In this #PeopleFirst we speak to our Commercial Manager Yalin Tumbali, based out of our Dublin office, he works across a number of projects, overseeing their mechanical packages.

Yalin joined Kirby in 2022, as he moved from Turkey to Ireland, seeking further experience in data centres. Incredibly experienced, he held a number of roles in his home country, Germany and Africa, and as a qualified Mechanical Engineer he had worked across quantity surveying, estimating, design, site engineering and project management.

Within one year he was promoted from Senior Quantity Surveyor to Commercial Manager working across four projects in Dublin.

We ask him what his day-to-day entails, “I base myself on one site per day, and then go into the Dublin office on a Friday. It’s a busy role, but I like that. I have client meetings, support my team of Quantity Surveyors, and prepare commercial reports.

“I used to move roles every three years to make sure I was experiencing new challenges, learning and growing in my area, but I don’t think I’ll have the chance to get bored at Kirby. I have already undertaken more professional training in the last two years than I have had in any of my previous roles,” adds Yalin, who is taking part in our accelerated management programme and IMI leadership training.

It was in Istanbul that Yalin first worked on data centres, he worked on the mechanical packages of a 21MW data centre.

One of Yalin’s more interesting previous roles was supporting the delivery of the national rail infrastructure project for the Tanzanian Government.

When Yalin was ready for his next challenge, he had two job offers, one in Ireland and one in Germany. He remembers, “I really got on with the person who was going to be my line manager. I got a feeling for Kirby, and the company and knew I would have an interesting and exciting career at Kirby.”

He moved in 2022 with his wife, as they settled in Dublin. They have since bought a house, and his wife is hoping to gain the conversion qualification she needs to practice law in Ireland.

“I was worried about the social aspect of the move, but the team has an active social calendar that involves partners and families. I go cycling and on nights out,” he adds.

Through Kirby’s referral programme he has also welcomed five former colleagues from Turkey.

To others thinking about making the move, he says, “Kirby has plenty of opportunities across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, and with support with visa applications, the company will work with you to ensure you have a thriving, challenging and enriching career.”

Returning from the festive break, he added, “I was away from Ireland for three weeks, and I missed my home. Ireland is now my home. It’s a great and welcoming country. I would say that the first few months of adjustment to a new country and culture could be a challenge, but if you stick at it, you will see the benefit.”

After a year, Yalin was promoted, “I wasn’t expecting it, it was a real surprise, but it was humbling to be recognised, and for my hard work to be recognised.”

To find out more about careers at Kirby click here.