Adapting and Excelling: George Fox’s Transition from Engineering to Operational Purchasing at W?rtsil? Water & Waste

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The transition from a technical engineering background to managing supplier relationships and solving procurement challenges may seem like a big leap, but for George Fox , an Operational Purchaser at W?rtsil? Water and Waste’s after-sales department, it's just another problem to solve.

With a background in aerospace and electrical engineering, George now tackles a range of challenges associated with long-term installed technologies, ensuring that ageing systems remain operational throughout the vessel’s lifecycle. His day is a mix of collaboration, fast decision-making, and adapting to the needs of customers across the globe.

"For me, adapting to the volume of work was the hardest part," George says about his early days in the after-sales team. Having spent five years as a production engineer, managing detailed design and execution, George now instead focuses on purchase orders and supplier management.

Despite the shift, George credits his team for making the transition smooth. "We have a strong, collaborative team that understands the challenges," he explains. The support allowed George to focus on his new responsibilities, which include managing supply chain relationships, creating purchase orders, and dealing with older, legacy designs rather than new systems.

“These older systems may not be glamorous, but they play a critical role in keeping operations running smoothly,”

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A typical day for George starts with a strong coffee, a catch-up with the team, followed by a daily scrum meeting with the PCM (Project, Contracts, and Materials) team, engineers, and designers. This daily ritual is essential for setting priorities and discussing the challenges the team faces.

“We talk through any supplier issues, delays, or material concerns in the meeting," George shares. "Everyone brings their own expertise, and it’s great to see how quickly we can come up with a plan to solve problems together.”

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Post-scrum, George dives into his core tasks, spending a large part of his day communicating with suppliers, sending out quotes, raising queries, and ensuring that the supply chain operates smoothly. “We have to constantly adapt our schedule to meet the needs of our international suppliers,” George says, mentioning how early morning calls to China have become a regular part of his routine.

For George, problem-solving remains a constant throughout his varied career, whether it’s within the supply chain or between various internal teams. "If I’ve learnt anything it is that its crucial to keep everyone on the same page when it comes to material costs, timelines, and expectations,” George explains.

And his engineering background plays a significant role in how he approaches these problems. “I love using my technical knowledge to solve supply chain issues,” he says. His ability to understand the technical requirements of materials and components allows him to make informed decisions and anticipate potential issues before they arise.

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At W?rtsil? Water and Waste, effective communication isn’t just important – it’s critical. George emphasises how daily meetings between the procurement and PCM teams ensure that everyone is aligned on daily priorities. “We have to be in sync,” he says. “Without these touchpoints, small issues can quickly escalate into bigger problems.”

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This level of interaction isn’t just about efficiency; it’s also about maintaining positive internal and external relationships. Suppliers need clear communication to meet expectations, and customers rely on accurate updates regarding timelines and material costs.

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When he’s not in the office George finds solace at sea. “Outdoor hobbies are very important to me,” he says, adding that his position on the England Boat Fishing Team makes his work at W?rtsil? even more poignant. “It’s important to me that we put sustainability at the forefront of our operations, especially as I can see first hand how unsustainable operations can effect the sea and marine life within it.”

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And his advice to any newcomers in the industry? “Embrace the challenge,” George says. “If you’re excited about the work, it makes all the difference.” George’s enthusiasm for his job is infectious, and it’s clear that his passion for solving problems keeps him motivated, even on the busiest days.

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“Stay excited, communicate well, and don’t be afraid to tackle the tough challenges. That’s how you succeed.”

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