In an industry where innovation meets tradition, the building materials sector isn't just constructing our physical world—it's architecting our future. Today's professionals have unprecedented opportunities to shape sustainable practices, transform customer experiences, and redefine what's possible in building. These five exceptional career openings represent more than employment—they're invitations to join visionary companies that are literally shaping tomorrow.
Table of Contents
- 5 Great Jobs Available Now
- Salesperson / Estimator at Kingdon Timber Mart
- Senior Director, Environment & Sustainability at OSSGA
- Human Resources Business Partner at CGC Inc.
- Branch Manager at Gentek Building Products
- Branch Manager at Beacon Building Products
- Why These Positions Matter
- The Future of Building Materials
- An Industry of Growth
- Your Next Steps
- Frequently Asked Questions
5 Great Jobs Available Now
1. Salesperson / Estimator at Kingdon Timber Mart (Lakefield, ON)
Picture yourself as the crucial connection between century-old craftsmanship and today's building innovations. At Kingdon Timber Mart, you'll be stepping into a legacy that began in 1840 when the Kingdon family first started manufacturing barrel and cedar shim shingles in Peterborough County.
Today, joining Kingdon Timber Mart offers the rare opportunity to become part of a business that has adapted and thrived through nearly two centuries of industry evolution. You'll work alongside the fourth and fifth generations of a family dedicated to building excellence, accessing the combined wisdom of a team that pioneered truss manufacturing in 1959.
As a valued team member, you'll contribute to a community fixture that has helped build Lakefield and surrounding areas since the 1920s, experiencing the unique blend of small-business values with industry-leading expertise that few other opportunities in the building materials sector can provide.
The Role:
- Serve as the face of North America's oldest family-owned truss manufacturer
- Orchestrate the precise selection of building materials that will form the backbone of residential and commercial projects
- Transform complex construction needs into accurate, competitive estimates that win business
- Build enduring relationships with contractors, DIYers, and homeowners who rely on your expertise
- Master the intricate details of building materials that have evolved through five generations of industry knowledge
The Ideal Candidate Brings:
- A natural ability to translate technical specifications into customer solutions
- Estimating precision that contractors can build their businesses upon
- Comprehensive understanding of construction materials and methodologies
- Digital fluency with Microsoft Office and estimating platforms
- The relationship-building skills that turn first-time buyers into multi-generation customers
In the world of building materials, few opportunities offer the blend of history and innovation found at Kingdon Timber Mart. This isn't just selling lumber—it's becoming part of a living legacy where your expertise directly shapes the homes, businesses, and communities of Lakefield. You'll be the crucial link between Kingdon's rich heritage and the future they continue to build, one customer relationship at a time.
Learn more about this opportunity here >>>> Salesperson / Estimator
2. Senior Director, Environment & Sustainability at Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (Mississauga, ON)
Imagine yourself orchestrating environmental transformation across an entire industry that forms the literal foundation of Ontario's infrastructure. The Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA) is seeking a visionary leader to revolutionize sustainability practices for over 280 member companies that extract and supply the raw materials essential for every road, building, and bridge in the province.
This leadership role at OSSGA provides direct influence on environmental practices, offering a rare opportunity to reshape land rehabilitation standards for thousands of acres. You'll lead water conservation strategies that will impact provincial ecosystems for generations and have a platform to pioneer biodiversity initiatives that transform former extraction sites into vibrant habitats. Perhaps most significantly, this position enables you to bridge industry needs with environmental imperatives at the highest levels, creating a legacy of sustainable resource management that extends far beyond typical environmental leadership roles.
The Role:
- Spearhead environmental leadership across an industry that supplies 164 million tonnes of aggregate annually
- Pioneer Indigenous relations strategies that respect heritage while enabling responsible resource development
- Craft the narratives and policies that transform rehabilitation, water management, and biodiversity conservation
- Represent OSSGA before government officials and policymakers, becoming the authoritative voice on sustainability in aggregate extraction
- Collaborate with scientific communities and academic institutions to implement cutting-edge environmental innovations
The Ideal Candidate Brings:
- Advanced academic credentials in environmental management or related disciplines
- 7-12 years of navigating the complex intersection of resource extraction and sustainability
- Sophisticated understanding of regulatory frameworks that govern natural resource utilization
- Communication skills that can translate scientific principles into actionable industry practices
- Visionary leadership that sees beyond traditional resource management paradigms
In the realm of environmental leadership, few roles offer the breadth of impact possible at OSSGA. This position transcends typical sustainability work—it's about fundamentally redefining how an essential industry balances resource extraction with environmental stewardship. You won't just be implementing existing best practices; you'll be creating the standards that will govern aggregate extraction and rehabilitation across Ontario for decades to come.
