Implementing and supporting new processes and procedures derived from previous positions to ensure a lean and effective process to generate increased profits and growth.Managing a part time commercial assistant to maintain the contracts database and build their contractual knowledge and confidence to work on their own identifying the major liabilities in completed contracts to load onto the database. This included setting objectives and managing work load to ensure a constant and sustainable level of work was being undertaken.Having Sole responsibility for the Commercial aspects of the Space and High Performance Imaging Business Unit that includes Space, Medical and Scientific Imaging, acting bid manager and providing support for bespoke tender responses to space and defence customers ranging from £250,000 - £20,000,000. Ownership and management of the Companies Global Insurance programme including, risk identification and review, liaising daily with brokers and insurers and ensuring the programme meets the needs of the Company and reflects their appetite for risk.

Working as part of a small commercial function predominantly supporting the Procurement and Sales areas of the business with responsibilities that include;Reviewing, writing and negotiating different types of agreements including Sale, Purchase, Acquisition, Distribution, Representative, Software License Agreements, Insurance, Service Level Agreements and NDAs that would include FARS, DFARS and DEFCONS. Identifying any potential or real risks within contracts and mitigate these in different ways internally or externally through negotiations with customers and/or internal team discussionsSupporting Customers post contract award ensuring all contractual requirements are met and relationships maintainedDealing with a variety of internal and external customers on a day to day basis using telephone, e-mail, fax and face to face meetings. Customers include the UK and foreign MOD, DOD, European Space Agency and many other organizations. Maintain the Contracts database and filing system recording all liabilities and risks to review, as needed throughout the project lifeEnsuring contracts placed by the procurement team on suppliers reflect the risks imposed by customer contracts by writing bespoke flow down agreements.

Working as part of a commercial team leading bespoke tendering activities in support of contracts with the US Military, US Government and Prime Contractors to these. The role included;Managing the tendering activities whilst working closely with other functions within the business including sales, procurement, estimating, product managers and project managers. Responsibility for the price work up including submitting requests to the estimating department to using the company standard pricing tool ensuring reasonable escalation, risk register completion and accuracy of the price. Generation of the tender vet pack and presentation to the directors for approval of the proposal submittal.Leading the contract negotiations, usually involving the negotiations of FAR and DFAR exemptions, for terms and price ensuring all liabilities are identified and mitigated internally or in the contract as far as reasonably possible. Ensure terms are consistent, reasonable and are in line with, as far as possible, the agreed company standards. Supporting customer's on a daily basis using different forms of communication to identify and support their needs as well as provide on-time delivery metrics and project status reports. Producing reports for weekly and monthly reviews ensuring projects are to schedule and identifying any real or potential risks after liaising with project managers and procurement teams. Work with the Export department to ensure all necessary licenses are applied for and approved before shipping to the customer.Manage the transition to the support department for any support required post contract completion, such as warranty and spares support.Raise invoices for appropriate milestones and deliveries, chase for the customer's payment if it becomes overdue and work with them if there to overcome any issues.

Working within a small company buying, selling and installing electronic and mechanical OEM and aftermarket automotive equipment. This position included;Building and maintaining business relationships with Japanese, Chinese and American export companiesLeading contract negotiations, courier arrangements, on-time delivery reports, quality management and price reductions as well as delivering bespoke projects. Negotiating short and long term agreements with large and small suppliers for a variety of products to ensure as much visibility and stability as possible.Working to very tight deadlines and using different negotiation techniques to maintain complete control of costs whilst buying components.Responsible for all material and equipment needs for project requirements including managing purchasing, controlling inventory, overseeing operations and developing strategic supplier relationships to reduce vendor numbers to a manageable core resulting in cost saving.

After being involved in a 9 month selection process I was selected for a commercial apprenticeship at BAE Systems and in doing so gained an advanced apprenticeship in business that included a number of 6 month posts in; the procurement division, finance, project management and commercial, then moving into a full-time assistant buyer position. Predominantly involved in supporting the Senior Buyers, Procurement Managers and managing my own suppliers I would undertake tasks such as;Identification of potential suppliers, submittal of request for quotes (RFQ) and invitation to tenders (ITT) in line with company policies whilst liaising with product managers to ensure the RFQ or ITT reflected their requirements.Drafting supply contracts around the company standard terms and conditionsSetting key performance indicators (KPI's) for suppliers to monitor progressSupporting the management and negotiating with a number of suppliers Producing monthly delivery, cost and performance reports for Senor Buyers and Management.Raising, checking and submitting purchase ordersReviewing current category performance and through data analysis, identity opportunities to improve performance.

As a member of the bar team and team leader I was responsible for shift patterns, cashing up, organising training courses and reporting to the duty manager. Customer interaction was a key part of working for the Hilton Group and I improved many of my communication and people skills.