Careers with SWH

We are always on the look out for talented people to join our sales, support and technical teams. Get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!

Right now, we are actively looking for:

Yard Person

Salary: Up to £26,000 per year (depending on age and experience)
Holiday: 21 days per year (plus bank holidays)

Location: Whiddon Down – Family-run business with opportunities to grow.

About the Role:
We’re on the lookout for a motivated and organised Yardperson to join our close-knit, family-run team. This is a varied role where no two days are the same. You’ll be hands-on, helping out across the Service, Sales and Parts departments, and contributing to the success of our thriving business. Whether you’re passionate about working with machinery, or simply eager to develop new skills, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Supporting multiple departments including Service, Sales, and Parts.
  • Cleaning and prepping machinery for repairs or sale.
  • Maintaining the workshop and yard to a high standard.
  • Assisting in machine demonstrations and set-up for events.
  • Delivering parts and providing cover for the Parts team.
  • Helping with trade shows and company events.
  • Taking on additional tasks that suit your skill set.

What We’re Looking For:

  • A full UK driving licence.
  • Reliable and punctual, with a strong work ethic.
  • A team player with a positive, can-do attitude.
  • Some mechanical knowledge (advantageous but not essential).
  • Experience in construction or agriculture (desirable but not required).

What We Offer: 

  • Competitive Salary – Earn up to £26,000 based on experience.
  • Generous Holidays – 21 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
  • Training & Development – Opportunities to expand your skills and grow within the company.
  • Overtime Opportunities – With the chance to boost your earnings.
  • Staff Discounts – Enjoy discounts on company products.
  • Pension Scheme – Contributory pension to help secure your future.
  • Health & Wellbeing Support – We care about our team’s wellbeing.
  • Room to Grow – Career progression for those who show drive and ambition.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to work in a supportive, family-oriented environment, where you’ll be valued and have the chance to learn and develop. If you’re looking for a role that offers variety, a friendly team, and room to grow, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply now by emailing [email protected]  or call Ben for a chat on 07974 799129 and take the next step in your career with us.

Field Service Engineer

Contract type: Permanent
Position type: Full time, immediate start available.

As part of our continuing growth here at Southwest Handling Limited we are on the look out for skilled engineers to join our family run business, representing the well known manufacturer Merlo along with additional franchises in Tractors, ATV’s and more. We are looking for independent, confident individuals with a strong background in agricultural and plant machinery, electrics and hydraulics.

Location: Southwest handling Limited is located with office and workshop facilities at: Whiddon Down, Okehampton, Devon, EX202QU with the potential of expanding in the future.

Competitive Package:
• Competitive rates of pay based experience
• Overtime rates
• Flexible weekend Standby retainers
• Company pension scheme
• 21 days holiday +bank holiday
• Van supplied for work use
• Tool allowance
• Phone, Tablet and laptop supplied by the company

Growth opportunities:
• Training and development opportunities with Merlo UK
• On the job training
• Extra training and qualification opportunities to enhance experience and knowledge
• Work up our grading system to reach various pay levels and privileges
• Work towards various role opportunities within the company
• Training plans put in place to help reach target

Who are we:
Southwest Handling are specialists in servicing of all models in the Merlo Range and we have recently been awarded GOLD MEDAL standard by Merlo UK, one of only a few dealers in the whole country. All of our engineers complete regular training on the latest machinery and repair techniques ensuring that we offer an impeccable level of sales and after sales service across our business.
We aim to make our work environment a great place for staff and customers together, making sure everyone feels valued and respected with what they accomplish while having a lively atmosphere along the way.

Key duties and responsibilities:
• Service, repair and maintain Merlo equipment and other farm/construction equipment
to manufactures specification.

• Have a eye for detail within the trade reporting faults and repair work through the correct procedures in the service department.

• Be competent in diagnosing and repairing electrical, hydraulic and various other faults before successfully completing the repair work required


• Operate/navigate Merlo software diagnostics to assist in service, diagnosis and repairs. (training will be provided)

• Complete detailed reports on job progress and job completion along with all relevant information required for warranty claims and time allocation, all done on our internal laptop and tablet systems

• Liaise with customers in order to deliver a professional and successful result leading to re occurring custom

• Any other duties as deemed necessary to fulfil the role

The ideal candidate will have:
• Relevant experience and qualifications e.g. City and Guild, NVQ Level 3 qualifications (or equivalent to or greater than).
• Good IT Skills.
• Experience – knowledge and experience of a variety of machinery ideally in the construction or agricultural industry.
• Relationship Builder – Ability to interact with customers and develop/build a relationship.
• Communication – Ability to deliver appropriate. communication both internally and externally.
• Time Management – Ability to arrive on time and complete jobs in a realistic time scale.
• Presentation – Present a professional image at all times.
• Must carry a full driving licence as well have the ability to operate machinery on site for testing purposes (training can be given to the right candidate).

For all enquiries, please email a CV and covering letter to:
[email protected]
or complete the online form opposite.