigs and assembly equipment.

• Measuring tools: Tape measures, squares, levels, laser measures.

• Hand tools: Hammers, saws, chisels, nail guns.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Less emphasis on formal analytics software. Reporting likely involves production logs, material usage reports, and quality check sheets.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM is unlikely to be directly used by this role.

• Automation is primarily embedded in the machinery used (e.g., automated saw functions), rather than software-driven workflow automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" for this role is highly specialized and equipment-focused, typical for manufacturing trades. It's about proficiency with physical tools and machinery, not software platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A strong emphasis on producing accurate, high-quality trusses and frames that meet specifications.

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to workplace safety, adhering to all protocols and using PPE.

• Reliability & Punctuality: Being dependable and showing up on time is crucial for a production schedule.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to ensure smooth production flow and mutual support.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving to produce work in a timely manner without compromising quality or safety.

• Work Ethic: A dedication to hard work and completing tasks effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct and practical communication, focused on task execution and problem-solving on the production floor.

• Mutual support among team members to meet production targets.

• Openness to feedback regarding work quality and safety practices.

• Collaborative problem-solving for manufacturing challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are deeply rooted in the demands of a manufacturing trade environment, emphasizing practical skills, safety, and team efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Working in a physically demanding environment with repetitive tasks.

• Maintaining consistent quality and precision under time pressure.

• Adhering to strict safety regulations in a potentially hazardous setting.

• Adapting to variations in timber quality or project specifications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering the operation of advanced or specialized timber processing machinery.

• Gaining comprehensive knowledge of different timber types and their applications.

• Developing expertise in reading complex architectural plans.

• Opportunities for cross-training in other areas of the timber yard or manufacturing process.

• Potential progression into team leadership or supervisory roles for exceptional performers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are inherent to the physical and technical demands of the role. Growth opportunities are centered on deepening trade expertise and potential leadership within the operations team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience in manufacturing timber trusses or frames. What types of projects have you worked on?"

• "How do you ensure accuracy and quality when interpreting measurement specifications or blueprints?"

• "Can you walk me through your process for operating a [specific type of saw, e.g., chop saw] safely and efficiently?"

• "Describe a time you encountered a challenge with material quality or a production issue. How did you resolve it?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Finlayson's specifically?"

• "What do you know about our company and our products?"

• "How do you approach working as part of a team in a production setting?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If a portfolio is requested, be prepared to visually showcase your best work.

• Clearly explain your role and contributions to each project.

• Be ready to discuss the specific techniques and tools you used.

• Highlight any instances where you improved a process or solved a problem.

• Emphasize your commitment to quality and safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will focus on practical, experience-based scenarios and assessing the candidate's technical skills, safety awareness, and fit within a production team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Metcash careers site.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight specific experience with truss manufacturing, framing, saw operation, and any construction or carpentry background. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "produced X trusses per shift").

• Prepare for a skills assessment: Be ready to demonstrate your ability to interpret plans, use measuring tools, and potentially operate relevant machinery if a practical test is part of the process.

• Research Finlayson's and Metcash: Understand the company's history, its place in the market, and its commitment to quality and safety.

• Practice articulating your experience: Be prepared to clearly and concisely discuss your skills, project history, and approach to safety and quality during an interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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