Last month, Ian took on a new role as MOD Account Manager, in line with a recent promotion.
The six questions below will give you a bit of insight into Ian’s new responsibilities as well as some of his interests outside of the office.
When did you join Commerce Decisions?
I joined Commerce Decisions in January 2015, first working as a Business Development Manager, responsible for growing and developing relationships with new clients across Central and Local Government and the NHS. A large part of my role was understanding the key challenges faced by procurement teams in these sectors and discussing the ways we can support them to achieve value for money on public spending, within tight budgets and timelines.
Which elements of this role did you particularly enjoy?
Looking back, I think my biggest highlight was working with a large number of Government clients. The most rewarding part of my role is knowing that the customers we do business with genuinely see the value our AWARD® solution can bring to their procurement projects and how it can help them maximise efficiencies and deliver the best possible outcomes.
What will you be doing in your new role?
In my new role as MOD Account Manager, I will be working alongside our MOD Account Director, Samantha Bevan-Talbot to raise awareness of the AWARD® solution under the enabling contract we have in place, working with project and commercial teams throughout the Ministry of Defence.
Samantha and I work closely with our team of consultants, many with lengthy experience of working in the defence sector prior to joining Commerce Decisions. We jointly support our defence clients throughout the procurement process, helping them with the early planning and preparation stages, as well as the execution, evaluation, negotiation and handover to contract management.
What will your focus be for the first 6 months?
My main focus will be to highlight the value and benefits of AWARD® and our procurement advisory services to teams that are not currently using the solution or are yet to maximise the benefits it can bring. I am really looking forward to meeting a whole host of different people across the MOD and understanding how we can continue to support the diverse range of challenges they face.
What do you most enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am a keen cyclist and have been part of a local race team for 6 years. I’ve also represented Commerce Decisions in two triathlons. At last year’s event, my team finished in 5th place overall out of a total of 229 teams – a great achievement that we’re all really proud of!
When I am not riding my bike, I enjoy keeping fit, playing my guitar and spending time with my family. My 2 young daughters aged 4 and 17 months keep us very busy!
What one thing are you currently trying to make a habit?
Although I’m very keen on fitness, one of my goals since the start of this year has been ensuring I exercise on a regular basis. It’s very easy to get out of the habit with a busy workload and a young family but I’ve found it’s really helped with my energy levels. Making it part of my routine has also helped with my mindset and it’s definitely had a positive effect in my working environment – whether I’m in the office or at home.
Find out more
If you work in the defence sector and would like to learn more about how we can support your strategic procurements, please get in touch via email
