I’m James Walker Procurement Manager on the CP6 Anglia Framework. I’m fortunate to lead a very exciting team on the Framework and help deliver the diverse portfolio of works, covering both Enhancements and Renewal projects for Network Rail consisting of Earthworks, Structures, Buildings, Major Projects and E&P.
The relationships. It’s always interested me, how successful procurement professionals can develop and harness relationships for the advancement of their organisation and function. To build meaningful relationships and friendships with both internal and external stakeholders and suppliers is highly rewarding.
To be completely honest, job interview experience. I graduated from University with very little direction, but with an appetite to be challenged. I googled ‘fast paced jobs’, and the word ‘procurement' came up – at the time, I had never heard of it (showing my age now), but the more I read about it the more I knew it was something I would enjoy. I applied for the role of an Assistant Buyer at Murphy for interview experience, having no prior procurement experience. Fortunately Mark Sargeant saw something in me and offered me the role (thanks Mark). Since then and with the support of the team, my career has gone from Assistant Buyer, Buyer, Snr Buyer to Procurement Manager. It’s been challenging and equally rewarding.
The great out-doors. Whether it be climbing mountains with my partner Naomi, or fishing with my best friends. Sprinkled with a bit of Chelsea and the occasional night out!
Tough one. I would have to say my road trip through the Deep South in USA, blasting down the highways in a Ford Mustang convertible (sticking to the speed limit of course)!
This may sound cliché, but I don’t really have one. Everything I have ever done (good, bad and the ugly) has led me to this point, from education, England trials, being an uncle, meeting Naomi, making my family proud.