Building Materials Careers in Sales and Marketing
What do Building Materials careers in Sales and Marketing look like?
This is a sector full of professional pride and high levels of customer service.
It’s an industry with no-nonsense, politics and the red tape is clear.
It’s a value industry for values-driven people. And can be a great industry for Sales and Marketing professionals.
What jobs are in Building Materials?
The building materials sector contributes 11% of total UK manufacturing turnover. Combined with construction, the industry is worth over £77 billion – and that’s just the manufacturing side.
From the trade counter of your local merchant to board-level positions at national suppliers, this is a sector packed with opportunity. It’s common to hear stories of people starting at entry level and progressing into leadership in just a few years.
A career path with real examples:
We’ve worked with people who moved from working behind a bar to managing a £6 million branch with a team of six—all within five years. If you’re motivated, committed, and open to learning, the building materials sector can take you far.
Sales Careers in Building Materials
Sales in this industry isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you prefer being on the phone, building face-to-face relationships, or managing accounts, there’s a role that fits.
Typical sales roles include:
- Trade Counter Sales
- Internal Sales
- External Sales / Area Sales Manager
- Key Account Manager
You might start as a Sales Administrator, handling customer queries, processing orders, and supporting the wider sales team. From there, many move into territory-based roles or key account management, selling to merchants, contractors, or house builders.
Sales routes to market:
- Manufacturer to merchant or distributor
- Direct to contractor or housebuilder (high volume)
- Specification sales to architects or designers (for bespoke products)
“Sales in building materials spans multiple routes and product types. Your ability to build strong networks and deliver value to customers will define your success.”
– Natalie Chapman
No sales experience? No problem.
Many people enter the industry from other sectors like hospitality, beauty, or recruitment. If you’ve got transferable skills and a customer-focused mindset, there’s a place for you here.
Here some stories of people’s routes into the Building Materials sector
Marketing Careers in Building Materials
Marketing is one of the most exciting growth areas in the building materials sector.
Traditionally, many companies had little or no marketing function. But that’s changed fast. Now, marketing teams play a central role in strategy, brand positioning, lead generation, and digital transformation.
Why choose marketing in building materials?
- It’s high-impact: Your strategy can directly influence sales
- It’s long-term: The industry is stable, with ongoing demand
- It’s rewarding: You get to see real, tangible results from your work
From launching new products to branding printed banners for trade shows, marketing roles are diverse and hands-on.
“Marketing isn’t just about selling a product, it’s about telling the story of where that product fits, who needs it, and how it changes the end user’s space.”
– Natalie Chapman
Common marketing job titles:
- Marketing Executive
- Product Marketing Manager
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Campaign Manager
- Head of Marketing
Many marketers join from consumer-led sectors and thrive here thanks to the long-term nature of the market and the level of ownership they’re given.
Natalie Chapman shares her thoughts on what Marketing in Building Materials looks like:
Marketing in the building materials industry is just as varied as sales. You’ll promote products to both businesses and end users, across digital and offline channels—think trade shows, printed materials, and digital campaigns.
There’s a wide range of roles, from product marketing to digital to campaign management. Each offers strong progression, with the potential to grow into leading a full marketing function.
What is the earning potential?
According to the 2022 BMF Remuneration Survey:
- Entry-level roles (e.g., Trade Counter) start around £10/hour
- Branch Managers can earn £32,000–£52,000+ depending on size
- Most management roles come with company cars and performance bonuses
What is the Progression in Building Materials?
Progression is clear and achievable. The typical route might look like this:
Trainee → Trade Counter → Internal Sales → Area Sales Manager → Branch/Regional Manager
With industry training from your employer and resources like the BMF, you can grow into high-earning, stable roles—often quicker than in other sectors.
In Summary
If you’re looking for a career where you can grow, make an impact, and be part of a values-driven industry, building materials careers in sales or marketing could be the perfect fit.
It’s an industry where your ideas and efforts don’t just sit in a spreadsheet—they build homes, improve businesses, and shape real environments.
What’s Next?
Thinking about starting your career in building materials? Our specialist team is here to help. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to apply, we can guide you every step of the way.
Browse all our current Building Materials Jobs. Or reach out for a chat about your options – 01509 32 35 32