Build Your Future with One of the South West's Most Established Independent Merchants
At BBS Plumbing & Heating Supplies, we've been supporting tradespeople, developers and contractors since 1933. As a proud family-owned business with more than 90 years of heritage, we've built our reputation on exceptional service, strong relationships and a commitment to developing talented people.
Today, BBS operates from branches in Bristol, Bath, Yate and Weston-super-Mare, serving commercial developers, maintenance firms, domestic heating engineers, property developers and renewable energy specialists across the South West.
Role: Merchant Development Programme
Ambition Creates Opportunity. Development Creates Leaders.
The most successful careers are built on strong foundations.
Our Merchant Development Programme is designed for ambitious individuals who want more than just a job. It's an opportunity to develop the commercial, operational and leadership skills needed to build a long-term career within a growing and successful business.
Over the course of the programme, you'll gain exposure to multiple areas of the business, learning how a modern merchant operates while developing the knowledge, experience and professional accreditations needed to progress into future leadership roles.
A Structured Path to a Successful Career
This is not a classroom programme. It's a hands-on development journey that will immerse you in every aspect of the business.
You'll rotate through key functions and branches across our network, gaining valuable experience in areas such as:
- Sales and customer relationship management
- Branch operations
- Supply chain and procurement
- Stock management and logistics
- Renewable technologies
- Commercial decision-making
- Leadership and people management
Along the way, you'll receive structured development, mentoring from experienced leaders and support towards recognised external qualifications and accreditations.
By the end of the 2-year programme, you'll have developed a deep understanding of the merchanting industry and a strong platform for a career in sales, supply chain, branch management or future leadership positions.
Experience
You may already have experience in:
- Retail management
- Customer service
- Hospitality
- Distribution
- Sales
- Operations
- Trade environments
Experience within plumbing, heating or merchanting is advantageous, but it's not essential. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your ability to build relationships and your desire to develop a long-term career.
You'll Be:
- Ambitious and career-focused
- Curious and eager to learn
- Confident communicating with customers and colleagues
- Willing to work across different branches and business functions
- Mobile and able to travel throughout our South West branch network
- Commercially minded with strong problem-solving skills
- Motivated by personal development and progression opportunities
Most importantly, you'll see this as an opportunity to invest in yourself and build the foundations for a successful and rewarding career.
Why Join BBS?
As a growing independent business, we can offer something larger organisations often can't: genuine exposure, responsibility and opportunity.
You'll work closely with experienced leaders, gain practical business experience from day one and become part of a company that is actively investing in its future growth.
With planned branch expansion across the South West and a clear ambition for growth, there has never been a more exciting time to join BBS.
What We Offer?
As a growing independent business, we pride ourselves on creating an environment where people can thrive. Alongside opportunities to learn, develop and progress, we offer a competitive package and a range of benefits that support our colleagues both inside and outside of work.
Start Building Your Future
If you're looking for a structured development programme that combines real-world experience, professional qualifications and genuine career progression opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.
BBS Plumbing & Heating Supplies
Family-owned since 1933. Growing across the South West. Developing tomorrow's leaders today
Please write a cover letter to let us know why you'd like to apply, or email [email protected]
Work Location: In person
