Chess is seeking to appoint an experienced, full-time, Head of Commercial to support the growth of the business. The ideal candidate will have been involved with the negotiation and administration of contracts for customers such as UK Government Ministry of Defence, US DoD and/or other major defence prime contractors.

As a member of the Chess Senior Management Team, you will be responsible for delivering the Commercial activities of Chess Dynamics Limited, working with Business Development and Project Management teams in developing commercial solutions in response to tenders issued by the UK Government, Overseas Governments and major OEM’s and subsequently providing commercial management of orders and contracts.

Key Responsibilities:

• To be responsible for contractual activities in the tender process including the preparation of responses to contract conditions and supporting of the Request for Bid Approvals at both business unit and Cohort levels.
• Providing advice and guidance on the commercial risks, terms and conditions to the Senior Leadership Team to support the negotiation of terms and conditions for new business.
• To provide drafting input and obtain approval for agreements to be entered into by Chess including compliance with due diligence policies, including supporting the Business Development team with the teaming and other collaborative arrangements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and customers.
• To support the Supply Chain team in the drafting and negotiation of sub-contracts for both goods and services.
• To provide the Project Management team with commercial advice and support regarding effective contract execution through the contract lifecycle, from the issue of internal authorisation through to contract closure in project.
• To provide guidance and leadership in resolving any contractual conflicts.
• To have functional oversight of the Chess Commercial Team including line management responsibilities for the team.

Skills & Experience

• Broad knowledge base with at least ten years’ experience working within, the defence industry.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of the International and UK defence contracting environment, with a detailed understanding of pricing, contract terms and conditions, financing and funding mechanisms and a working knowledge of contract law.
• Have previous experience in working across internal and external business boundaries.
• Have relevant experience in the conduct and conclusion of contract negotiations with customers

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Courage
• Ability to hold an independent view and offer constructive input to business reviews as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Ability to assess contractual risk and offer mitigation strategies to the business.
• A mature approach and an understanding of own current capability.
• Ability to integrate successfully into the Chess senior operating culture and work team.
• An experienced and effective negotiator.
• Ability to support and lead in the resolution of fundamental and complex commercial issues.
• Be able to identify and organise commercial resources to meet the conflicting demands of different customers and programmes.
• Be able to proactively devise and implement commercial process and contracting improvements.
• Be able to interface with the Cohort Head Office team.
• An effective manager of people who motivates and develops people to meet the tasks at hand.

Work life balance:

• Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
• Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
• 28 days annual leave
• Christmas closure
• Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%
• We operate a flexible approach for employees with the opportunity for partial remote/hybrid working
• Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations
• Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline
• Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the additionof mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing
• Regular sports and social activities
• Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings).
• Excellent learning & development opportunities
• Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations

Security Clearance Requirements:

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.