Career Stories

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Manager, Tricel Killarney

Area Business Manager,
Finol Oils

General Manager,
Gem Oils

Ger McAuliffe, Tricel Killarney

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Manager

“What makes me proud to work for Tricel is the incredible journey and growth I have experienced alongside the organisation.”

Tell us about your career journey with us

I started back in 2014 as an IT Administrator. Initially my role involved managing various IT systems and providing technical support, I was given the opportunity to lead several key projects, including the successful implementation of a company-wide phone system. Driven by a passion for cybersecurity, I decided to go ahead and achieve my Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certificate. From there, I decided to attend MTU and achieved my Secure Network Operations Certificate. I couldn’t stop there and I am now on my way to achieving a Higher Diploma in cybersecurity Operations. Throughout my journey, I have faced and overcome numerous challenges, including navigating the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats and ensuring our infrastructure can support the company’s growth.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the dynamic nature of the work. Cybersecurity and infrastructure are fields that are constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to learn and adapt to. I thrive on the challenge of staying ahead of emerging threats and ensuring our systems remain resilient.

What makes you proud to work for us?

What makes me proud to work for Tricel is the incredible journey and growth I have experienced alongside the organization. When I started managing the IT infrastructure in 2014, I was responsible for supporting a team of about 60 users. Since then, we have grown to support hundreds of users, reflecting the company’s remarkable expansion and success. I am particularly proud of how both the infrastructure and my own skills have been able to grow and adapt with the company.

How could someone get started in your department of the Tricel Group?

Starting a career in the IT Department at Tricel Group can be both rewarding and challenging. Prior to joining Tricel in 2014, I began my IT journey as a Junior IT Administrator in 2011, I had no prior experience in IT. However, through dedication, continuous learning, and the invaluable support from colleagues and mentors, I was able to grow and thrive in this field. Now, we are committed to teaching and mentoring anyone who has an interest in learning, just as many have supported me along the way.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Keep learning to stay ahead of your competition 🙂

What professional qualities are helpful in your role?

Communication skills are very important and problem-solving skills. Once you have these mastered the rest will fall into place.

“What makes me proud to work for Tricel is the incredible journey and growth I have experienced alongside the organisation.”

Ger McAuliffe, Tricel Killarney

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Manager

Tell us about your career journey with us

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What makes you proud to work for us?

How could someone get started in your department of the Tricel Group?

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Keep learning to stay ahead of your competition 🙂

What professional qualities are helpful in your role?

Communication skills are very important and problem-solving skills. Once you have these mastered the rest will fall into place.

“I am proud to work for Tricel because of its commitment to excellence, innovation, and employee growth. Finol has supported my career development from the very beginning, providing opportunities to learn and advance. I also appreciate the positive work environment, the strong sense of teamwork, and the
trust placed in employees to take on challenges and make a real impact”

Bartlomiej Cielewicz, Finol Oils

Area Business Manager

Tell us about your career journey with us

I started my journey with Finol as a teenager at 16, working a summer job and became full-time worker eleven years ago, when I officially joined the company as a warehouse worker, and through hard work and dedication, I progressed to an Assistant Warehouse Manager. This experience paved the way for my current role as an Internal Account Manager, where I continued to grow and contribute to the company’s success. In 2025, I continued my growth in the company and was promoted to an Area Business Manager.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most about my role is the constant opportunity to learn and grow. Every day brings new challenges, keeping the work dynamic and engaging.
The lack of repetitiveness ensures that no two days are the same, allowing me to develop problem-solving skills and learn how to handle pressure effectively.
I also appreciate the flexibility of the role and the opportunity to interact with potential customers, which makes the job even more rewarding.

What makes you proud to work for us?

Finol, part of the Tricel Group, has supported me. I am proud to work for Tricel because of its commitment to excellence, innovation, and employee growth. Finol has supported my career development from the very beginning, providing opportunities to learn and advance. I also appreciate the positive work environment, the strong sense of teamwork, and the trust placed in employees to take on challenges and make a real impact.

