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- Tasks: Lead commercial growth and develop strategies for the General Building Products division.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on innovative building solutions.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the construction industry while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in general building materials and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities to represent the brand at trade shows and events.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
This role leads the commercial growth and strategic development of the General Building Products division. This is a broad, high‑volume category supporting multiple phases of construction, from structural works through to internal fit‑out and finishing. The ideal candidate combines strong knowledge of general building materials with well‑established relationships across merchants, contractors, and manufacturers, and can build a competitive range that delivers both commercial value and reliability of supply.
Required Sector Experience (Essential)
- Bricks, blocks, and masonry units
- Mortars, renders, and plaster
- Plasterboard, drywall, and partition systems
- Fixings, fasteners, and building sundries
- Thermal and acoustic insulation materials
- Timber, sheet materials (plywood, MDF, OSB), and structural ancillaries
- Fire protection boards and associated products
Experience working with
- Housebuilders, main contractors, or fit‑out contractors
- Manufacturers of building materials or structural components
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Growth & New Business
- Identify and win new customer accounts across builders, developers, main contractors, interior fit‑out specialists, and general construction firms.
- Develop a robust pipeline across housebuilding, refurbishment, commercial construction, and public‑sector projects.
- Build strong relationships with manufacturers and distributors of cementitious products, masonry materials, plasterboard systems, insulation, timber, and structural products.
- Conduct supplier site visits to review production capability, quality standards, stockholding, and logistics reliability.
- Negotiate pricing structures, rebates, terms, and exclusivity opportunities.
Category Development
- Develop a scalable and commercially competitive product range aligned to demand across structural works, internal partitions, drylining, insulation, timber, and general building essentials.
- Identify missing ranges and recommend new products based on margin potential, compliance gaps, and customer demand.
- Monitor trends such as off‑site construction, new insulation technologies, and fire safety regulation changes.
- Gather insights on availability issues (e.g., cement shortages, plasterboard supply), competitor pricing, seasonal peaks, and emerging building regulations.
- Provide structured data and feedback to inform purchasing, pricing, and category expansion.
Field Representation
- Represent the General Building Products category at trade shows, supplier open days, merchant events, and contractor visits.
- Engage directly with installers and site managers to understand usage patterns, challenges, and opportunities to simplify procurement.
Attributes & Skills
- Deep credibility in general building materials and construction supply chains.
- Strong hunter mindset with a track record of securing significant new business.
- Able to interpret building product specifications, fire ratings, insulation values, fixings requirements, and installation methods.
- Commercially sharp, negotiation‑focused, and margin‑aware.
- Comfortable managing a wide product portfolio covering both heavy and light building materials.
- Field‑driven, proactive, and confident travelling UK‑wide to develop supplier and customer relationships.
Sound interesting? Apply today.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Construction
Business Development- Category Lead (General Building Materials) in Exeter employer: Tribus People Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tribus People Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development- Category Lead (General Building Materials) in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend trade shows, supplier open days, and local events to meet potential employers and build relationships. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with industry professionals, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about building materials and market trends. This will help you stand out as a credible candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings or events! A quick email thanking someone for their time can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re genuinely interested in opportunities within the sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll have a better chance of getting noticed by our hiring team. Don’t miss out on your dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development- Category Lead (General Building Materials) in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you highlight your experience with general building materials in your application. We want to see that you know your bricks from your blocks, so don’t hold back on showcasing your sector knowledge!
Show Off Your Relationships: If you've got established connections with merchants, contractors, or manufacturers, let us know! Building strong relationships is key for this role, so share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past.
Be Commercially Savvy: We’re looking for someone who’s not just about the products but also understands the business side of things. Make sure to mention any experience you have with negotiating pricing structures or developing competitive product ranges.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tribus People Recruitment
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of general building materials, especially the ones mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss specifics about bricks, insulation, and plasterboard, as well as any recent trends in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Highlight your existing relationships with merchants, contractors, and manufacturers. Prepare examples of how these connections have helped you secure new business or navigate challenges in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with pricing structures and negotiations. Think of instances where you've successfully negotiated terms or identified new product opportunities that added value to your previous employers.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle issues like supply shortages or changing regulations, and be ready to share insights from your field visits.