Builders' merchant
Sell and hire out products for use in DIY and professional building.
Also known as: yard manager, DIY store worker, DIY sales assistant
About the job
What it's like
You would sell and hire out products for use in DIY and professional building.
You would deal with products such as:
Timber
Bricks
Decorating materials
Plumbing supplies
Tools
Gardening equipment
You would:
Advise customers about products
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
If you work in a large DIY store you may also assist with general sales.
With experience, you could work as a team leader or yard manager. You would have more responsibilities, such as training staff, ordering stock and enforcing health and safety rules.
Hours
You would work between 35 and 40 hours a week. Large DIY outlets usually have extended opening hours over evenings and weekends. You may have to work shifts, and part-time hours are often available. In smaller stores your hours may be more regular.
Environment
You would divide your time between the store and the yard. Most of your time would be spent on your feet and the job could involve some lifting and carrying of heavy materials. Your employer would usually provide you with a uniform and safety footwear.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- reliable
- time management
- managing resources
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Business
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Retailing
You do not need any formal qualifications but employers will look for a good general standard of education.
You may be able to get into this career through a Modern Apprenticeship with a building supplies firm or DIY store and work towards Scottish Vocational Qualification in Warehousing & Storage (SVQ level 2).
Previous experience in construction, warehousing or retail could be helpful although not essential.
A driving licence may be preferred.
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