Find out more here >>>> Senior Director, Environment & Sustainability
3. Human Resources Business Partner at CGC Inc. (Hagersville, ON)
Envision yourself as the architect of workplace excellence at a company that has literally built Canada's walls and ceilings since 1907. CGC Inc., part of a global building materials powerhouse, seeks a strategic HR leader to transform talent management across multiple manufacturing facilities that produce the gypsum products essential to modern construction.
At CGC Inc., you'll shape workplace culture in facilities that produce materials used in countless Canadian buildings. This role challenges you to balance the demands of unionized manufacturing environments with corporate objectives while influencing human capital strategies across multiple sites with diverse operational needs. By contributing to a legacy of innovation that spans more than a century of building excellence, your HR leadership will directly impact both the people behind the products and the quality of materials that form the literal structure of buildings across Canada.
The Role:
- Orchestrate comprehensive human resources strategy across Hagersville and Oakville manufacturing facilities
- Design and implement employee relations programs that foster collaboration in complex manufacturing environments
- Serve as the primary safety advisor, ensuring CGC's commitment to workplace protection remains industry-leading
- Engineer talent acquisition strategies that respond to evolving workforce demographics and skill requirements
- Construct development pathways that transform production workers into future leaders
The Ideal Candidate Brings:
- Bachelor's degree coupled with 5+ years of sophisticated HR experience
- Manufacturing expertise that understands the unique demands of production environments
- Mastery of employee relations in complex organizational structures
- Strategic vision balanced with tactical implementation capabilities
- Communication skills that resonate from the production floor to the executive suite
This HR Business Partner role at CGC Inc. represents a unique fusion of strategic leadership and hands-on implementation. You'll be shaping the human element behind products that form the literal structure of buildings across Canada. From navigating labor relations to spearheading safety initiatives, your work will directly impact both the people creating these essential materials and the quality of the products they produce.
Start the application process here >>>> Human Resources Business Partner
4. Branch Manager at Gentek Building Products (Red Deer, AB)
Picture yourself at the helm of a thriving distribution operation, orchestrating the movement of premium exterior building products that transform houses into showcase homes. Gentek Building Products, with over 50 years of manufacturing excellence, seeks a dynamic leader to drive both sales growth and operational efficiency at their Red Deer branch.
Leading Gentek's Red Deer branch gives you direct impact on both sales performance and operational excellence simultaneously, with the autonomy to implement strategies that grow the business in your region. You'll lead a comprehensive team spanning multiple functional areas while enjoying the benefits of a weekday schedule combined with exceptional compensation potential. Your success is supported by a complete tool kit including a company vehicle, technology, and robust support infrastructure, allowing you to focus on building customer relationships and driving team performance in a role that balances strategic leadership with day-to-day operational management.
The Role:
- Command a full-spectrum branch operation combining sales leadership with distribution excellence
- Cultivate deep relationships with contractors and builders who depend on Gentek's premium products
- Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team spanning sales, warehouse, and administrative functions
- Engineer inventory strategies ensuring customers always have access to the exterior products that define their projects
- Analyze market dynamics to identify growth opportunities in the Red Deer region
The Ideal Candidate Brings:
- Natural leadership capabilities that inspire team performance
- Building products expertise that resonates with contractors and builders
- Sales experience that translates into effective team coaching and development
- Strategic thinking balanced with operational execution capabilities
- Result-oriented mindset focused on exceeding performance targets
At Gentek, the Branch Manager role transcends typical management positions—it's an opportunity to shape business success while delivering products that homeowners will appreciate for decades. You'll balance the precision of inventory management with the art of relationship building, creating a branch operation that serves as both a trusted supplier and a valued partner to the building community in Red Deer.
Discover more here >>>> Branch Manager
5. Branch Manager at Beacon Building Products (Calgary, AB)
Envision yourself orchestrating a Fortune 500 distribution operation that supplies the materials protecting countless structures across Alberta. Beacon Building Products, with nearly a century of industry leadership, seeks a strategic business leader to drive their Calgary branch to new heights of performance and customer satisfaction.
