Wednesday 27 February 2013

Meet us at Ecobuild to discuss your future

A reminder that we will be at Ecobuild, the UK's leading building exhibition, next week (5th - 7th March 2013, ExCeL, London).

Contact us if you would like to meet for an informal and confidential chat about your career or recruitment requirements in the construction and building materials industry.


Call us on 01480 405225 or email us at recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk to make your appointment. 


For more information on Ecobuild go to www.ecobuild.co.uk

Take a look at our current construction sales jobs.

Saturday 23 February 2013

Ecobuild: The industry and your future in one place

Ecobuild is the trade event for the industry and world's biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment as well as the UK's largest construction event of any kind.  Make sure Ecobuild is part of your plans (5-7th March, ExCeL).



You can download your show preview here

There are so many reasons to attend Ecobuild:
  • New thinking, challenging ideas and the Ecobuild area
  • Many well known and respected people from the industry will be speaking
  • Great ideas and inspirational solutions
  • Numerous new products and innovations from the exhibitors
  • Live demonstrations
  • Over 130 seminar sessions covering the industry's most important issues
  • Catch up on all the latest developments in the industry
  • Meet old and new contacts and partners
  • Easy access by road and public transport
  • We will be attending the exhibition for the entire week, so please contact us if you would like to meet up for a confidential chat about your career or your recruitment requirements.
Email us to arrange an appointment or call us on 01480 405225. For more information on Ecobuild visit www.ecobuild.co.uk

Friday 22 February 2013

Building materials sales down says BMF

The latest figures from the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) indicate that UK sales of building materials (adjusted for inflation and trading day differences) fell by 16.7% in Q4 2012 compared Q3 2012. There is some good news though as they also reveal that sales in Q4 2012 were 2.1% up on sales in Q4 2011.

Sales in Greater London were the weakest in the UK with builders’ merchants reporting a quarterly year-on-year reduction of -9.4%. Greater London sales were also weakest in Q3. Wales (+9.4%) and Scotland (+8%) reported the strongest quarterly year-on-year results.

BMF Secretary, Peter Matthews, said: “Q4 is traditionally quieter than Q3 as the extended holiday break on many construction sites makes December a short working month, but the fall in sales is striking. The continuing weakness of sales of building materials in the Greater London area may be an indicator of concern, as this is one of the country’s strongest economic areas.

“At first glance the BMF figures are somewhat at odds with the ONS figures released earlier this month, showing a very slight (0.9%) rise in construction in Q4 over Q3. However the ONS also reports a 3.1% fall in output between October and November for the first time in three years.

“Construction continues to rumble along at the bottom of its longest ever recession. No one yet has an answer as to when that situation will end.”

We currently have a number of exciting building materials sales jobs on our books. Call us on 01480 405225.

Thursday 21 February 2013

Sales and Marketing/Commercial Director role with leading structural building products manufacturer (£100k package)

Employer
Our client is a major European manufacturer of structural building products. Their UK operation supplies into Key Merchant and Distribution Groups together with a diverse range of Contractors and End Users. They have enjoyed unprecedented growth in recent years and enjoy an excellent reputation for quality of product together with unrivalled service and back up.

Job Description
This is a high profile role to head up and drive all UK Sales and Commercial activities. You will manage the UK sales operation via the National Sales Manager, together with management and direction of the Marketing and New Product Development teams. You will also manage and further develop the relationships within their key Merchant and Distribution accounts.

Find out more and apply here



Wednesday 20 February 2013

Are you a building products manufacturer looking to invest in your internal sales function?

We hope you have read our recent series on internal sales in the building products industry and it has given you an enhanced understanding of the vital role it has in helping companies within the industry succeed.

Excellent office based customer service can increase sales and trust in your service or product.

An internal sales jobs is now much more specialised and rewarding due the changing nature of the role. It is not just order processing and advising on stock and prices.

If you are an employer looking to recruit, please call us to discuss your requirements on 01480 405225. If you would like to discuss a career in Internal Sales in the Building Products Industry, you may wish to attend one of our PinBuild Career Development Clinics which are held throughout the UK every month.

