Roles and Career Paths at a Builders’ Merchant

Understanding the Builders’ Merchant Landscape

Builders’ merchants, a critical hub within the construction materials supply chain, face intensifying recruitment pressure. In mid‑2024, 82% of construction and engineering firms reported recruitment difficulties, up from 69% earlier that year, a trend mirrored in transport & logistics firms as well.

Transport UK statistics show that in Q4 2024 there were 36,000 more HGV drivers employed compared to a year earlier, with 30,000 of those drivers based in the UK, but structural issues around retention and training remain unresolved.

When the average UK employee turnover rate is around 35% per year, it’s essential to demonstrate the career and growth opportunities that you offer, especially as businesses that prioritise learning sees a 27% boost in employee retention.

Core Driver Roles in Builders’ Merchant Operations

Class 2 HIAB Driver (Category C):

Often the primary driver role in merchant deliveries and core to material distribution, HIAB operators drive rigid HGVs with on-board cranes. They load and unload materials like bricks, timber, and aggregates via remote-control cranes, typically servicing building sites and trade customers.

Class 2 Moffett Driver

Combines HGV driving with operating a vehicle-mounted forklift, usually a Moffett branded loader.

Yard/Warehouse Operative with Class 2 Licence

Some merchants combine driver duties with yard operations and forklift work, offering a varied role and ideal chance to gain experience for a potential pathway to HIAB or Moffett specialisation.

Class 1 (C+E) HGV Driver

Larger articulated vehicles used less frequently in merchant deliveries. Evolving supply chains may give experienced drivers exposure to long-haul or inter-branch transport work.

Career Pathways in Merchant Driver Roles

Entry Level → HIAB Driver (Class 2)

Candidates often begin as yard operatives or van drivers, completing CPC training. Once they have gained experience and take a Class 2 licence and ALLMI qualification they can progress to HIAB roles.

HIAB → Specialisation or Licence Expansion (Moffett or Class 1 HGV Roles)

After building experience, some drivers gain vehicle-mounted forklift (Moffett) licences. Those pursuing longer routes or broader geography may progress to Class 1 HGV certification.

Opportunity for Supervisor or Trainer Positions

Seasoned HIAB or Moffett drivers may transition into site supervisory roles, health & safety coordination, or branch logistics leads. Some may serve as internal trainers or mentor new recruits, leveraging deep familiarity with merchant routines and customer-facing operations.

Structured Development & Upskilling

Employers within well-established merchant networks may offer progression to positional roles in transport coordination, inventory planning, or regional driver management.

Builders’ Merchants Offer a Clear Career Path

For drivers, the merchant sector provides a clear career path, from yard roles into HIAB, Moffett or Class 1 positions, often supported by training opportunities and improved pay.

For merchants, developing a workforce trained internally helps reduce turnover, ensure safety compliance, and maintain service quality, even amid broader construction and logistics labour shortages.

By investing in structured progression, from operative to specialised driver and beyond, builders’ merchant employers can build resilience in their supply chains, while individuals gain clear, sustainable career trajectories.

SDR Helping to Retain Trained Talent

SDR invests in all of our full-time drivers with ongoing training, CPC renewals, and vehicle-specific qualifications, so both drivers and builders’ merchants benefit from increased safety, professionalism, and retention.

Book trained, certified, and sector-experienced drivers ready to support your team as needed. Contact SDR at 02380 989 444 or email info@specialistdrivers.com.