Taking the helm at Beacon's Calgary branch offers leadership within a company with extensive resources and support infrastructure, providing the opportunity to impact an operation with significant market presence and growth potential. You'll benefit from comprehensive benefits including stock purchase options at 15% discount and an RRSP program with company matching that builds long-term financial security. Your professional development is supported through access to the resources of a national industry leader, allowing you to continually enhance your leadership capabilities while guiding a distribution center that contractors throughout Calgary depend on for quality materials and exceptional service.
The Role:
- Command comprehensive branch operations spanning sales, distribution, inventory management, and team development
- Engineer sales strategies that drive profitable growth while delivering exceptional customer experiences
- Construct operational systems that ensure contractors have immediate access to essential building materials
- Lead a diverse team of professionals dedicated to supporting the construction industry
- Analyze performance metrics to identify opportunities for margin improvement and cost optimization
The Ideal Candidate Brings:
- Bachelor's degree in business or commerce
- 5-10 years of relevant experience with 7+ years in leadership roles
- Sophisticated understanding of financial metrics and performance drivers
- Technical facility with business systems and analytics
- Leadership approach that drives results through team development
This Branch Manager position at Beacon represents a rare opportunity to combine strategic business leadership with hands-on operational management. You'll be the driving force behind a distribution center that contractors throughout Calgary depend on for timely access to quality materials. From inventory decisions to team development, your leadership will ensure Beacon continues its century-long tradition of supporting the construction industry with excellence.
Your new career starts here >>>> Branch Manager
Why These Positions Matter
The building materials industry isn't merely assembling structures—it's crafting the environments where we live, work, and create. These five positions transcend typical career opportunities by offering the chance to influence sustainable practices, transform customer experiences, and shape the very infrastructure of our communities.
From preserving natural resources at OSSGA to continuing a five-generation legacy at Kingdon Timber Mart, each role represents a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to an industry that literally builds our world. As construction evolves to meet increasingly complex environmental standards and technological capabilities, professionals in these positions will help determine how our built environment adapts and thrives.
The Future of Building Materials
The industry stands at a fascinating intersection of time-tested craftsmanship and revolutionary innovation. Sustainability has evolved from a peripheral concern to a central organizing principle, with companies like OSSGA pioneering rehabilitation techniques that transform extraction sites into vibrant ecosystems. Meanwhile, customer experience has been redefined at distributors like Gentek and Beacon, where technology-enabled service combines with decades of expertise to create seamless support for contractors.
Human capital remains the irreplaceable foundation of the industry, with CGC recognizing that manufacturing excellence depends on cultivating workplace cultures where safety and quality are paramount. Family-owned businesses like Kingdon Timber Mart demonstrate that personalized service and community connection remain powerful differentiators even as digital transformation reshapes distribution channels.
An Industry of Growth
The building materials sector continues to experience robust development, driven by several interconnected factors:
- Sustainability Imperatives: Environmental considerations now influence everything from raw material extraction to final product installation
- Technological Integration: Digital tools are revolutionizing inventory management, customer communication, and project estimation
- Workforce Evolution: Companies increasingly recognize the competitive advantage of diverse, well-developed teams
- Supply Chain Sophistication: Distribution excellence has become a key differentiator in a competitive marketplace
- Customer Experience Elevation: Building deep relationships remains essential in an industry where trust drives purchasing decisions
These five positions reflect these growth trajectories, offering candidates the opportunity to be part of an industry that's actively building tomorrow's world while honoring proven traditions of quality and service.
Your Next Steps
These positions represent more than employment opportunities—they're invitations to join an industry that continuously evolves while maintaining its essential role in our infrastructure. Whether your expertise lies in sales, environmental leadership, human resources, or branch management, the building materials sector offers robust career paths with competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
Consider which role aligns with your skills and passions, then research these organizations thoroughly. Each represents a unique culture and approach to the building materials space, from family-owned businesses with generations of history to Fortune 500 corporations with global reach. By understanding their values, market positions, and future directions, you'll be better prepared to demonstrate how you can contribute to their continued success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are needed for a Salesperson/Estimator role in building materials?
