The road to leadership: Brodie Beckmann’s Richglen experience
Brodie Beckmann has progressed from a project engineer role into project management with Richglen.
Brodie Beckmann joined Richglen in 2021, stepping into the role of project engineer with aspirations of becoming a project manager. With a clear career pathway laid out by the company, Brodie has made significant strides, and today, he thrives as a project manager overseeing maintenance shutdowns across various mines in Queensland.
“When I came here, I had a vision for where I wanted to be, and Richglen provided the framework to achieve it,” Brodie said. “The career pathways here are invaluable.”
In his role, Brodie manages shutdowns at coal mines throughout the Queensland Bowen Basin, such as Gregory, Saraji, and Hail Creek mines. Each shutdown runs for about two to three weeks, and his responsibilities include planning the work, fostering client relationships, and ensuring the job is executed safely, on time, and within budget. “I’m the filter between the client and our team,” Brodie said. “In effect, my role is to balance the pressures and client expectations so our team can perform at its best.”
Learning from Industry Experts
One of the standout features of Richglen, according to Brodie, is the wealth of knowledge within the company. He particularly admires mechanical superintendent Damien Friederichs and shutdowns operations manager John Emerson, two experienced colleagues who have become key mentors.
“Freddo (Friederichs) has forgotten more about draglines than most people know, and Emo is one of the best project managers in the Bowen Basin,” Brodie said. “If you want to learn how to do a job well, you model it after how Emo runs his projects.”
Career Highlights and Challenges
Transitioning from project controller to project manager has been a significant career highlight for Brodie. “That level of responsibility comes with its pros and cons, but it’s what I’ve been working towards since finishing university,” he said. Each new project presents fresh challenges.“Nothing’s stale because you’re constantly faced with new, interesting tasks.”
Brodie’s background experience has also shaped his career trajectory. After completing his Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical at CQ University, he ventured into different industries, including agriculture and sales, before returning to mining. These experiences equipped him with communication skills that are invaluable in his project management role. “I’m a people person; I love a yarn. Those early sales experiences taught me how to connect with people at all levels within a company,” he said.
One of Brodie’s most challenging projects was the Collinsville dragline shutdown in 2022, where he had to manage numerous subcontractors. He learned the importance of preparation and setting up work areas correctly before the job begins. A highlight for him was a Gregory shutdown that was completed under budget and without injuries. “It was a great team effort. Everyone was invested in ensuring a fantastic outcome,” he said.
A Strong Team Culture
Brodie said Richglen’s culture fostered friendships and networking within the industry, resulting in a strong team mentality. “We know everyone in the industry, and that makes a difference in how we operate,” he said.
For those aspiring to enter project management, Brodie advises cultivating strong time management skills and the ability to handle stress. He also encourages gaining experience in different fields to understand various operational styles. Ultimately, what Brodie enjoys most about being part of Team Richglen is the access to impressive industry knowledge and the opportunities for growth. “The environment here is very supportive,” he said. “I’m learning from some of the absolute best in the industry and I’m grateful for that.”