How could someone get started in your department of the Tricel Group?

The best way to get started in my division of the Tricel Group is to begin at an entry-level position and work your way up. Gaining hands-on experience, understanding the processes, and continuously developing your skills will open doors to new opportunities. Hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are key to progressing within the company.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

The best career advice I’ve received is to stay adaptable and open to learning. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing challenges and continuously improving. Also, building strong relationships and helping others along the way can open doors you never expected

What professional qualities are helpful in your role?

In my role, key professional qualities include a strong attention to detail, persistence, and the ability to maintain a positive attitude, especially when faced with challenges. A high level of organization is crucial for managing multiple tasks effectively, and a commitment to continuous improvement ensures that I’m always evolving and adapting to new demands.

“An Irish business. A business that wants to do things properly, a business who wants to compete with all comers and who genuinely supports all team
members.”

Coman Flanagan, Gem Oils

General Manager

Tell us about your career journey with us

Gem Oils was acquired some 18 months ago by Tricel. I am with Gem Oils for almost 8 years. Prior to that, I was Operations Manager for Leap Card for 5 years. Before that, I spent time at Kerry Group, DHL, Monaghan Mushrooms, RSA and Primeline Logistics. I manage the site in Cavan for Tricel.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Every day is different. We work hard and there is a great team ethos. This has been copper fastened by our accession into the Tricel team. Shared values are important, and as a family business guided by energy and integrity, joining the Tricel team is fostering this ethos as well as supporting us to develop in so many more ways. My role is to deliver value for our customers and shareholders.

What makes you proud to work for us?

An Irish business. A business that wants to do things properly, a business who wants to compete with all comers and who genuinely supports all team
members.

How could someone get started in your department of the Tricel Group?

We are a small but tight team. We hire for competence and attitude. Where there are vacancies, these will be posted on our current vacancies page.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Samuel Beckett’s Mantra
“Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better.

What professional qualities are helpful in your role?

I am patient, honest, industrious and articulate. These help – I have other skills to work on

“Being part of an organisation that is continually looking to expand and develop in it’s various industries is quite exciting, even from my own perspective
within one arm of many within the broader Tricel Group.”

Rob Laker, Tricel Portsmouth

Sales Support Engineer

Tell us about your career journey with us

I began my career with Action Pumps as a Sales Apprentice shortly after the business was acquired by Tricel. I began with very little knowledge or experience in sales or pumps but over the years have accrued a wealth of knowledge thanks to the support of my mentors within the business. I cannot name them all, but they certainly know who they are. In my time with the business I have held 3 roles, firstly as a Sales Apprentice, secondly as an Internal Sales Representative and currently as a Sales Support Engineer. I am now more heavily involved in larger project work that requires a greater level of attention to detail as well a supporting my colleagues across the business with technical queries.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy a mixture of elements of my role, but in particular I genuinely find the technical aspects extremely interesting. I have very much enjoyed developing my knowledge of Sectional tanks over the last year or so which is a huge benefit to me as a Salesperson. I also enjoy the relationships I have built with my colleagues and clients alike. People buy from people, as they say.

What makes you proud to work for us?

Being part of an organisation that is continually looking to expand and develop in it’s various industries is quite exciting, even from my own perspective
within one arm of many within the broader Tricel Group

How could someone get started in your department of the Tricel Group?

If you are confident, highly motivated and willing to learn you will go far.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

The best piece of advise I’ve ever been given was from my late Grandfather. I cannot remember it verbatim, but it essentially told me that we all start from
zero with learning any new skill. It’s not exactly a revolutionary statement, but at that time in my life I needed a little push to keep going even if it was tough.

What professional qualities are helpful in your role?

Certainly being willing to accept feedback even when it is critical. It is how we all learn and improve our abilities.

“The strong sense of community within all Tricel companies, everybody looks out for one another and will go the extra mile to help each other.”

