Wayne Lambert

Director of Supplier Diversity, US

As a global business, it is important that we look for opportunities to diversify our service delivery and include historically-underutilised businesses in our supply chains.

I lead our Supplier Diversity programme, with an initial focus on the US market and with efforts underway to expand this work globally, creating new direction and opportunities for both Turner & Townsend and businesses that have been historically underutilised.

I bring experience from both the public and private sectors to my role, having worked on projects such as the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project in New York to meet workforce and business diversity goals, various construction projects that utilise the design-build project delivery method to create opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, and Denver Airport, where high-diversity targets are set.

Career highlights

Appointed by the Mayor of New York City to the City’s Procurement Policy Board
2022
Joined Turner & Townsend as Director of Supplier Diversity
2022
Helped to create the NYC DDC’s mentoring programme
2021
Incorporated targeted diversity goals for Black and Hispanic firms under new New York City design-build project delivery method
2021
Appointed as Chief Diversity Officer for NYC’s Department of 2020

Q. What attracted you to join Turner & Townsend?

A. Our position of influence as a global business in many communities across the world. This creates opportunities to connect with different groups of people and bring out the best in everyone, both inside our own business and the wider industry in which we work. Essentially, our purpose and values aligned with me wanting to make the world a better, more inclusive place.

Q. How has your career at Turner & Townsend developed?

A. During my time here I have become an active member of the People and Community Relations committee and support other diversity, quity and inclusion-related initiatives. This has allowed me to share my passion for bringing awareness to those in need and helping to create a work environment that provides opportunity to all.

Q. Which project are you most proud of being involved in at Turner & Townsend?

A. Denver Airport. Although this project was initiated before I joined our business, the approach to supplier diversity was clearly demonstrated in the 35 percent goal that we proposed for this project, which was nearly double what the client initially proposed. It is bold commitments like these that help to create new trends and reshape our industry.

Q. How do you contribute to Turner & Townsend making a difference?

A. I use my abilities and position to define and execute a strategy that considers historically-underutilised businesses in our supply chains. By doing so, I am providing opportunities for these firms to be a valued and thriving part of our business community.

Q. What do you most enjoy most about working at Turner & Townsend?

A. I enjoy working with the people here. The teams are diverse, have innovative ideas and love a challenge!

Q. What is the emerging trend in your industry specialism and how are you responding to this?

A. Supplier Diversity is a broad specialisation, but this is an area that feels new to many people. I believe that by understanding the impact of diversity on our supply chain for different projects, and taking an inclusive approach that involves members of the communities in which we operate, we can shape attitudes, programmes and policies, and have an economic impact, making us all stronger together.