Kelly Group is delighted to introduce Jason Chandler, our Director of Operations. Jason joined the Group in 2008 as a Team Manager. He stepped up as Director of Operations in September 2020 and is now responsible for managing and maintaining all aspects of the Openreach & Community Fibre installation contracts.
How long have you been working for the Kelly Group?
I started my journey at Kelly Group in 2008.
What positions have you held throughout your tenure?
I initially joined as a Team Manager and later been promoted through the ranks from Area Manager, Regional Manager, Senior Operation Manager to Director of Operations.
For anyone that doesn’t know, can you tell us the difference between SD and FTTP?
Service Delivery means the installation of broadband, telephone, or fibre on a copper network.
FTTP involves the installation of broadband on fibre network. FTTP boasts the highest internet transfer speed and low loss of signal.
What does a typical week look like?
On a typical week, I tend to review the weekly performance of the different contracts as I am responsible for and making sure we maintain the high standards we have set.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
The ability to be innovative & influence change.
We hear the copper network will be switched off in 2025 – how will this affect the industry?
I have been in telecoms for 32 years and during this time I have seen a lot of changes, off Air to Cable TV/analogue to digital TV channels/ Landline to Mobile and now Copper to FTTP all these changes come with the opportunity to upskill and learn new technologies. The one constant variable are customers, and they still have the same expectations as ever.
Can you think of three words that describe your role?
- Challenging
- Patience
- Rewarding
Before working for Kelly Group, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?
When I left school, I completed a YTS Apprenticeship Scheme in Bricklaying & advanced craft, this gave me a lot of very transferable skills.
If you could switch your job with anyone else for one week, whose job would you want to experience?
I would love to have the ability to be a professional golfer -a footballer when I was younger - in reality, I might make an average caddie!
What advice do you have for new Kelly Group engineers coming into the business?
Give yourself time to learn the role & and ask questions, there are lots of opportunities for you to shape your career at Kelly Group, everyone in my management team started as an engineer.
Can you tell us about the support channels that are available for our engineers?
Everyone in Kelly Group has access to a wide support team. When you join us, you will have a New-to-Field management team who will support you including Coaches / Controllers / Managers. If you ever need further support on something that your local manager can’t help with, you can call the welfare team on any HR matters. I am always happy to talk to engineers if they need feel they are not getting the right support.
What 3 words would your friends/family use to describe you?
- Fair
- Grumpy
- Competitive
What is your proudest moment at Kelly Group?
There have been many moments I have been proud of, but on a personal note I suffer with dyslexia and when I was promoted to Director of Operations, it reinforced my belief there is always a way to obtain your goals no matter what challenges you have.
