Careers in hardware – Glanbia Agribusiness

In the latest issue of  The Hardware Journal we spoke to Darren Kelly, Manager of the Athboy branch of Glanbia Agribusiness, about his career highlights to date, and his advice for anyone interested in a career in the sector.

What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?

Growing up I worked on family farms and building sites part time all through school and college, so I had a good
understanding of the hardware industry and the agri-hardware category. In 2013 just as I was finishing my Masters I started working in the Glanbia store in Athboy, Co. Meath.

Two years later a branch manager role came up in Glanbia Kilberry and after two rounds of interviews I got the job. Four years later I moved back to Athboy as Branch Manager when that role became available.

I really enjoy working with Glanbia and they have given me every opportunity possible to further my career and improvemy skillset since I have started.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Yes, as branch manager in the store I really enjoy the day to day aspects of the job. The job is very hands on and I’m meeting customers who in time I have built a great relationship with. I have Glanbia ensure all staff have a happy work life/balance which is paramount in my opinion to keeping a low employee turnover. Many of the staff have been with the company for 40+ years so that in itself is a good sign that they had an enjoyable career with Glanbia.

Describe a typical working day.

No day is ever the same, that’s for sure, but most days revolve around ensuring the branch runs as smoothly as possible, and customers are served in a timely and friendly manner. Glanbia have a very impressive hardware and agri-hardware selection, in the past few years my knowledge of products in this area has become very extensive. Giving customers advice on the best hardware products in the market is a big part of my everyday job.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities?

My main job is to ensure the staff in the branch are happy and comfortable relaying our product information back to
customers. We have a lot of customers who have accounts with us, so I must ensure their accounts are correct and bills are settled correctly. Stock management is an integral part of the job also.

What are the main challenges?

There are so many products that Glanbia stock, it is imperative that we keep the staff constantly updated on new products and have product information available for customers.

What has been your education road map to date?

After I finished my Leaving Cert in 2008, I studied Marketing, Innovation and Technology in DCU. It gave me a great understanding of how the business world works. I always wanted to be in management, so I decided to go straight into a Master’s in Business Management in DCU after I finished my undergraduate degree. I feel the courses I have completed have set up me very well to be a branch manager for Glanbia.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

The job involves a lot of dealing with people whether it is staff or customers, so people skills are so important. Having an interest in the agriculture or construction industry will definitely help someone excel in this industry, but above all else a ‘can-do’and positive attitude will carry you far.

For more information or to start advertising your vacancies with Hardware Jobs visit www.hardwarejobs.ie or contact Aoife at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie.