What could a career with a builders’ merchant look like?

A career with a builders’ merchant can involve far more than simply working behind a counter. You will have to be incredibly flexible and versatile for this role – many roles are more practical and customer-facing, while others will be behind the scenes, focusing on moving stock and logistics.

Typical working hours

Most builders’ merchant employees work between 39 and 42 hours a week, depending on the company and the role.

Some branches will open early to serve trade customers before construction sites even begin work, which means shifts may start very early in the morning. Evening, weekend and bank holiday work may also be required too.

Average salary

Starting salaries for builders merchants jobs are usually around £23,000 a year, and with experience, salaries can rise to around £30,000 a year or higher.

How to start this career

There are several different routes into jobs such as at https://bmcareers.com/distributors-and-builders-merchants-vacancies/. Some people enter through entry-level warehouse or trade counter positions, while others join through government funded apprenticeships or trainee programmes.

People with experience in plumbing, roofing, timber or general construction often transition into merchant roles because they already understand building materials and what the customer needs.

Formal qualifications are not always needed for entry-level roles, although GCSEs in English and maths are usually requested. Forklift licences, driving qualifications and construction-related certifications can also sometimes help applicants stand out from others.

However, builders’ merchant work can be physically demanding, particularly in warehouse or yard positions where heavy materials will have to be handled regularly.