Despite challenges, the Building Materials sector enters 2026 with a renewed sense of momentum, driven by sustainability targets, digital transformation, supply chain reforms, and a shifting workforce landscape. With construction demand stabilising and investment returning, organisations across merchants, manufacturers, distributors, and specialist suppliers are reassessing the skills they need to remain competitive.
At the same time, the sector continues to feel the impact of persistent labour shortages, an ageing workforce, and increased competition from other industries for digitally skilled talent. As a result, certain roles have become critical to business performance, customer service, and long-term growth.
Below, we explore the 10 most in-demand job roles in 2025, the skills they require, and why they matter more now than ever.
- Sustainability & ESG Managers
Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”—it is now a fundamental business priority. With tightening regulations, customer expectations for low-carbon products, and environmental commitments across the supply chain, companies need specialists to lead the charge.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing carbon-reduction strategies
- Managing ESG reporting and compliance
- Leading waste-reduction and circular-economy initiatives
- Supporting product innovation with greener materials
As the drive for net-zero accelerates, ESG roles are moving from advisory to central strategic functions.
- Supply Chain & Logistics Planners
After years of global disruption—from Brexit to energy price hikes and material shortages—businesses now recognise the value of resilient and data-driven supply chains.
High-demand skills include:
- Advanced forecasting and inventory planning
- Data analysis and demand modelling
- Supplier and logistics network optimisation
- Knowledge of digital supply chain platforms
Companies know that efficient stock availability is a competitive advantage, making these roles some of the most sought after in the sector.
- Technical Sales Specialists
Product complexity continues to increase across categories such as renewables, insulation, structural materials, and heating. Customers expect knowledgeable support—whether in branch, on the road, or through digital channels.
These specialists bridge the gap between technical know-how and commercial acumen, helping customers choose the right solution while driving revenue.
Why demand is rising:
- Increased focus on specification and compliance
- Need for consultative, value-driven selling
- Growth of specialist product categories requiring expertise
Companies with strong technical sales teams see higher customer loyalty and market differentiation.
- HGV Drivers & Transport Coordinators
Despite investment in fleet technology and logistics systems, the industry continues to face shortages of qualified HGV drivers. Transport coordinators are equally crucial, ensuring safe, efficient delivery operations across growing product ranges.
Key factors driving demand:
- Regulations requiring higher levels of safety and compliance
- Increased delivery frequency expectations
- Continuous shortages of experienced drivers
Reliable transport teams remain the core of customer satisfaction.
- Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Managers
As the sector continues its digital shift, customers expect seamless online experiences—from browsing and ordering to delivery tracking. This has accelerated demand for digital and e-commerce talent.
In-demand expertise includes:
- Website content and catalogue management
- SEO, analytics, and customer journey optimisation
- Digital advertising and social media
- Online sales conversion strategies
In 2025, digital capability is a key differentiator, not an optional add-on.
- Branch Managers & Assistant Branch Managers
Branch leadership roles remain a consistent recruitment challenge. With rising customer expectations and growing competition, having strong leaders in local branches is essential for both operational success and commercial performance.
Why the demand is significant:
- Need for people-focused managers who can develop teams
- Importance of stock, operational, and safety oversight
- Continued need for community-based customer relationship building
A strong branch manager can transform performance, morale, and customer loyalty
- Technical Product Managers
Technical product roles are becoming essential, particularly in categories where innovation, sustainability, and compliance are rapidly changing.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Managing product development and supplier relationships
- Ensuring compliance with UKCA, CE, and sustainability standards
- Providing training and technical support to sales teams
- Monitoring market trends and product performance
These individuals are often the “knowledge centre” of a business, ensuring the right products make it to the market at the right time.
- Recruitment & HR Business Partners
With the sector continuing to face talent shortages, HR and recruitment teams are focusing on retention, workforce planning, and employer branding more than ever.
In-demand HR skills include:
- Talent acquisition and pipeline building
- Workforce development and apprenticeship strategy
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives
- Leadership and employee engagement expertise
Strong HR teams help businesses navigate a challenging labour market and create cultures that attract new talent.
- Health & Safety Advisors
As regulations evolve and sites become more complex, health and safety roles are becoming increasingly important across the sector.
Key drivers of demand:
- Increased scrutiny around compliance
- New training requirements for equipment and materials
- A focus on creating safer, more supportive workplaces
Health & Safety Advisors play a vital role in protecting people, reducing incidents, and maintaining trust with customers and partners.
- Apprentices & Early Careers Talent
Perhaps the most strategically important area of all—businesses are heavily investing in early-careers programmes to futureproof their workforce.
Why demand is rising:
- Large portions of the workforce are approaching retirement
- Apprenticeships offer long-term retention and career development
- Early-career employees help bridge digital and technical skill gaps
Sectors such as warehousing, driving, business administration, and technical support see especially strong demand for apprentices.
Final Thoughts
The building materials sector coming into 2026 is in a period of significant positive change, driven by innovation, sustainability, and the need for stronger talent pipelines. Organisations that proactively invest in these high-demand roles, and support both experienced professionals and new entrants, will be best positioned for growth.
Whether through upskilling, apprenticeships, better employer branding, or new recruitment strategies, the most successful businesses will be those that adapt quickly to the new world of work.
