Making a material difference recruiting in the building materials sector
Natalie Chapman
Divisional Manager and Chair of the BMF Ambassador programme
I have been recruiting in the materials supplier sector for merchants and suppliers for 18 years, recruiting all levels of commercial roles.
I make a difference firstly by placing the right person in the right role for the right reasons.
Over my 18 years recruiting in this sector I have brought in over 200 people into the industry, helping our industry to transfer in skillsets and experience from other industries.
With every new client I work with I explore how they can do things different, how they can bring skills from other industries into their business and how they can retain the staff they have.
Over the years I have got involved in the following value-added projects in the industry:
- Menopause awareness support – I created a personal video documenting my journey in menopause. This video was used to educate all members of a large independent merchant groups better support woman in their business.
- I have been involved in several woman’s group trying to educate my clients and help bring more woman into the sector.
- I am involved heavily in educating my clients bringing more apprenticeships into the industry.
- I chair the BMF ambassador programme which is focused on educating businesses, and educational establishments about careers in our sector.
- I am involved in the sector awareness campaign helping to put the building materials sector in the forefront of people’s minds and being an industry of choice.
Everything I do is about making our sector great and recognised. I am so privileged to be a part of an amazing industry with amazing people.
