Lindab is a leader in sustainable ventilation solutions and manufacturer of simplified roofing and rainwater systems. We recognise that it’s human nature to build and as most people spend the majority of our time indoors, the buildings that we construct and the air that we breathe indoors have a huge impact on our health and the health of our planet.

At Lindab, we want to contribute to the architecture of tomorrow. We also want a better climate for our planet. That is why we develop energy-efficient solutions for healthy indoor environments and simplified building products to make it easier to build sustainably.

However, Lindab is not just about building structures; it’s about building futures. As the company continues to grow with almost 5,000 people within the worldwide team, we remain committed to fostering a supportive work environment where innovation leads the way.

As the main operations of our business are production, warehousing, sales, and distribution, it will come as no surprise that many of our people work within these areas. We also have roles within a diverse range of other business departments including purchasing, marketing, HR, IT, quality, Health and Safety, sustainability and more. Despite being a large business, each location has a smaller team working together to achieve local goals which means any individual can see how their contribution makes an impact to the business and contributes to customer success- which is one of our core values.

We are proud of the career opportunities within our dynamic team. Lindab is dedicated to nurturing talent from within, we believe in empowering our employees to excel and provide a broad spectrum of training opportunities ensuring we nourish entrepreneurial spirit and encourage career paths where people can grow.

Many of our current leaders have been promoted from within the company, which shows our commitment to professional development. We’re always excited to welcome new members to our team who are passionate about making a difference in the construction industry and beyond.

Lindab encourages those at the beginning of their career to explore the diverse opportunities available in the construction product and building materials sector. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable construction, we keep our doors open for those looking to develop their skills in a forward-thinking and supportive environment.

JCB is the world’s third largest construction machinery manufacturer. With a reputation synonymous with quality and innovation, an unrivalled UK dealer support network and a history that stretches back nearly 80 years, our iconic yellow machines are instantly recognisable.

But we never rest on our laurels and are continuously developing products that offer unique features and benefits, over and above our competitors’ machines. It is part of our company DNA to engage with customers and ensure we are always developing innovative solutions that add value to their business and create solutions to their challenges.

For Builders Merchants, the JCB Teletruk is a perfect example of our product innovation, bringing unique forward reach capabilities to the market for the first time in 1997. Since then, we have launched a complete range of telescopic industrial forklifts, including 2WD and 4WD, LPG, diesel and electric drive system variants.

The JCB Teletruk continues to provide the highest forward visibility, biggest forward reach and the largest lift capacity of any forklift available on the material handling market – improving safety, while saving time, space and money.

Investing in Early Careers

JCB’s future growth and success depends on recruiting and training new talent. Planning for the long term is more important than ever as the business goes through a period of rapid growth.That’s why we have created more than 150 new jobs for apprentices and graduates, with an £8 million investment in an industry-leading Early Careers programme. The new recruits allow us to focus on training the next generation of manufacturers, engineers and business specialists.

We are delighted to welcome new apprentices and graduates as they embark on challenging and rewarding careers.

Building a Greener Future

It was always our intention to build our own diesel engines and that dream became a reality in 2004. From then on, it was all about continuous improvement and making our engines as fuel-efficient as possible, while reducing harmful emissions.

But we are always looking for better ways and we led the way in the development of zero and low carbon fuel technologies with the launch of the world’s first fully electric mini excavator in 2018. We now have the largest zero-emission, electric range of compact machinery on the market.

And it did not stop there. While electric power works well for smaller machines, it is not very practical for bigger models. That’s why we turned to hydrogen as an alternative, clean, zero carbon fuel and developed our first hydrogen engine. Now, machines that are fitted with award-winning JCB hydrogen engines can do everything their diesel-powered equivalents can do, but without the carbon.

JCB is committed to being at the forefront of working towards a more sustainable future.

Bradfords understand the scale of the transformation required to the way in which we build to meet targets on decarbonisation, biodiversity, and environmental impact, whilst making sure that what we do build is fit for communities in the future.

At Bradfords we want to be the first and only place our customers need to come to get advice and the building materials they need to build sustainably.

