“There are some great benefits with DE&S including a gym. But I’ve got to say that my favourite is the Defence Discount card − there are so many places you can get discounts with it. Personally, I love films and the discount card allows for a lower priced cinema ticket.”

Alastair was just out of school when he joined DE&S and was looking to develop his career opportunities

Why did you choose to pursue a career in the Commercial area of DE&S?

I had heard from family and friends who have worked with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) about the support that DE&S provides for their careers. It also appealed to me, as I was just out of school when I joined and I was looking to develop my career opportunities.

What does your role entail?

I work in the Commercial team on contract management, analysing and extracting data to give regular updates on our current contracts. I have to create the presentations that go out to my senior colleagues and suppliers and ensure that the data is 100 per cent correct. I also have to ensure that I keep up our team’s track record of delivering and being highly reliable.

What are the opportunities to develop and progress in Commercial business area of DE&S?

I’m currently looking to undertake my Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Level 4 exam, as this will improve my knowledge of the Commercial area of DE&S and I will also gain a nationally recognised qualification at the end of it. I have also been successful in my application to do a Level 3 apprenticeship in customer service, which will be extremely helpful, especially in my role.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

I enjoy the complexity of the task and knowing that the data we provide saves the business – and the tax payer – money. I also enjoy that I am fairly new to the MOD and I’m trusted by my team to produce business critical reports.

What’s the greatest achievement in your Commercial role to date?

Being able to learn as quickly as I have has meant all the data I have provided has been accurate and done on time. This, firstly, makes my team’s job easier when reviewing the data and, secondly, has meant that I have been tasked with more difficult requests. These are usually great in detail and require many search parameters. This just makes life much easier for my team because fewer extra man hours have to be used to find and correct errors.

Why would you recommend DE&S to others as a great place to work?

I would recommend DE&S because of the opportunities readily available for personal and professional development. DE&S provide training in professions and skills that are not offered in many other workplaces, and this gives you confidence in your role as well as helping progress your career opportunities.

What are the social benefits of working for DE&S?

There are some great benefits with DE&S − we have a gym that has a far better membership price than most and yet contains all the equipment you’d expect. But I’ve got to say that my favourite is the defence discount card − there are so many places you can get discounts with it. Personally, I love films and the discount card allows for a lower priced cinema ticket. Also, the process of applying is very easy and, at £5 for five years of membership with thousands of deals, it was an easy decision for me.