Alan Pham

Can you tell me about your career journey at Tate? How did you get started in your field?

I joined Tate in 2024 as the first member of the Quality team, bringing 14 years of experience in manufacturing—particularly in steel production. My journey began with a strong interest in understanding how Tate’s high standards of quality for steel products could be achieved and sustained at our suppliers in China.

Over time, my role expanded to focus on developing Quality Systems, driving process improvements, and supporting customer satisfaction through close collaboration with site teams. At Tate, I’ve had the opportunity to help shape quality processes across multiple sites in the APAC region, working closely with colleagues in Sydney, Vietnam, and within the wider Tate network.

What inspired you to pursue this career path?

I’ve always enjoyed solving problems and building systems that make work easier and products more consistent. Quality is a discipline that combines technical knowledge, teamwork, and continuous improvement—it’s where engineering meets people. Seeing how our work contributes to better outcomes on site and for our customers continues to motivate me every day.

Could you share a significant milestone or turning point in your career?

A key milestone was leading the effort to strengthen the quality of our steel components manufactured in China. To ensure success, I made regular visits to the supplier to work directly with their production and quality teams. Together, we aligned on standards, enhanced process controls, and established a shared understanding of Tate’s expectations.

Through that collaboration, we achieved a stable and consistent level of quality that both teams could be proud of. The experience reinforced my belief in the value of partnership, transparency, and hands-on problem solving.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Working in a regional role means collaborating across different countries, time zones, and cultures. It takes patience, empathy, and structure to stay aligned. I’ve learned that clear communication, good documentation, and explaining the “why” behind decisions are essential for maintaining trust and momentum. These habits have helped me lead projects effectively, even from a distance.

Can you recall a particularly memorable project or achievement throughout your time at Tate? 

One of the most memorable achievements was improving the manufacturing consistency of key steel components from our supplier in China. I worked closely with their teams on site to review processes, strengthen quality controls, and ensure full alignment with Tate’s standards.

At the same time, we implemented new procedures to enhance traceability and compliance for our projects. It was a complex effort that required close coordination across multiple teams, but the results demonstrated the power of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Have there been any mentors or influential figures who have helped shape your career?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who value both structure and people. Sean McGuinness (Operations Director), for example, has been a great mentor in helping me refine my leadership approach—balancing accountability with support. I’ve also learned a lot from colleagues across Tate who continuously share their expertise and passion for improvement.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment so far?

My greatest accomplishment has been building strong, collaborative relationships—not only within the Quality team, but across departments, suppliers, and the wider Tate network. Over the years, I’ve learned that quality improvement is as much about people as it is about systems and standards.

By working closely with Project Management, Procurement, Engineering, and Production teams, I’ve helped integrate quality into everyday operations and create a culture of shared responsibility. Today, my focus is on developing a regional Quality Framework for Tate APAC—one that connects all sites and suppliers under a consistent standard and supports our company’s continued growth.