Giles Bradford, Head of Sustainability at Bradfords, explains more:

Bradfords has been proudly serving communities across the South-West for over 250 years.
Since day one, we’ve always been family owned and today, with 48 branches across the West Country and a team of over 850, we’re just as committed to helping you find the right product for the job as we were back then. Our proposition has always evolved with the times, adapting to emergent needs and technologies. The ‘right building materials for the job’ has evolved too, and it’s our job to make sure that’s still what we provide.

At Bradfords, we understand the scale of the transformation required to the way in which we build to meet targets: on decarbonisation, biodiversity, and environmental impact, making sure that we help builders be able to build what is fit for communities in the future.

Giles Bradford, Head of Sustainability at Bradfords, explains: ‘as a merchant we have to be helping our customers; providing the right materials, supporting data, and guidance. To deliver the highest quality and performing buildings requires a detailed systems approach to ensure that they can meet the requirement, whether that be community sentiment, regulation or design.

Being one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of quality landscaping solutions is one thing – but it’s all the training and support to install our fantastic products that we offer that makes the Material Difference to merchants and their customers. We do this in a range of ways.

Structured training

The Talasey Training Academy (TTA) is a dedicated facility at our Scunthorpe head office that offers a range of structured programmes for merchant staff, landscapers and installers, designers and landscape architects, college students and apprentices, and even homeowners.

Courses include: 

• Basic site setting out
• Installation of porcelain paving materials
• Installation of natural stone paving materials
• Installation of composite decking and cladding
• Installation of artificial grass

Taking the training direct to merchants

Our Talasey on Tour initiative is a great way for us to take training direct to merchants. Not only can we showcase our comprehensive range of products and solutions but we also have knowledgeable staff on hand to go through any of the product features and benefits. This is important, as it helps merchants to maximise sales potential.

Another point to mention is our mini product awareness courses and demonstrations, which offer merchant staff the ability to touch, feel and see our products first-hand – including Natural Paving (including Pavetuf), Vitripiazza (also including Pavetuf), Luxigraze and Piranha.

This also gives merchants a great opportunity to invite their customers to see and experience Talasey products.

Training at our head office in Scunthorpe

As well as going direct to merchants, they are more than welcome to come to us as we have the facilities at our head office to host different groups on a range of different Product Awareness Courses –  where teams can get hands-on with our products. We also host these sessions for our own staff to increase their product knowledge.

Onsite support

We also run our own exclusive Designer & Installer Network for a select group of members who have partnered with us to deliver high-quality design and installation of Talasey products. One of the main benefits for installers is that we can parachute in a very experienced team to help on very challenging projects.

One of the other benefits is celebrating the work of our Designer & Installer Network, and our annual awards celebrate the very best of our industry’s skills. 

Supporting the industry 

We are proud supporters of initiatives that drive up the standards, skills and expertise within the landscaping sector – which is why we are proud backers of the BMF’s Building Blocks programme. It provides fundamental training on a range of industry-specific topics. All course content was crafted in consultation with industry experts, who provided their comprehensive topic knowledge.

We have also been a long-time supporter of WorldSkills UK and always offer assistance and support to the UK’s landscaping team as they prepare for the finals.

Making a material difference in several key areas

Joining Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland offers individuals the chance to be part of a company that is not only shaping the future of the building materials sector but also making a positive impact on the environment. Employees can take pride in knowing that their work directly contributes to creating more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, thus playing a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change. With a supportive and dynamic work culture, ample opportunities for professional development, and a meaningful mission, Knauf Insulation presents an attractive option for those seeking a rewarding career in the industry.

The company is dedicated to developing and producing high-performance insulation solutions that are not only effective, but also sustainable. With a growing focus on energy-efficiency and reducing carbon footprints, Knauf Insulation’s products offer a vital contribution to the construction industry’s efforts to meet sustainability targets.

Moreover, Knauf Insulation places a strong emphasis on innovation and research, continually seeking new ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its products. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, the company can provide cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market.

