External Sales Representative

Company logo
Mkm Building Supplies
UK’s leading independent builders’ merchant offering a vast range of building, landscaping, kitchen, bathroom & plumbing materials across 130+ local branches.
Drive sales, acquire new customers and maintain relationships for MKM.
11 days ago ago
Intermediate (4-7 years), Expert & Leadership (13+ years), Experienced (8-12 years), Junior (1-3 years)
Full Time
Burton Upon Trent, England, United Kingdom
Hybrid
Company Size
1,556 Employees
Service Specialisms
Kitchen Design
Bathroom Design
Landscaping
Timber & Sheet Materials
Building Materials
Plumbing & Heating
Tools
Electrical and Workwear
Sector Specialisms
Residential
Commercial
Buildings
Landscaping
Role
What you would be doing
customer service
sales maximisation
new business
client visits
relationship management
margin growth
  • In addition, you will also be responsible for maintaining relationships with existing customers and ensuring they continue to receive great customer service.
  • In all dealings with customers, you will be expected to use every opportunity to maximise sales and margin.
  • Working as part of the external sales team, the main aim of this role will be to identify new business opportunities, promoting MKM as their supplier of choice and converting this into regular business.
  • You will predominantly work in and around the local area and will be required to take a pro-active approach to visiting existing and potential customers, building lasting relationships and exceeding their expectations.
What you bring
sales
business development
customer relations
builder’s merchant
negotiation
driver’s licence
  • Previous experience of working in a sales position is essential for this role.
  • We would also expect the successful candidate to have the ability to generate new business and develop lasting customer relationships.
  • Experience within the Builder’s Merchant sector is preferred but not essential.
  • You must be an excellent negotiator, confident and enthusiastic and have a full driver’s licence.
Benefits
  • Enhanced Paternity
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Company car or car allowance
  • Perkbox discounts
  • Generous discretionary bonus scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Holiday scheme which rewards length of service
  • Mental Health Support
  • Substantial staff discounts
  • A competitive pay package.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Enhanced Maternity
  • Substantial Employee Discount
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Free parking
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Interview process
Information not given or found
Visa Sponsorship
Information not given or found
Security clearance
Information not given or found
Company
Overview
1995 Founded
Year Established
The company was established in 1995, marking the beginning of its journey in the industry.
130 Branches
Branch Network
The company has expanded its operations to over 130 branches across England, Scotland, and Wales.
2023 Platform Launch
Digital Transformation
In 2023, the company launched a headless e-commerce platform to enhance customer shopping experiences.
November 2023
New Branch Opening
The 124th branch opened in November 2023, focusing on plumbing, heating, renewables, and roofing.
  • Began as a single branch and grew through a unique branch ownership model, empowering local directors.
  • Privately backed by Bain Capital since 2017.
  • Each branch is independently managed, offering strong local expertise and free delivery or click-and-collect service tailored to both trade professionals and homeowners.
  • Stocks a comprehensive range—from bulk aggregates, bricks, and timber to tools, kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping, plumbing, heating, and electrical supplies.
  • Signature projects include branch-level kitchen and bathroom showroom installations with free 3D design services and on-site timber cutting.
  • Consistently expanding, with a focus on local staffing and specialized services.
Culture + Values
  • Great customer service. We give customers more of what they want, and nothing is too much trouble.
  • Passionate about teamwork, we all share in our success.
  • Taking ownership and doing the right thing.
  • Striving for continuous improvement.
  • Supporting our local communities.
  • We all go home safe.
Environment + Sustainability
Revenue £927m
Strong Financial Growth
Revenue increased by 13% to £927 million in the year ending 30 September 2023.
Sustainable Products Tripled
Expansion of Eco-Friendly Offerings
Number of sustainable products for sale was trebled in 2023.
EcoVadis Bronze
Sustainability Accreditation
Achieved bronze status in EcoVadis sustainability rating.
  • Committed to sourcing products in a way that does not have a negative impact on people and the environment
  • Supplier Code of Conduct requires environmental responsibility: energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, sustainable materials, hazardous‑substance control
  • All timber sourced is legal and UKTR‑compliant, with full chain‑of‑custody certification since 2009
  • Member of Timber Development UK and Scottish Timber Trade Association, adhering to responsible purchasing codes
  • Zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery, including supplier training under the Modern Slavery Act
  • Sells chain‑of‑custody timber, ≥50% recycled‑material products, renewable‑material goods, and durable/repairable items
  • Offers products that enhance biodiversity, water efficiency, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency
  • Adopted e‑forklift trucks and increased share of battery‑electric vehicles to reduce emissions
Inclusion & Diversity
  • Zero-tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking enforced via policies and systems
  • Supplier Code of Conduct enforces non-discrimination & equal opportunities in supply chain
  • (No publicly disclosed internal staff gender ratios or targets found)
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