Careers at MKM
Interested in joining the team?
We recruit and retain the very best employees who share our passion for excellent customer service. We give our staff both the ability and freedom to do things differently, whilst providing you with an environment to enjoy your work. To find out more, explore the vacancies available at our branches and support offices, or find answers to any questions you may have about joining our team and the recruitment process, click on the links below.
Our Values
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Unbeatable Customer Service
We’re known for delivering the best service in the industry – because we genuinely care about getting it right for our customers, every time. You’ll be part of a team that takes pride in going the extra mile and building real relationships with the people we serve.
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Every Day is a New Opportunity to Improve
Progress is in our DNA – whether it's learning something new, trying a better way of working, or helping the business grow. We encourage curiosity, back your development, and see mistakes as part of the journey forward.
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Teamwork That Actually Means Something
At our place, teamwork isn’t a buzzword – it’s the way we work, day in and day out. Everyone chips in, backs each other up, and wins together, no matter the job title.
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Do the Right Thing
We take responsibility seriously – from looking after the environment to giving back to local communities to making sure everyone gets home safe. If you believe in doing the right thing even when no one’s watching, you’ll fit right in here.
Timeline
It All Started with a Fire Bell.
MKM Building Supplies was co-founded in Kingston-upon-Hull by David Kilburn and Peter Murray with the purpose of being a one-stop-shop for tradies with the best service in town!
The MKM Business Model is born!
We opened our 2nd branch in Driffield, East Yorkshire and this marked the birth of our unique Business model. The 'MKM way'
Growth, Grit and Good People.
The early 2000s were all about steady, sustainable growth. New branches opened only when the right person was found to run them. Relationships with suppliers deepened and MKM’s reputation spread through the trade.
A Farewell to Peter Murray.
In 2006, Co-founder Peter Murray sold his shares in MKM. Peter played a vital role in shaping the culture of the business from day one. Known for his energy, experience and belief in people, Peter left a lasting legacy that still lives in every MKM branch.
The values he helped build remained solid and the business continued to grow and evolve.
Staying Strong Through the Storm.
The financial crisis hit hard across the UK. Many businesses in construction struggled, but MKM’s locally run model helped us stay resilient. Branches had the freedom to make fast, local decisions and support their customers through difficult times, with no red tape holding them back.
Customers stayed loyal, and suppliers gave backing because of the trust and relationships they had developed with MKM and the local teams.
21 Years of MKM.
MKM Chairman David Kilburn invited Rod Stewart to Hull as we celebrated our 21st anniversary, raising over £300,000 for local charities; the Daisy Appeal and Holy Trinity Church.
This landmark occasion reflected MKM’s commitment to both our people and our communities, a goal that's been at the heart of the business since day one.
Backed for the Future.
The same year we opened our 50th branch, we also partnered with Bain Capital to support the next stage of our growth. This investment allowed us to grow faster, strengthen our teams and lay the foundations for long-term success.
Crucially, the business model didn’t change. Ownership, autonomy and trust stayed at the core, just with more resources behind them.
New CEO, Same Culture.
In 2020, Kate Tinsley joined MKM as CEO. At the time, we had 73 branches and £465 million in annual sales. Since then, Kate has helped double our number of branches and led MKM through a digital and operational transformation.
Kate's leadership style fits perfectly with MKM’s people-first culture. Growth has accelerated, but never at the cost of our values. With Kate at the helm, MKM continued to scale responsibly while staying true to who we are.
The MKM Stadium.
In 2021, MKM became the official sponsor of Hull City’s football stadium, now known as the MKM Stadium. It was a proud moment that reflected our deep connection to Hull and the community where our journey began.
It was a celebration of our roots and a symbol of our continued commitment to local communities we serve.
Major Milestone with 100th Branch Opening.
Our 100th branch opened in Bromsgrove in 2022. Founder David Kilburn and CEO Kate Tinsley officially cut the ribbon in front of hundreds of local customers and community members.
Throughout all 100 branches, MKM has maintained its ethos of local people serving local people, with Branch Directors empowered to deliver exceptional service while supporting charities, sports teams and community projects in their area, collectivly making a huge impact across the UK.
Recognition That Belongs to Everyone.
In 2023, David Kilburn was awarded a CBE in the King’s first birthday honours in recognition of his service to the construction industry and charity. For David, it was a humbling moment. He viewed the award not as a personal achievement, but as recognition of the entire MKM journey, from early suppliers and the original six founders to every Branch Director, team member and customer who continues to shape the business today.
Further Recognition and Continued Growth.
In 2024, Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM, was awarded an OBE for her outstanding services to the construction industry and her commitment to promoting diversity. Joining MKM in 2020, she has overseen ambitious growth as MKM expanded to 129 branches nationwide. Alongside this, Kate has supported grassroots football and served on the FA board, showing how leadership and community impact can go hand in hand.
135 Branches and Still Growing.
In 2025, MKM reached 135 branches across the UK, plus our specialist business Oceanair. With an annual turnover of over £1.1 billion, the business has never been stronger.
But size isn’t the priority, MKM’s goal is to be number one in every local market it serves, growing only when we find the right people, in the right places, with the right opportunity to make a difference.
We make our best hire yet... you!
Looking to the future, MKM shows no signs of slowing down. Our growth will be supported by digital innovation, expanding product ranges and an ongoing investment in our people.
But the heart of the business will never change. We’ll continue to build a business where people feel proud to work, customers feel genuinely valued and communities benefit from having MKM as their local merchant. Do you want to become part of this incredible story?
About MKM Building Supplies
MKM is the UK’s leading builder’s merchant, with branches across England, Scotland & Wales. Founded in 1995, we have branches across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom from Redruth to Elgin, Norwich and Llandudno.
We offer a vast range of building materials, from bulk bags of sand and aggregates to bricks and timber. Plus, we have stunning kitchens, bathrooms, and landscaping supplies – all with free local delivery!