At the heart of every organization lies its most valuable asset – its employees, the powerhouse that propels the realization of its business goals. One such employee who continues to make purposeful strides at the Jamaica Energy Partners Group is Dennis Halstead. Keep reading to become better acquainted with Dennis and his journey to securing his current role as WKPP’s Maintenance Manager.
Hailing from the Caribbean Maritime Institute as a cadet, Halstead embarked on a remarkable career path with West Kingston Power Partners in 2016. Over the years, he ascended through various roles, starting as a Mechanical Technician in 2008 and then progressing to Lead Mechanical Technician. His journey continued with a pivotal role in the newly minted Overhaul/Service Team, where he earned the titles of Assistant Service Engineer, Service Engineer, and now the esteemed position of Maintenance Manager.
These diverse roles equipped Dennis with the technical/supervisory knowledge, skills, and engine expertise to transform challenges into learning opportunities. As a Lead Mechanical Technician and part of the Overhaul Team, Dennis honed his ability to spot issues and make educated evaluations on the functionalities of our engines. Transitioning into managerial roles, he learned that “supervision is not just having the technical capabilities but also developing individual/personal skills and being a mentor to persons under your supervision”.
In his current role, Dennis oversees the maintenance and repair of plant facilities and equipment, ensuring safe and efficient operations. When asked how he contributed to the company’s overall success, he emphasised the significance of his role, primarily through implementing proactive maintenance strategies, optimising equipment performance, and fostering a safe working environment.
“I anticipate both challenges and opportunities in this new position, but I believe I am equipped and positioned to handle the task.” – Dennis said.
He recognises the importance of optimising preventive maintenance schedules while efficiently addressing unexpected breakdowns. His proactive approach involves fostering a culture of continuous improvement, utilising training programmes, and establishing clear communication channels within the maintenance team.
Dennis describes his leadership style as democratic, insisting on teamwork when implementing new initiatives.
“The qualities that make an effective manager involve technical competence, communication skills, problem-solving and decision-making abilities to analyse situations and identify issues to develop practical solutions.” – he added.
Fostering a collaborative work environment, Halstead advocates for clear communication channels and team-building activities. He underscores the value of unity and camaraderie across teams and the group.
Reflecting on his achievements, Dennis takes pride in being WKPP’s Maintenance Manager and his continuous growth within the company. To stay ahead in his field, he plans to participate in webinars, pursue advanced training, and collaborate cross-functionally to understand business operations better.
As Dennis looks forward to new challenges and improvements, he reiterates the gravity of mentorship, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to career growth. His advice to colleagues aspiring to advance is to actively seek opportunities for professional development, build strong relationships, and showcase leadership qualities.
In his new role, Dennis is excited about leading a dynamic team and contributing to JEP Group’s success.
“My journey with the company has been marked by dedication, learning and collaborative efforts. I look forward to driving efficiency, fostering a positive work culture, and achieving shared goals.” – Halstead concluded.
Ultimately, Dennis is thrilled about the future, anticipating new challenges, continuous improvement for himself and his team, and witnessing JEP Group’s development in this ever-evolving technological age. His commitment to giving his best accentuates his dedication to personal and company-wide success.
