Builders' Merchant
Job Description:Builders' merchants sell building and DIY products and materials.
Job Category:What you will do:
On a typical day you could:
- give product information to customers
- load and unload deliveries by hand or with a forklift truck
- process orders and handle payments
- move goods to storage areas
- put orders together and organise deliveries
- advise customers about which materials to use
- complete stock control paperwork or update computerised stock lists
Skills:
You’ll need:
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
- the ability to work well with your hands
physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- customer service skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to organise your time and workload (organisational skills)
Entry Requirements:
To become a builder’s merchant, specific subjects are not typically required. However, having a strong educational background in relevant areas can be beneficial, especially if you plan to pursue management or leadership roles within a building materials supply company. Here are some subjects and skills that can be helpful:
- Business Studies: Courses related to business studies can provide valuable knowledge about business operations, management, marketing, and customer service.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for inventory management, pricing, financial calculations, and data analysis.
- English Language: Effective communication skills, including reading, writing, and customer interactions, are essential in the merchant business.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer software for inventory management, sales tracking, and customer relationship management can be valuable.
- Design and Technology: Courses related to design and technology can provide insights into construction materials, their properties, and their uses, which is relevant to the building materials industry.
- Economics: Understanding economic principles and market trends can be helpful for pricing strategies and business decision-making.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a trade supplier intermediate apprenticeship.
This typically takes 12 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to work as a builders’ merchant.
Working Hours and Environment:
Typically you could work 39 to 41 hours a week, occasionally including evenings, weekends, or holidays.
You could work at a builder’s yard or at a store.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could progress to supervisor or manager.