Andrew Brogden
Meet Andrew Brogden, the Deputy Building and Facilities Manager at the IDRM. He works side-by-side with the Building Manager to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Institute. Andrew also chairs the IDRM Sustainability Committee and recently spearheaded our collaboration with the Beauty Banks and SOFEA charities.
What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?
I am the IDRM Deputy Building and Facilities Manager. My role is to work hand in hand with the Building Manager to ensure the IDRM remains a safe, comfortable, and compliant place to carry out research. I co-manage around 150 contracts to ensure the maintenance of the building, core services and equipment are kept up to date, ensuring the operational requirements of the facility are met. I unblock toilets too...
How did you find your way to this position?
I started out as a junior tech at the John Radcliffe (JR) Hospital in 2005 and straight away began work on aquatics systems. I was lucky enough to work under a marine biologist for a number of years, in which I managed to learn as much as I could from them. This mainly included hands-on practical work, but also included late evening café discussions after work... these were a tad intense! I moved up the ranks to the point of co-managing a specialist facility at the JR and then played a lead role in moving over and setting up a specialist facility at the IDRM. It was during this time that I found a real passion for setting up work flows, managing timelines for contractors, setting up policy and project management. So, when the position of Deputy Building Manager was advertised, I jumped at the chance and was lucky enough to secure the position!
What's it like to work in the Facilities Team?
Working in the facilities team is great fun! The team have been supportive and patient from day one, this goes for the Operations Team too. Our team are dynamic and are able to pivot their role if and when needed.
Have you ever had to 'unlearn' something in your professional life? If so, what was it?
I have had to unlearn taking on too many tasks in addition to trying to complete them all at the same time. I've found a way that works for me to ensure projects are completed without it feeling like a huge juggling act. I distinguish projects and tasks into categories on a white board in my office. These categories are, (to do), (urgent), and (can be delegated). Delegation has been a great tool to learn; I feel it allows me to concentrate on urgent matters whilst simultaneously having another team member complete more day-to-day tasks. This can be a bit of a symbiotic relationship; I feel like projects are being accomplished at a good rate and the person the job has been delegated to feels valued and trusted.
What excites you most about your current role?
Delivering services that make an instant difference to the institute users experience on a day-to-day level. I also really enjoy problem solving and the outreach work we do!
What do you do outside of the Institute?
Outside of the Institute I'm a father of two fabulous, clever and independent girls! I'm a keen rock climber, hiker and vegetable grower!