Successful building materials sales professionals typically combine technical knowledge with relationship-building capabilities. For the Kingdon Timber Mart position, experience in construction materials estimation provides a foundation, while strong communication skills enable effective customer consultations. While formal education in business or construction is valuable, demonstrated experience and product knowledge often carry more weight. Proficiency with estimation software and Microsoft Office applications is increasingly essential, as is the ability to translate technical specifications into customer-friendly solutions.
How does sustainability factor into building materials careers?
Sustainability has evolved from a specialized focus to an industry-wide imperative, creating both dedicated roles like OSSGA's Senior Director position and transforming responsibilities across all functions. Environmental considerations now influence product development, manufacturing processes, distribution methods, and installation practices. Professionals with sustainability expertise find opportunities in environmental compliance, product certification, resource management, and stakeholder engagement. As regulatory requirements and market demands continue to emphasize environmental responsibility, sustainability expertise will become increasingly valuable across all building materials sectors.
What skills are essential for a Human Resources Business Partner in this industry?
HR professionals in building materials manufacturing environments like CGC Inc. need a sophisticated blend of strategic thinking and practical implementation capabilities. Critical skills include:
- Advanced employee relations expertise for complex organizational structures
- Comprehensive safety program development and implementation
- Strategic talent acquisition in competitive labor markets
- Succession planning and development pathway creation
- Compensation structure design that balances market competitiveness with internal equity
- Change management capabilities to support organizational evolution
The most successful HR leaders combine these technical capabilities with emotional intelligence and business acumen.
What are the responsibilities of a Branch Manager in building materials distribution?
Branch Managers at companies like Gentek and Beacon orchestrate multifaceted operations that balance sales growth with operational efficiency. Core responsibilities typically include:
- Strategic business planning and sales team leadership
- Inventory management that balances product availability with capital efficiency
- Team development across sales, warehouse, and administrative functions
- Customer relationship management and business development
- Financial performance analysis and improvement
- Safety program implementation and compliance management
- Facilities oversight and optimization
This role demands a unique combination of leadership capabilities, industry knowledge, analytical skills, and customer focus—making it both challenging and rewarding.
What entry-level jobs are available in the building materials industry?
The building materials sector offers numerous pathways for early career professionals, including:
- Inside Sales Representatives who develop product knowledge while supporting customers
- Estimating Assistants who learn the technical aspects of materials specification
- Yard Associates who gain hands-on experience with product handling and logistics
- Customer Service Representatives who become expert problem-solvers
- Warehouse Coordinators who master inventory management systems
- Digital Marketing Specialists who help building materials companies establish online presence
These entry points often lead to advancement as individuals develop specialized expertise and industry connections, providing solid foundations for long-term career development.
How competitive are salaries in building materials leadership positions?
Leadership roles in the building materials industry typically offer sophisticated compensation packages reflecting the complex responsibilities involved. Branch Manager positions like those at Gentek and Beacon often combine base salaries with performance-based incentives tied to profitability metrics, inventory management, and team performance. Environmental leadership roles like the OSSGA position command premium compensation reflecting specialized expertise and strategic impact. Most senior positions include comprehensive benefits covering health, retirement, and often additional perks like company vehicles or educational allowances, creating total compensation packages that compare favorably with other industries.
Do building materials companies offer training programs?
Leading building materials organizations view employee development as a strategic investment. Beacon specifically highlights paid training and advancement opportunities, while companies like CGC implement comprehensive onboarding and continuous learning programs. Training typically encompasses product knowledge, technical specifications, sales methodologies, safety protocols, and leadership development. Manufacturers often provide certification programs for distributor personnel, while industry associations offer specialized education in areas like sustainability and building science. This commitment to professional development reflects the industry's recognition that knowledgeable employees deliver superior customer experiences and drive business growth.
How can I transition from traditional building to sustainable materials roles?
For professionals seeking to pivot from conventional construction careers to sustainability-focused positions like the OSSGA environmental leadership role, several strategic pathways exist:
- Pursue certifications in environmental management, LEED, or sustainable construction
- Gain experience with green building projects or sustainability initiatives within current roles
- Develop expertise in environmental regulations and compliance frameworks
- Build networks with professionals already working in sustainable materials sectors
- Consider specialized education in environmental science or sustainability management
The most successful transitions leverage existing building knowledge while demonstrating genuine commitment to environmental principles, creating a powerful combination of practical experience and sustainability vision that increasingly drives the building materials industry forward.