Today, we’re excited to sit down with our Group Supply Chain Manager, Karen Alexander.

Get to know Karen and discover her journey, insights, and the unique perspective they bring to our organisation. 

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role within Kytun?

Hi, my name is Karen Alexander. My role in Kytun is Group Supply Chain Manager. My role involves strategising and optimising the procurement of raw materials, production planning, inventory control, logistics, and distribution to ensure efficient and cost-effective delivery of products.

What inspired you to pursue a career within the construction industry?

Initially, I didn’t plan to pursue a career in construction, but this is where my path has led me and I’m happy it did. I was offered a job here at Kytun as a Sales Administrator when graduating from my Level 8 Hons Business Degree in ATU Letterkenny and was delighted to walk into a full-time job.

Could you share some of the key responsibilities or tasks that you manage in your current position?

My key responsibility is overseeing and managing the entire supply chain operation across the group’s manufacturing entities. Managing stock levels, dealing with suppliers and organising the transportation of orders.

What aspect of your work do you find most fulfilling or rewarding?

I would say receiving positive feedback from our customers and that they are happy with the service we offer. It is satisfying to know that when a customer places an order, we have the stock to fulfil this, as well as the capability to transport and deliver the order safely within in our agreed lead time.

From your perspective, what skills or qualities are crucial for success in your position?

For my perspective, I would say excellent verbal and written communication skills are important, especially when dealing with tasks that are required to be completed daily.

My role involves working in a fast-paced environment, so the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively is crucial. Being familiar with Microsoft Applications is important. As part of my degree, we used Microsoft platforms frequently, so this was an advantage to me.

Even though I believe all these above skills and qualities are crucial for success in my position in Kytun, I would say that the most important is being a team player, with a high level of dedication. If you are willing to learn and be hard working, success will come naturally.

Can you highlight any notable achievements or milestones from your career that you’re particularly proud of?

From my career in the Business Industry there has been a few milestones I have reached. The first one being receiving a 1:1 in my Business Hons Degree in ATU Letterkenny.

I was fortunate to extend my studies, when I was awarded a Masters Scholarship in Business. I achieved this during my first two years working in Kytun.

Kytun was very accommodating and understanding during these two years of study.

Since then, I have progressed in my career in Kytun, from being a Sales Administrator to a Group Supply Chain Manager, this is definitely the greatest highlight of all!

If someone were interested in pursuing a career similar to yours, what advice would you offer them?

My advice would not to be scared to step out of your comfort zone. When I accepted the role as Sales Administrator in Kytun I had no knowledge of the construction industry nor any experience with roofing products. At the start it was daunting, but with a great team of experienced workers around me daily alongside continuous high-quality training, I can now say that I am confident talking about and recommending Kytun’s products to customers.

Outside of work, what interests or hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?

My interests outside of work would be going to the gym and taking part in adventure races and HYROX events. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Looking ahead, how do you see your role evolving, and what are your long-term goals?

In the last 4 years, I have seen Kytun continuously grow from strength to strength. Since I started, our office space is now located in a brand-new modern building. I have been incredibly happy and content in my role as Sales Administrator and now Group Supply Chain Manager. My long-term goal is to continue to work hard and hopefully progress further in my career here at Kytun.

I am looking forward to what is in store for Kytun in the future and no doubt there will be many years of success ahead.