Changes to regulations and legislation have affected the way the building and construction industry does business. To help facilitate and react to these changes, the nature of the internal support office has evolved and, with the current economic climate, customer service and internal sales have become even more important and this will only continue in the future.

Take another look at our series by following the links below:

Part 1: The changing nature of internal sales for a manufacturer of building products
Part 2: Five ways to ensure the internal support function is successful
Part 3: The skills, experience and attributes to look for when recruiting
Part 4: How the changing nature of an internal sales office has benefited the employer / employee

Take a look at our current internal sales vacancies

MORE USEFUL ADVICE COMING SOON!
Keep checking in on the Pin Board blog for future features based on the experiences of people from within the building and construction industry - as well as discussing internal sales with Polypipe we have already discussed specification sales with Rockwool so there is much more to come.

Pinnacle Consulting is a specialist recruitment consultancy for the building products sector. Call our expert building industry recruitment consultants for a discussion on your sales or marketing career on 01480 405225. www.pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

Monday 18 February 2013

If one of our jobs is ideal for someone you know, tell us and you could receive £200!

You may be looking for a new challenge and see a position that is ideal for someone you know. If you recommend a friend or colleague for a job to us you could receive £200 of vouchers.


Perhaps you know someone who would be perfect for one of these exciting opportunities?
Or take a look at any of the jobs currently on our books covering the sales, marketing and management disciplines in the building products sector here.

So, remember if you refer a friend or colleague that we go on to place we will reward you with £200 in gift vouchers of your choice. Find out how to recommend someone here.

www.pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

Recruitment for the building products sector

Friday 15 February 2013

Job in Focus: Sales & Marketing Director/Commercial Director - Fantastic Opportunity

We have a fantastic senior commercial management role available with a leading manufacturer of domestic and industrial insulation products. This is a superb opportunity with a salary and package to match and one that will reward success.

If you are interested in this challenging and exciting career development opportunity read on...



Thursday 14 February 2013

Longevity in a job: What can we learn from Alex Ferguson & Arsene Wenger?

Longevity in a job is now less prevalent and one of the reasons is that it’s difficult to achieve continued success and have a fresh approach over a prolonged period of time with the same employer.

People who excel at their jobs will either thrive with their existing employer or develop their career at another company. However if you do stay with the same employer, how can you ensure sustained success?

Football can provide us with valuable analogies, so let’s take a look at two of the longest serving managers in the game: Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson. Despite both being very successful over a long period of time, one has maintained success to the present day and one is living on his past successes. What can we learn from them? 

Our guide to achieve sustained success:

Change and evolve
Don’t think you’ve cracked it and that what you do will always work - it won’t. Make sure you are open to new systems, technology and thinking. In football this might be training, diet, formations, fitness analysis and backroom team structure. In business, this might be information technology, sales methods, market focus, product development/range, promotional activity or packaging, literature and support services. How many times have you heard someone ask the question: “Why do we do that?” and the answer is “We’ve always done it.” Make sure you know what you’re trying to achieve.

You need to find time to discover new ideas and concepts to avoid being locked in a photograph of better times. You also need to accept that others can help in the areas you’re weak or offer fresh thinking - eg for Arsenal’s defensive strategy and personnel. You could also compare the coaching staff set-up to highlight this point:  the strategy of Ferguson to change his coach every few years keeps things fresh and people motivated, as well as bringing in new ideas. It should not be a revolving door, but a sensible introduction of new team members or change of focus to add value to your business. 

Ferguson spoke recently to academics from the Harvard Business School where he accepted he has had to change and adapt himself to ensure maximum response.

“Players these days have lived more sheltered lives, so they are much more fragile now than 25 years ago. I was very aggressive all those years ago. I am passionate and want to win all the time. But today I’m more mellowed - age does that to you. And I can better handle those more fragile players now.”

Don’t rest on your laurels
Success ends the second you have succeeded. However success and longevity in a job will buy you some credit when things start to slide - if anyone other than Wenger had not won anything in 8 years they would not be in the job - but ultimately it will end in failure if you do not continue to look forward.

