Job Title:
Contracts Manager
Start Date:
December 1989
Kevin is a perfect example of someone who has risen through the ranks at Taylor and Fraser. He started working with the company in December 1989 and retains the same enthusiasm and drive that he had when he was an apprentice with the company.
What was your starting role at Taylor and Fraser?
My first role was as an Apprentice Heating Engineer. After a four-year apprenticeship, I advanced to become a basic Heating Engineer (Fitter). Then, after approximately three years, I was promoted to Senior Craftsman, working on small contracts for the company. Then, I was promoted to Foreman, completing large contracts for new build colleges and nuclear facilities buildings all over Scotland, including those in the Highlands and Islands. Following this, I was promoted to Contracts Supervisor, then to Contracts Manager, a role I currently fulfil.
Can you give us a brief description of your current role?
As the title suggests, I manage contracts. However, within my role, I’m particularly involved in integrating our apprentices, which I find very fulfilling. Being able to support young talent entering the business and watching their progression from apprentice to more prominent roles within the company is extremely rewarding.
What aspects of your role do you particularly like?
I enjoy the variety of the projects we get involved in; from historic building renovation to new build facilities, every project is different and throws up a new set of challenges. If pushed, I’d say my slight preference is for historic buildings, simply because every building is different, and very often they present unexpected challenges when you get on site and start to learn about the building. It’s also vital on these projects that our solutions respect the integrity of the building and its history.
Do you find the company supportive in terms of personal development?
Yes, very definitely. As someone who has come through the business and learned right back from my apprenticeship days, you’d expect me to say that. However, even in my current role, the company remains very supportive. If you show an appetite for learning and personal development, Taylor and Fraser will support you with all the relevant internal training or external training courses.
What do you like about working with Taylor and Fraser?
I like the fact that we’ve got a rich history with many prestigious projects in our client portfolio. I’m also proud of the fact that we are a solutions-based company; we genuinely collaborate with clients to find the best solutions for each project.
I’m also very enthusiastic about the future and working with the wider team at Suir Engineering.
Even though we’ve significantly expanded the office team, we have managed to retain a ‘family’ atmosphere where everyone is keen to help their colleagues in any way they can. So, we’ve still got all the elements that made it a great place to work since I joined in 1989, but we’ve also got the opportunity to go on and do bigger and better things in the future, because we’re part of something bigger.
What do you do outside of work?
I like to spend time with my kids. I have a nine-year-old son and a nineteen-year-old daughter; one is in primary school, the other at university. Their demands on my time are entirely different, but equally fulfilling. However, I must say that I particularly enjoy watching my son play football for his school team.
Thank you to Kevin for participating in our series that highlights the careers of our team. His dedication and loyalty are evident to all, and we appreciate his hard work and continued commitment to Taylor and Fraser.
