Brendan Brophy, promoted to KTL Procurement Manager

Tell us about your journey with KTL?

I’ve been working for KTL for the past seven years and have seen a steady growth in my career. I initially joined the company in October 2016 as a junior project manager working with a major Irish telecom’s client on a Tx project, this is where I gained a good understanding of KTL’s project workstreams.

What helped me the most to improve my project management skills was working with KTL’s dedicated field staff to deliver projects for our clients.

In 2017, I got promoted to programme manager, overseeing the resource allocation of all KTL’s telecom projects and managing the day-to-day operations in conjunction with operations manager.

This role gave me the opportunity to deeply understand the inner workings of KTL’s business. I built relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and all the staff at KTL to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

What specific skills or qualities do you believe played a significant role in your promotion?

In my previous role, I always had to be very organised and forward thinking. It was a role that involved working with multiple departments, project teams and work streams. I had to be an effective communicator and move quickly to make decisions.

I developed a good solid relationship with suppliers and subcontractors, which will be important to maintain in my new role. I am a very approachable person, and very willing to help others when needed. Everyone knows that I'm just a phone call away whenever they need my help.

How has KTL supported your growth and development?

KTL have always supported my career development and encourage ongoing learning, training, and courses to enhance skills and abilities to be effective in the role. KTL staff are very approachable and are always keen to see an individual do well and are always there to help as needed.

As you transition into your new role, what are some of the key responsibilities and challenges in your new role?

As of now, my roles within KTL were always project/operational. My new role as procurement manager is taking my career in a different direction homing in on the commercial side of KTL’s business.

In this role, I will be responsible for overseeing the procurement function within the organisation. This includes strategic sourcing, supplier selection and evaluation and contract negotiations. It will be important to balance cost savings with maintaining a strong supplier base to meet the needs and demands of KTL and our clients.

What advice do you have for other employees who aspire to grow and advance within KTL?

• Take control of your own career development.

• If you want to progress in a company, when an opening arises put your hat in the ring for a role that you are keen to pursue.

• With any career, you’ll have wins and losses. The wins will be great, but the losses will be where you take your learnings from to capture the next opportunity that arises.

• Embrace challenges that come your way, but always remember to enjoy yourself too.

Can you share any memorable experiences or projects from your previous position that have helped shape your journey with KTL?

The Covid pandemic will always live long in my memory of how strong KTL is as a company. The challenge that faced the world during this time will never be forgotten.

KTL’s staff kept operations moving with their resilient and committed nature, and I can proudly say I was involved in keeping the project teams as safe as we reasonably could to get everyone home to their families each day.

Communication was key during this time, relaying information at the right time to the right people. There are so many things I can take from that experience when I look back it now and I hope we never have to go through it again!

What are your goals and aspirations for the future, and how does this promotion align with those ambitions?

Keep succeeding and growing with KTL. Enjoy life to the fullest. I aspire to build a house in the near future and so moving into a procurement manger role has come at the right time, it will open me with supplier bases and contacts that may assist me in achieving this major milestone in my life.

To find out more about KTL careers visit: https://www.ktl.ie/careers