Once the spiral starts, your supporters or team lose faith and ignore your vision. The company/department will act as a disparate team, leading to stagnation or failure and your hard work counts for nothing.

Alex Ferguson has always had the attitude that once success has been achieved, enjoy it that day and the next day focus on the next success. You need to ensure others do not catch up with you and it is easier to grow when you are successful. Wenger is finding it hard playing catch-up to attract players to his squad or to encourage them to stay. Clubs are also losing the fear factor when visiting the Emirates.

Ferguson said: “We look at the training sessions as opportunities to learn and improve. The players may think ‘Here we go again’ but it helps to win. The message is simple: we cannot sit still.”

Keep your mind and thinking focused
Don’t find yourself looking over your shoulder, making your thinking unfocused and allowing your position to weaken; it might affect your ability to move in the future.

If something is not working then change it to ensure that it does. It is vital that your thinking is not clouded or stubborn just to make a point, when everyone else can see what’s wrong. Perhaps Wenger’s transfer policy is an example of this: if he had shown more flexibility the team would be much stronger. So, learn from your mistakes with an uncluttered mind that allows sound decision-making.

Above all, make sure you have plans with defined end-goals. However don’t forget that the way to achieve your goals can change.

Demand hard work and excellence from your team
It is vital to show strength and command respect from your team and colleagues. If members of your team develop and succeed it will mean you and your company will too. You will also maximise your team’s potential and your colleagues will respond accordingly and up their game. However, don't be afraid to delegate - I am sure Steve Bould at Arsenal would appreciate having the autonomy to exert his influence and being allowed to flourish in his role as first team coach.

If you show weakness or become complacent this can spread through your team and the extra 10% that keeps you at the top will disappear. If there is a problem, deal with it, don’t let it fester and do damage.

For a manager who is infamous for his “hairdryer” treatment to players, Ferguson knows that it is not all about losing his temper but knows that his authority can’t be undermined: “You can’t always come in shouting and screaming,” he said. “That doesn’t work. No one likes to get criticised.”

“But in the football dressing room, it’s necessary that you point out your players’ mistakes. I do it right after the game. I don’t wait until Monday, I do it, and it’s finished. I’m onto the next match. There is no point in criticising a player forever.

“You can’t ever lose control - not when you are dealing with 30 top professionals who are millionaires. If they misbehave, we fine them, but we keep it indoors. And if anyone steps out of my control, that’s them dead.” (Note: it is not a good idea to kill your employees!).

A team needs support and encouragement, so make sure you do this when they deserve it - it will make them inspired to achieve more. In business this could mean greater sales, resulting in more commission or promotion and in football this could mean more silverware or a better contract. If a team does not show continuous improvement then the consequences could be disastrous. You rely on your team so make sure they perform for you and know that only the best will do. 

Ferguson covered this with the students: “There is no room for criticism on the training field. For a player - and for any human being - there is nothing better than hearing ‘well done’. Those are the two best words ever invented in sports. You don’t need to use superlatives.”

Knowing when the full-time whistle is due
Much of the above begs the question: when is a good time to leave for your career? This is very difficult to get right and it does not often work out how you want it to. 

You might be asked to leave, you might leave when your earning potential is not at its peak, you may have missed opportunities that you should have taken, you might want to achieve more at your current company and stay, or you might want to leave when you could achieve more but go elsewhere for a different kind of challenge. It’s different for everyone, but it is also important to remember that after every failure is a success, even Ferguson has failures. Thank you Marc Overmars!

Very few manage to reach retirement still achieving sustained success at the same company. “Arsene knows” fans used to say, but it looks like he no longer does and his time is coming to an end. Whereas ‘Fergie time’ looks to continue until he decides to blow his own whistle. Whatever happens these extraordinary men should be an inspiration for us all to achieve our objectives in our professional lives.

