Technical Product Support Manager Review
at Tarmac
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Construction, Sales, Sustainability
Birtley, Tyne and Wear
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
A Tarmac Technical Product Support Manager drives the success of Value Added Products (VAPs), such as specialized aggregates and asphalt, by providing expert technical guidance to customers and internal teams. They act as a liaison between commercial/operational teams and clients to increase sales, ensure product compliance, and resolve complex technical issues, often focusing on sustainable, low-carbon solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Support & Product Growth: Champion the launch of new products, promoting VAPs to maximize sales and differentiate Tarmac from competitors.
Technical Guidance & Specification: Offer expert advice on specification writing, product selection, and sustainability to key contractors and local authorities.
Operational Liaison: Collaborate with operational teams to optimize product performance, resolve issues with slow-moving stock, and support trial mixes.
Safety & Innovation: Promote a strong Health & Safety culture and drive technical innovation within surfacing operations and product design.
Core Competencies
Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of asphalt, aggregates, or paving materials.
Commercial Awareness: Ability to link technical solutions to increased margins and market demand.
Communication: Strong ability to advise clients and support sales teams.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in solving on-site or production-related technical challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Support & Product Growth: Champion the launch of new products, promoting VAPs to maximize sales and differentiate Tarmac from competitors.
Technical Guidance & Specification: Offer expert advice on specification writing, product selection, and sustainability to key contractors and local authorities.
Operational Liaison: Collaborate with operational teams to optimize product performance, resolve issues with slow-moving stock, and support trial mixes.
Safety & Innovation: Promote a strong Health & Safety culture and drive technical innovation within surfacing operations and product design.
Core Competencies
Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of asphalt, aggregates, or paving materials.
Commercial Awareness: Ability to link technical solutions to increased margins and market demand.
Communication: Strong ability to advise clients and support sales teams.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in solving on-site or production-related technical challenges.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoyed the programme and working on improving my skills and techniques within my job role. The programme highlighted my strengths and weaknesses in the early stages and allowed me the time to focus on real improvement to make me stronger in the role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I did both. The programme gave me the time and resources to take a step back and review my work and improve both soft and hard skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The organisation of the programme meant it fit perfectly into the role and supported me as a learner in day to day challenges.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer supported me with regular reviews and check ins to ensure that I was able to fully commit to completion.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Our tutors and guides were extremely supportive and responded to emails and queries at a fast pace.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification has given me more confidence in myself in the role. The time management skills I learnt are tools I use daily to support me.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I attend networking events as part of my role already but the programme highlighted to me that this is still work and can be tiring at times. I used to see the events as a have to do and have to be there the whole time. The programme reminded me that it is ok to step back for short breaks while at these events to recharge.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Tarmac to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have been at the company for 9 years now and the support to progress in my career has been brilliant. I had never worked in construction before and my managers have allowed me the time to grow into the role while taking time to study as well.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Tarmac?
Be ready for a fast paced environment. The construction industry is always evolving and changing so you need to be ready and willing to adapt over time.
