Supply Chain Planning Manager


APP Wholesale has been supplying plumbing, heating and renewable products to independent merchants and trade customers across the UK since 1969. Built on industry expertise, trusted customer relationships and dependable service, we have grown into one of the UK’s leading plumbing and heating distributors. As part of Lords Group Trading, we combine decades of industry knowledge with the ambition, energy and opportunity of a growing Group.

We are proud to create an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed, valued and encouraged to succeed. If you are looking to join a business where you can contribute, develop and be part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you.

Role Description

The Supply Chain Planning Manager will lead the development and delivery of effective demand, supply and inventory plans across APP Wholesale. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, you will work closely with commercial, procurement, sales and operational teams to improve product availability, optimise stock levels and support excellent customer service. This is an opportunity to shape planning processes, turn data into clear decisions and build strong cross-functional ways of working across a growing business.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the demand and supply planning cycle, producing accurate and timely forecasts.
  • Develop inventory plans that balance product availability, customer service and working capital.
  • Monitor forecast accuracy, stock cover, availability and other key planning measures, taking action where performance is off track.
  • Partner with sales, commercial, procurement, branch and warehouse teams to understand demand drivers and align plans.
  • Identify potential supply risks, constraints and excess stock, and coordinate practical mitigation plans.
  • Support new product introductions, promotions, range changes and product exits through robust planning.
  • Improve planning processes, systems, data quality and reporting to enable better decision-making.
  • Provide clear analysis and recommendations to the Head of Supply Chain and wider stakeholders.
  • Build effective relationships with internal teams and suppliers to support dependable product flow.
  • Promote a collaborative, accountable and continuous-improvement culture within the supply chain function.
  • Ensure prompt completion of compliance and training modules.

Skills & Abilities:

  • Strong demand, supply or inventory planning capability within a distribution, wholesale or similarly complex environment.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into clear actions.
  • Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the relationship between availability, stockholding and customer service.
  • Confident communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to influence across functions and locations.
  • Excellent attention to detail, organisation and time management.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confidence using planning, ERP or warehouse management systems.
  • A collaborative leadership style with a focus on accountability, coaching and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to work flexibly and travel between business locations when required.

Experience:

  • Proven experience in a supply chain planning, replenishment, inventory management or stock control role.
  • Demonstrable people management experience, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate teams.
  • Strong understanding of forecasting, stock optimisation and product availability management.
  • Experience working collaboratively across procurement, sales, warehouse and operational functions.
  • Supply chain or business-related qualifications are advantageous but not essential; relevant experience will be prioritised.

Area Sales Manager


Trade Counter Sales Consultant


Sell smart. Build relationships. Grow your career with Mr Central Heating.

If you know your way around plumbing and heating products and enjoy working with customers, this is your chance to be part of a fast-moving, growing business where you can make a real impact.

We’re looking for a confident and driven Trade Counter Sales Consultant to join the team. You’ll be at the heart of the branch — building relationships, driving sales, and making sure every customer leaves with exactly what they need.

What you’ll be doing

  • Serving trade and retail customers on the counter, over the phone, and online 
  • Building strong relationships and growing your customer base 
  • Following up quotes, generating new enquiries, and converting opportunities into sales 
  • Supporting campaigns and promoting products to maximise sales 
  • Keeping customers updated on orders and deliveries 
  • Maintaining high standards across the trade counter and branch 
  • Supporting goods in, stock control, and general branch operations 
  • Working closely with the wider team to hit sales and profit targets 

What we’re looking for

  • Experience in a plumbing & heating environment (essential)
  • A proven track record in sales or customer-facing roles 
  • Strong product knowledge (or the ability to pick it up quickly) 
  • A proactive approach — someone who looks for opportunities, not just waits for them 
  • Confident communication and relationship-building skills 
  • Comfortable using systems and handling multiple tasks in a busy branch 
  • A team player with a “get stuck in” attitude 

What you’ll get

  • A fast-paced, supportive environment where your contribution matters 
  • The opportunity to grow your career as the business continues to expand 
  • A role where no two days are the same 

If you enjoy working with customers, take pride in what you do, and want to be part of a business that’s growing, this is a great opportunity to build your future with us.

Company Description

Mr Central Heating has been supplying installers, trade professionals and homeowners with plumbing and heating products since 1982. Built on product expertise, trusted customer relationships and dependable service, we have grown into one of the UK’s best-known plumbing and heating merchants. As part of Lords Group Trading, we combine decades of industry knowledge with the ambition, energy and opportunity of a growing Group.

We are proud to create an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed, valued and encouraged to succeed. If you are looking to join a business where you can contribute, develop and be part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you.

Warehouse Operative & Driver


Trade Counter Assistant


APP Wholesale has been supplying plumbing, heating and renewable products to independent merchants and trade customers across the UK since 1969. Built on industry expertise, trusted customer relationships and dependable service, we have grown into one of the UK’s leading plumbing and heating distributors. As part of Lords Group Trading, we combine decades of industry knowledge with the ambition, energy and opportunity of a growing Group.

We are proud to create an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed, valued and encouraged to succeed. If you are looking to join a business where you can contribute, develop and be part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Consistently achieve sales and profit targets through effective customer engagement and product promotion. 
  • Manage the full sales process from initial enquiry to final delivery, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for wholesale customers. 
  • Proactively promote additional products and services to increase profitability and customer value. 
  • Conduct outbound calls to inform customers of new products, offers, and opportunities, generating additional business. 
  • Review sales orders for pricing accuracy and support the resolution of any discrepancies in line with agreed pricing guidelines.
  • Ensure all incoming calls and call-back requests are handled promptly and professionally. 
  • Collaborate closely with the Branch Manager and/or APP Sales Manager to support sales initiatives and development activities. 
  • Participate in both online Teams meetings and in-person sessions to stay aligned with business goals and updates. 
  • Work with branch stock control to maximise product availability, including placing direct orders when necessary. 
  • Actively promote clearance of slow-moving or discontinued products to optimise stock levels. 
  • Build strong relationships with suppliers to support product knowledge and availability. 
  • Build working knowledge of sales operations, warehouse processes, stock management, and credit systems as part of ongoing development in the role.