As a passionate Arsenal fan it is difficult to admit that Arsene’s judgment is off and a good percentage is of his own making. Perhaps ‘Le Professeur’ is intelligent enough to stop the rot and learn from his mistakes - we will see if he can achieve his greatest success – effective management of himself.

Pinnacle Consulting can provide assistance and career guidance to those looking to develop their career with their existing employer or a new employer. Why not attend one of our PinBuild Career Development Clinics and let us help you map out a career path and stay on the ball in your particular field of expertise. You don’t want to have a relegation year ahead...

Call us on 01480 405225, email us via recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk or look at our website www.pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

Monday 11 February 2013

Featured Opportunities: Building Products Sales and Marketing Jobs - Feb 2013

February 2013 - This month we focus on some excellent sales and marketing opportunities throughout the UK in the bathroom products, electrical, insulation, doors and kitchen sectors.


See below for full details of our featured jobs (click 'Read more').

Keep informed of ALL our latest jobs when they become available on our Facebook page. Remember to click LIKE! to ensure you receive all the benefits.

Friday 8 February 2013

Research: Construction Industry Forecasts 2013

In our poll last month we asked for your thoughts and predictions on the state of the UK construction industry in 2013 and beyond. You can still vote here.

You may be interested in reading further background data on the state of the industry in this report published by The Thomas Consultancy. Please a copy download here.


We specialise in external and internal sales positions, marketing and management roles and director and board appointments with manufacturers, merchants or distributors across the whole building, construction and interiors product spectrum. 

Contact us on 01480 405225 or by email at recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk if you are looking to recruit or looking for a new job in the building products industry.

Current Jobs

Tuesday 5 February 2013

Career Development Clinics for the Building Products Sector: Book your FREE appointment this February

If you are looking for a new challenge in your career or a long-term evaluation of the direction your career is going, then contact us to attend one of our FREE PinBuild Career Development Clinics being held throughout the UK this February.

PinBuild Clinics are designed for sales & marketing professionals in the building products, construction and interiors sectors to provide specialist career advice throughout their career. Call us to arrange to meet one of our Specialist Consultants.  Tel: 01480 405225 


February PinBuild Clinics


Wednesday 13th February - Basingstoke
Thursday 14th February - Derby / Notts
Wednesday 20th February - Oxford
Thursday 21st February - Dartford
Thursday 28th February - London



Check out our current jobs...
You might find one to discuss with us.

PinBuild Clinics will evaluate the job seeker’s career to date and identify the best opportunities available. The clinics provide professionals with expert advice on how to progress their career by discussing the industry sectors that have potential for growth, the skills and focus needed to ensure that they develop with the changing nature of the market and how to ensure that their career continues to progress rather than stagnating.

The clinics will also assist those that attend to map out a realistic and achievable career path, including any potential training requirements. Assistance will also be given to evaluate their CV and also their interview technique and where they should focus to ensure they realise their true potential in the building and construction industry.

We specialise in external and internal sales positions, marketing and management roles and director and board appointments with manufacturers, merchants or distributors across the whole building, construction and interiors product spectrum.


Friday 1 February 2013

RICS expects 2013 to bring better news for UK construction market

The Royal Institute of Chartered surveyors are predicting the UK construction market will show signs of recovery this year.


Their survey has showed that in the last quarter 15% more surveyors across the UK reported they expect workloads to increase over the coming 12 months. This is reflected in the increase in reported workloads in the period Oct-Dec 2012.
A net balance of 6% more respondents indicated that activity had increased, with the most substantial gains being seen in infrastructure and private commercial development.
Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, said: “After a truly dreadful year, if one believes the official data, there are signs that 2013 will bring some better news for the construction sector.
“Most notably, the numerous measures that the government has introduced with a focus on infrastructure appear to be bearing some fruit.
“Critically, competitive pressures in the sector remain intense which is continuing to erode profit margins.
“And for the time being financing constraints are still an issue although the Funding for Lending Scheme should gradually help to ease this challenge.”
In our poll last month we asked for your thoughts and predictions on the state of the UK construction industry in 2013 and beyond. You can still vote here.

Look at the latest Construction sales jobs