Frequently asked questions

1. Vital. We’re critical to construction, the built environment, and the homes and communities we all live in.

2. Varied. Ours is a vast and dynamic sector, with thousands of different roles with hundreds of employers, where your career can take many paths.

3. Stable. You can build a solid future in an essential and always evolving sector with long-term career paths, job security, competitive salaries and benefits.

4. Changing. We’re on a mission to modernise and decarbonise construction, developing new and better products and accelerating sustainable solutions.

5. Futureproof. Be part of an industry that always has been and always will be in demand, and which is helping us build a better future for everyone.

6. Diverse. Join an open, friendly, supportive and welcoming community, with a need for more diverse people and skills to help us serve a wider range of needs.

All the products needed for all the UK’s building and construction projects, such as fixings, insulation & dry lining, workwear PPC, pipes, plumbing and heating, kitchens, power tools, electrics, roofing, bricks, blocks, landscaping, steel beams, hand tools, timber, cement, paint, plus all the services that support the sector including sales, customer service, IT, advice, drivers, marketing and many more.

A builders merchant is a type of business that specialises in the supply of building materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to building and construction professionals, installers, and DIY enthusiasts. Builders merchants serve as intermediaries between manufacturers or suppliers of building products and the end-users, such as builders, contractors, or individuals involved in construction projects.

A Building Materials product manufacturer is a company that specialises in the production of materials, components, or products used in the construction industry. These manufacturers create items that are essential for building, renovating, or maintaining structures. Building Materials product manufacturers typically operate large-scale production facilities where raw materials are processed and transformed into finished products. They adhere to industry standards and regulations to ensure the quality, durability, sustainability and performance of their products.

A Building Materials service provider refers to a company that offers services related to the Building Materials sector. Rather than selling or manufacturing or supplying the materials themselves, these providers offer a range of support services to assist in the selection, procurement, delivery, or management of building materials for construction projects. They can also provide HR, finance, marketing and sales consultancy services. Building Materials service providers play an important role in optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of material procurement, supply chain management and utilisation of materials in construction projects. They contribute to streamlining processes, ensuring quality standards, and providing expert guidance to enhance project outcomes.

Explore bmcareers.com to find a role that suits you, or research opportunities in the sector. Upload your profile on the site and get noticed by Building Materials employers. It’s completely free to use. You can also search and apply for roles or apprenticeships. There are many different roles, suitable for all skills, ages or stages of career – including sales, branch and yard jobs, drivers, digital and technical roles, commercial and office-based roles. To find out which roles are most suited to you, explore the job families pages at bmcareers.com.

Building Materials needs new talent and is actively seeking people with new mindsets and skills to join the sector. Transitioning into the sector is often supported by employers. Start by identifying the transferable skills you possess that align with the industry. Consider acquiring additional education or certifications to enhance your knowledge and credibility. Networking with professionals in the industry, attending industry events, and seeking informational interviews can help you gain insights and make connections that can lead to job opportunities.

Yes! Building Materials is an open, friendly, supportive and welcoming sector. With the industry constantly changing and evolving, there’s stronger demand than ever for new people to help shape the future of the industry.

More than ever, there’s a need for a more diverse range of people, skillsets and abilities to meet the increasing demand for the many different roles in the sector. Building Materials employers are also committed to ensuring their people reflect the mixed communities they work for.

The Building Materials sector offers a wide range of job opportunities across various disciplines and types of businesses. Some key roles include customer services in builders merchants, warehouse and logistics managers, transport managers, HGV drivers, product manufacturing engineers, project managers, sales representatives, manufacturing technicians, sustainability specialists, and research and development professionals.

Building Materials is vast and it is a varied place to work in, with careers that can take many paths, that means you are sure to find a role made for you.

The requirements vary depending on the specific role, but common skills sought after in this industry include technical expertise in materials, engineering principles, design, or building solutions. Some roles require a high level of people skills, for example, sales and project management roles. Many roles can also be hands on and involve working outside, or working on manufacturing engineering projects, or in production facilities. There are opportunities to learn on the job with apprenticeships. Additionally, skills such as project management, communication, problem-solving, and a passion for sustainability can enhance prospects.

Yes, there are many entry-level positions available in the Building Materials sector. Some companies offer apprenticeships, trainee programmes, specifically designed for individuals without prior industry experience. These opportunities provide hands-on training, or re-skilling and up-skilling and can serve as a stepping stone for your career in the sector.

Conduct thorough research on the Building Materials sector to familiarise yourself with the industry. Explore industry publications like Builders Merchants News (BMN), Builders Merchants Journal (BMJ) and Professional Builders Merchant (PBM) and check out online resources like bmcareers.com, and professional or social media networks like LinkedIn. Attend careers fairs, industry conferences, or trade shows to meet professionals and learn about current trends, products, and advancements.

Yes! The sector is constantly evolving and driving improvements in sustainability, energy efficiency, innovations in materials and modern methods of construction – all exciting trends happening now. With increased emphasis on environmental sustainability, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient materials. Emphasising knowledge and passion in these areas can make you a desirable candidate.

Networking is highly valuable in the Building Materials sector because it is very much a people-based environment with a friendly inclusive culture. Networking helps you expand your professional connections, learn about job opportunities, and gain insights from experienced professionals. Engage with industry groups, join online forums, and attend industry events to build relationships and maximise your chances of finding suitable job openings.

With constant demand for building, construction, maintenance, renovation and repairs, the future of Building Materials is projected to be stable and to grow over the coming years.

Increasing urbanisation, infrastructure development and demand for sustainable building practices will also fuel growth in the sector. There is a growing focus on energy efficiency, renewable materials, and digitalisation, presenting opportunities for innovative solutions and new technologies.