Employee Case Studies

Employee Case Studies


We value our people here at Chess. For example, we offer a diverse range of learning and development opportunities, no matter what stage you are at in your career. Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at the case studies below.


Our case studies tell the story of how we have helped to develop our team members professionally and personally. 

 

Each case study shows:

 

  • The employee’s key achievements in their career with Chess Dynamics
  • Their career progression 
  • The support put in place by the company in order to help them achieve their goals

Penny Brown

Penny's journey at Chess began in August 2016, when she joined the company as a Production Controller. From the start, she demonstrated her dedication and talent, quickly earning a promotion to Senior Production Controller in June, 2017. This rapid promotion, just under a year after joining Chess , highlights her early impact on the team.

Penny's continued hard work and leadership skills were recognized once again in February, 2020, when she was promoted to Production Control Manager. This promotion, represents her significant contributions to the company's growth and success.

Penny's career trajectory at Chess is an inspiring example of dedication, talent, and hard work being rewarded. Her successive promotions demonstrate the value she brings to the company and the positive impact she has on her colleagues and team.

Nicola Daoud

Nicola began her journey at Chess in October 2018 as a Personal Assistant to the CEO. Since then, she has demonstrated remarkable growth and development within the company, taking on increasingly challenging roles and responsibilities meaning she has been able to advance her career into new directions.

Nicola's initial position provided her with a strong foundation in the company's operations and leadership dynamics. Her dedication and talent were quickly recognised, along with her keenness to learn more about other areas of the business, which led to a promotion to PA and Sales Support just three months after joining. This expanded role allowed her to gain valuable experience in the sales department, further solidifying her understanding of Chess's business landscape.

Nicola's career trajectory continued its upward climb in a new direction in July 2021 when she was promoted to Sales and Marketing Executive. This role leveraged her diverse skillset, enabling her to contribute to both sales and marketing initiatives. Her talent for relationship building, communication, and strategic thinking proved invaluable in these areas.

Today, Nicola stands as a testament to Chess's commitment to promoting and developing talent from within. She now leads the marketing department, overseeing a team and shaping the company's brand image. Her leadership skills, coupled with her in-depth understanding of the business, have been instrumental in the marketing department's success.

Chris Henderson

Chris Henderson's journey at Chess Dynamics began in 2009, and over the past decade, he has grown alongside the company, establishing himself as an asset and leader within the Electronics team. His dedication, skills, and commitment to excellence have seen him progress through several key promotions, each marking a significant contribution to Chess Dynamics' success.

Chris started his career at Chess Dynamics as a Junior Electronic Design Engineer. This initial role laid the foundation for his technical expertise, allowing him to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's products and processes. His enhanced skillset and strong potential was recognised, and in August 2013, he was promoted to Electronics Engineer, leading to further involvement in more complex projects.

Chris's leadership qualities shone through, and in July 2014, he was further promoted to Senior Electronics Engineer. This role entrusted him with greater responsibility, including mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the development of innovative solutions

Chris was promoted again in February 2017  to Electronics Group Leader. In this role, he oversees the Electronics group, guiding and motivating his team to achieve exceptional results. He sets the strategic direction for the group, ensuring technical excellence and efficient project execution.

Chris's commitment, talent, and leadership are evident throughout his journey at Chess Dynamics. He has consistently developed his skills, embraced challenges, and played a vital role in the company's success. His dedication to his team and his passion for innovation make him an invaluable asset. Chris's recent participation in the Group Leadership Development Programme further highlights his commitment to continuous growth and leadership excellence.

Matt Tripp

Matt's journey at Chess Dynamics began as a placement student, while he was pursuing his Master's in Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University. Impressed by his talent, Chess offered him a graduate role in 2017, and he's been a key member of the team ever since.

Over the years, Matt has taken on increasing responsibility, including visiting customer sites both domestically and internationally. His dedication and skills led to his promotion to Senior Mechanical Engineer. In this role, he not only excels in his own work, but also mentor’s students and provides valuable support to his colleagues.

In 2023 Matt was promoted again into a Team Lead position where he now runs his own team with roles varying from Industrial Placement Students to Mechanical Engineers, all of which Matt is able to offer support and guidance to help them develop and progress here at Chess.

Reflecting on his experience, Matt says that Chess Dynamics opened his eyes to the exciting possibilities within the engineering field. He thrives in the fast-paced environment where innovation and high-quality solutions are paramount. The company's focus on bespoke systems and new market exploration provides him with constant opportunities to develop creative solutions. He particularly enjoys the collaborative and supportive culture at Chess.

Later this year, Matt will be embarking on a well-deserved four-month sabbatical to go travelling, his plans to return to the business following his sabbatical were very well received and we look forward to welcoming him back to Chess.

Ewan Matheson

Since joining as a Trainee Production Technician in July 2022, Ewan has embarked on an impressive path. He's gained valuable hands-on experience and a deep understanding of Chess' products and systems.

Ewan's eagerness to learn and contribute was apparent from day one. He actively participated in building five different systems, immersing himself in the intricacies of Chess Dynamics' operations. This practical experience not only sharpened his technical skills but also provided a comprehensive grasp of the company's products and their functionality.

Recognising Ewan's potential and drive, Chess Dynamics nominated him for an Engineering HND programme. This investment in his education highlights the Chess’ commitment to fostering talent and empowering its employees. The HND programme will equip Ewan with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills, solidifying his foundation as a skilled technician and paving the way for his future within Chess Dynamics.

In May 2024 Ewan earned a well-deserved promotion to Junior Production Technician after his first year in the Engineering HND programme. We can’t wait to see what is next for Ewan as he continues to hone his Production skills and builds his skillset with his qualifications.

Kerry Barnes

Kerry's journey at Chess has been one of impressive growth and rapid advancement. Starting as a Project Manager in December 2017, her talent for tackling complex projects was quickly recognised. Within five months, her promotion to Programme Manager highlighted her strong leadership potential.

By May 2018, Kerry had transitioned to the role of Programme Manager, taking on a significant increase in responsibility. This progression continued when just 18 months later Kerry earned a promotion to Naval Systems Programmes & Operations Manager. This role marked a pivotal shift, as she moved from managing individual projects to overseeing the entire Naval Systems program, encompassing both program management and operational aspects.

Kerry's exceptional performance continued. In September 2023, she was appointed Interim Programme Director. Her success in this role was undeniable, leading to her well-deserved promotion to Programme Director in April 2024. This official appointment solidifies Kerry's ability to effectively lead all Land and Maritime programmes.

Beyond her impressive track record, Kerry remains dedicated to continuous learning. She is currently pursuing a Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship, demonstrating her commitment to acquiring the leadership skills and knowledge needed to thrive at the director level.

Kerry's rapid ascent, consistent high performance, and dedication to self-improvement make her a truly invaluable asset to Chess. Her leadership potential across the company, is undeniable.