In October 2017, I took up the purposely created Commercial Director role for the Education Software Solutions (ESS) Business Unit, as part of the Software Division. During the subsequent years, this role expanded and evolved to cover various software business areas, companies and brands, including the leadership of up to four direct reports.

Interest in being part of a major outsourcing contract with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) led me to joining Capita’s Strategic Services Business Unit, as part of its Government Services Division.

Proactively sought the opportunity to progress to a service provision-based business area, in view of the economic slump in the oil industry.

Pursued professional development with transition to the energy and chemicals industry. Brought into the company for leadership potential.

Thought provoking, challenging member of the Management Team, providing commercial guidance, contributing to day-to-day oversight and future strategic direction. Accountable for up to 19 staff in addition to the commercial operational aspects of a business unit comprising 4 companies, covering some 300+ live programmes ranging in value from £100s through to £80M+.Created an unsolicited £3B commercial proposal for a North African opportunity. Co-ordinated and directed 4 supporting commercial team members regarding the various major subcontract elements.Advised Italian satellite company on stakeholder engagement and corporate requirements relating to security opportunities for oil and gas platforms/refineries and ports/airports. Represented the Italians in internal governance reviews and gained approvals for opportunities between £2M to £80M.Prepared contract constructs, negotiated and concluded £10M agreements in the UAE for a Special Force requirement over an elapsed period of 6 months in accordance with company guidelines.Established and directed a commercial team at UK satellite company from proposal stage, through to contract conclusion. Resulting £56M contract involved 5 incumbent major subcontractors and other suppliers, which experienced a high volume of variations throughout. Contract delivered to schedule and budget.Performed closing negotiations and concluded agreements for a £48M contract at year end deadline. A “top priority” contract for the company to meet its annual financial targets.Directed and led the commercial team from proposal stage, through to award of a high visibility £50M+ Urgent Operational Requirement contract.Designed and implemented many organisational changes. For example, initiated, planned and performed a redundancy programme during 2011 reducing the headcount by 25%, resulting in cost savings, whilst maintaining team effectiveness and performance levels.

Upon an approach by the Finance and Commercial Director, rejoined GDUK in December 2000 with a differing portfolio, being promoted to Commercial Manager soon after in November 2001. Accomplishments included:Designated commercial lead for Integrated Avionics business, supervising between 1 to 3 commercial members of staff.Created, negotiated and controlled the company’s proposal and discharge of a £13M offset obligation with the Spanish authority. Completed to schedule and within budget.Negotiated strategic software licence(s) with a US supplier for key data link capability, proving a discriminator for several resulting mission computing contract awards from UK and international customers.

During August 2000 changed career direction to telecommunications industry. Despite management requests to stay, left ASN within the 3 month probationary period. Duties and achievements included:-Empowered deputy for Contracts Manager.Negotiated, prepared and managed major sub-contracts for submarine network cable installations.Assisted with tender evaluation and sub-contractor selection.

Through employee recommendation, applied and successfully joined CDC Ltd in January 1996. Strong performance recognised by management being rapidly promoted to Contracts Manager and Senior Contracts Manager positions in March 1998 and February 1999, respectively. Achievements included:Developed core relationship skills and experience operating within the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium business construct, with workshare, risk sharing partners and principles.Prepared many proposals for Eurofighter Typhoon requirements covering various lifecycle phases of related equipments, from development through to support.Generated, negotiated and managed various business agreements / contracts with customers and suppliers, particularly in the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain.Awarded individual discretionary bonus for support and work ethic on China Lake recorder programme.

Joined GEC on the Commercial Trainee Scheme, successfully completing the 2 year programme. Key successes following placement included:Created proposals, notably 1 of 2 divisional representatives who worked on UK Ministry of Defence Attack Helicopter and Reconnaissance Maritime Patrol Aircraft bids.Priced, established and managed various contracts relating to spares, repairs and training courses for civil / defence aerospace customers.Supervised and led ‘spares’ section with responsibility for 2 commercial members of staff.