Sean Murphy, Magnum Venus Products (MVP)

Office & Warehouse Manager

Tell us about your career journey with us

I started working in Tricel’s distribution division in May of 2024 as a Business Executive Graduate. In June of 2024, I moved to Cavan to work in Gem Oils for 3 months. This was a great experience at the start of my Tricel career. After this, I returned to Killarney and worked closely with the companies in our distribution division. In March of
2025, I moved to Birmingham to work in Magnum Industries Europe, another company in the distribution division. This is where I currently reside and am
enjoying every day and what it has to offer.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

That each day presents new and unique challenges and no two days are the same.

What makes you proud to work for us?

The strong sense of community within all Tricel companies, everybody looks out for one another and will go the extra mile to help each other.

How could someone get started in your department of the Tricel Group?

Keep an eye out for job applications on LinkedIn and other platforms

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Say yes to opportunities that scare you

What professional qualities are helpful in your role?

Communication, problem-solving, accountability

“The challenges and also working with a great team in all departments here at Leeds.”

Brendan McMahon, Tricel Composites (GB) Leeds

Warehouse Manager

Tell us about your career journey with us

I joined Tricel Leeds as a Warehouse Manager in September 2018 and very quickly assisted with the closing down of the Southport depot and the transfer of the business to Leeds in December 2018. I assisted in the move to a new larger site, Fox Way in 2019 and consolidated the operation by bringing the business, stock and staff from Warrens, Jenkar and the old Leeds site. Then had a challenging time along with others in keeping the depot functioning and delivering
goods to our many customers throughout Covid. I have grown and developed a team from two people to nine and been involved in the rollout of IFS in to
Leeds and now working on bringing Top-X fully on board at the site.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The challenges and also working with a great team in all departments here at Leeds.

What makes you proud to work for us?

What we have achieved as a team in Leeds in growing the business.

How could someone get started in your department of the Tricel Group?

Apply to the Tricel recruitment link/HR.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

At 17 years old an old manager of mine said “Do the absolute best you can at what ever task you are given to do”.

What professional qualities are helpful in your role?

None really just need to be a good people manager, skills that I have learnt from good managers over the years

“That we have achieved as a team in Leeds in growing the business.”

Kieran Joy, Tricel Killarney

Compounding Production Supervisor

Tell us about your career journey with us

My journey began on the 14th of February 2011 at 20 years of age. I had completed three years as an automotive technician when the economic downturn began, an opportunity came up in Killarney Plastics at the time, as a general operative. There I spent two years on the manufacturing floor and in 2013, I moved into the compounding department. There I spent another five years working as a general operator until 2017 when I applied for a team leader role and was successful in my application. In October 2017 the compounding department suffered a devastating fire that ceased all SMC and DMC manufacturing in Killarney. This gave me the opportunity to work across different departments gaining experience and knowledge of all the areas. In 2019, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management and Supervision and was also involved in the rebuild of the new compounding department. In January 2020 I became the Compounding Manufacturing Supervisor. This was a very challenging time in my career at Tricel, because of the responsibility of running a state-of-the-art manufacturing line with a new team. In January of 2023, I got involved in Tricel Pumps in Cork. In May 2023 I became the Spray Department Supervisor and in November 2023 I also became the Stores Supervisor, and in January 2024 I was given the opportunity to work with Tricel Gloucester.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Working with different people every day, No two days are the same.

What makes you proud to work for us?

Working as part as the team there is always someone willing to help no matter how big or small the problem may be, Putting their own responsibilities on hold to help one another.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

The 5 second rule if you think more then 5 seconds about anything you will think of reasons not to follow through with your idea or task.

What professional qualities are helpful in your role?

Problem-Solving – Staying calm under pressure and finds practical solutions.
Emotional Intelligence – Showing empathy and supports team members effectively
Communication – Listening actively and encourages open dialogue.
Accountability – Taking responsibility for outcomes—good or bad.
Leadership – Leading by example with integrity and accountability