Knauf Insulation is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and responsibility within its workforce. Employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise, creating a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. The company also prioritises employee development, offering opportunities for growth and advancement within the organisation.

Everyone sees opportunity differently. Knauf sees opportunity in everyone.

Knauf Insulation, a part of the Knauf Group, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of insulation products and solutions. With more than 40 years of experience in the industry, we represent one of the fastest growing and most respected names in insulation worldwide.

Similar to other global businesses, our 41,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. Unlike other global businesses, you may be surprised that Knauf is still a family-owned and run company and that means that our values and people-first culture are at the forefront of how the business operates. This means that career with us can offer you something a bit special; family values at the heart combined with global success and influence.

At Manthorpe Building Products, we’re proud to be part of an industry that shapes the world around us. We believe in making a material difference, not just in construction but also in the lives and careers of those who choose this path. 

The Builders Merchant Federation’s ‘Materially Different’ campaign reflects our ongoing commitment to the sector and those who work within it. We provide not just jobs, but a stable and secure career path for those who choose this industry. Many of our employees have built long-term careers with Manthorpe, and we take pride in fostering an environment of job security and professional growth. 

Choosing a career in building products is about working with tangible results. It’s about taking part in an industry where your innovations become the very structures we live and work in, often lasting for generations. 

Investing in the future 

At Manthorpe, we view apprentices as the future of our industry. We believe in developing a motivated, qualified workforce and are totally committed to apprenticeship programmes at different stages of our employees’ careers. 

Our apprenticeships cover a wide range of disciplines, from manufacturing to business administration. We believe that investing in our people’s growth is a vital part of our commitment to a stable and successful future for the industry. 

Sustainable Growth 

In today’s world, there’s a growing demand to accelerate sustainable building solutions, and we’re at the forefront of this change. We’re committed to developing materials that are not only innovative but also environmentally responsible helping to drive the industry towards a more sustainable future. 

By joining our sector, you can become a key player in the development of materials that will shape the world for years to come. From engineers to architects, marketers to logistics experts, there’s a role for everyone. Your skills and ideas can turn into real-world solutions that impact communities and environments. 

If you’re looking for a career with true impact and a sector focused on developing materials for the future, then you’re in the right place. Building products isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to be part of something bigger, something that leaves a legacy 

Making a Material Difference by Championing Alternative Routes to Success 

You do not need perfect test scores and a glowing work history to have a career in the Building Materials industry. We source and store building materials, sell them to customers then prepare the materials for delivery or collection. Our customers have choices, so whether the customer comes back to us depends on how we make our customers feel. 

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand yourself and your own emotions, as well as the people around you. Great EI allows for natural rapport with others. Self-awareness, self-motivation and empathy makes everyone feel important – leading to positive feedback, sales and customer retention. These skills are seldom learned in the classroom. 

Albert Einstein said “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”, and we wholeheartedly agree. Everyone can master a role in merchanting and become of immense value, regardless of previous circumstances and perceived limitations. 

We encourage personal development without pressure, ensuring individuals are focused on the present and what they can do right now, as well as actively considering the next steps they can take to become who they want to be in the future. 

Matt Whymark – Work Experience Yard Sweeper to Depot Manager 

One of our favourite succession stories comes from Matthew Whymark. Matt started his Colliers journey back in 2006, when he came to us for a week’s work experience. He was taking care of the shop and sweeping up in the yard. After surviving the week, Matt started working Saturdays on the counter, which he did for a year, until he finished school. 

Matt’s first full-time role with Collier & Catchpole began in 2008. He was officially a Yard Assistant — helping with the loading and unloading of lorries and trucks with the forklifts, serving customers, preparing stock and supporting the sales team. 

Matt spent the following years majoring in different areas of the business, training and taking on new roles within purchasing, sales, distribution, transport and warehousing. In more recent years, Matt completed his Diploma in Merchanting through the BMF. 

In 2022, Matt’s dedication got him promoted to Assistant Depot Manager. A year later, Matt was promoted again and became our youngest Depot Manager in the company’s history at 31 years old, and is still progressing every day at Colliers.