Generic Responsibilities 

  • Promote and uphold the highest standards of Health & Safety, including active participation in ‘Near Miss’ reporting.
  • Ensure strong security awareness at all times, protecting company assets and customer goods.
  • Present yourself consistently in a professional manner, following APP uniform standards.
  • Follow correct procedures for reporting sickness or absence.
  • Use appropriate PPE at all times in line with company policy.
  • Collaborate effectively with the wider APP team and support other areas of the business when needed.
  • Carry out any additional duties reasonably required to support the team and the company.

7.5t Delivery Driver


APP Wholesale has been supplying plumbing, heating and renewable products to independent merchants and trade customers across the UK since 1969. Built on industry expertise, trusted customer relationships and dependable service, we have grown into one of the UK’s leading plumbing and heating distributors. As part of Lords Group Trading, we combine decades of industry knowledge with the ambition, energy and opportunity of a growing Group.

We are proud to create an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed, valued and encouraged to succeed. If you are looking to join a business where you can contribute, develop and be part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you.

Role Description

The 7.5 tonne Driver will be responsible for carrying out safe, timely and efficient deliveries and collections, ensuring goods are loaded, transported and unloaded with care, and maintaining accurate delivery records in line with company procedures. This role involves completing vehicle checks, following planned routes, providing excellent customer service, and supporting warehouse operations where required. Join our team and be a valuable asset in the smooth running of our transport and warehouse operations, where reliability, attention to detail and teamwork are highly valued.

Responsibilities:

  • Deliver goods to Merchant businesses and retail customers 
  • Demonstrate excellent customer service
  • Ensure goods are checked, safely loaded and signed for at the point of delivery
  • Return all paperwork at end of day and keep a record of goods returned, shortages or errors on the order
  • Responsible for company stock and vehicle at all times 
  • Demonstrate safe driving at all times to meet all relevant vehicle monitoring KPI’s
  • Prompt tachograph downloading and compliance of permitted driving times
  • Ensure CPC is valid and up to date
  • Read and adhere to drivers handbook
  • Complete daily vehicle checks including defect reporting
  • Report accidents in line with agreed company policies and procedures
  • Prompt completion of compliance and training modules
  • Ensure vehicle is kept clean and tidy
  • Demonstrate excellent attendance and timekeeping
  • Follow correct procedure for sickness/absence
  • Notify any sales opportunities to APP or MRCH sales team
  • Follow correct manual handling guidelines in day to day activities
  • Assist colleagues with warehouse duties when not delivering

Generic Responsibilities:

  • Encourage and demonstrate the highest levels of Health and Safety compliance to protect yourself, colleagues and customers including “Near Miss” participatio
  • Demonstrate good security awareness at all times
  • Attend work clean, smart and wearing the company uniform
  • Follow correct procedure for sickness/absence
  • Ensure the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn at all times
  • Working closely with the wider branch team including APP if applicable 
  • Work in other areas of Lords Group Trading temporarily if necessary
  • Carry out other duties which fall within reasonable expectations of the role

Trade Counter Sales Advisor


Warehouse / Yard Operative


Forklift Truck Driver


Keep the yard moving. Deliver for customers. Be part of a team that gets it done.

Looking for a practical, hands-on role where you’re part of a close-knit team and your work really matters? Do you take pride in keeping things organised, working safely, and delivering great service? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

We have a great opportunity for a Forklift Truck Driver and occasional van driver to join our team at Lords Builders Merchants Sutton. This is a varied role that plays a key part in the smooth running of our operation and supporting both our customers and colleagues.

What you’ll be doing

  • Picking loads and loading/unloading vehicles safely and efficiently.
  • Keeping the yard clean, tidy and well organised, with strong stock rotation and presentation standards.
  • Carrying out daily checks and reporting defects on plant and machinery.
  • Reporting any health & safety concerns promptly.
  • Supporting the wider branch team with day-to-day operations.
  • Making deliveries on a 3.5t dropside vehicle when required.

What we’re looking for

  • Forklift licence and experience operating a forklift.
  • Full, clean UK driving licence.
  • Experience working in a builders’ merchant environment (preferred).
  • A positive, can-do attitude and a strong focus on customer service.
  • Physically fit and comfortable with manual handling.
  • Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Good attention to detail and awareness of safety procedures.
  • Eligible to work in the UK.

What we offer

  • Discretionary bonus scheme
  • Hours: 7.30am-5pm Mon-Fri, alternate Saturday mornings 8am-12pm
  • Holiday: 21 days plus Bank Holidays
  • A stable, full-time role within a supportive and experienced team.
  • Real opportunities for career development and progression.

If you enjoy practical work, value teamwork, and like being part of a business where everyone pulls together, we’d love to hear from you.

Company Description

Lords Builders Merchants has been serving tradespeople, homeowners and local communities across London and the Home Counties for over 40 years. Built on strong customer relationships, local expertise and dependable service, we have grown into a trusted name in building supplies. As part of Lords Group Trading, we combine the heritage of an established business with the ambition, energy and opportunity of a growing Group.

We are proud to create an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed, valued and encouraged to succeed. If you are looking to join a business where you can contribute, develop and be part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you.