Nik Walker Email & Phone Number

Whitby, England, United Kingdom

In my current role as a Supply Chain Manager at the Royal Air Force, I have been at the forefront of mission-critical supply and control operations for ballistic missile warning and space surveillance equipment. My responsibilities include overseeing supply requirements and conducting quality assurance checks of contracted companies and suppliers to meet military demands. I have successfully accelerated the success of the Contract Monitoring Team, earning a commendation in the King's Birthday Honours List 2023 for my pivotal work and receiving a Deputy Commander Operations award. I have led several transformation projects, including managing the introduction of a new e-booking tool for accommodation at Fylingdales HQ and the Staxton Wold Remote Station. My role also involves a complete overhaul of station headquarters to improve space planning, contributing to streamlined services and enhanced efficiency. I have been recognised for my role in commercial gains, including implementing commercial forecasts for purchasing credit cards and a new approvals process to ensure value-for-money. Additionally, I consult and liaise with senior commercial and financial command teams to present business cases for new supplier contracts and validate the extension of existing contracts, while maintaining accurate inventory systems for critical equipment.

As a Logistics & Supply Chain Supervisor with the 90 Signals Unit of the RAF, I led the logistics and supply chain functions for Network Enabled Air Operations. My role involved overseeing a team of 28 across three warehousing/supply units. I successfully managed the relocation of the Spares Warehouse, which included identifying land, designing the warehouse, and generating a business case to secure funding. This project involved relocating over 3000 SKUs and millions in inventory under tight deadlines. I also led the introduction of new communication platforms and warehouse management systems, which involved changing logistical supply agreements and processes due to IT transformation. My initiative in launching a new 'Returns' system significantly enhanced the serviceability lifecycle of military equipment, boosting the efficiency of refurbishment systems and reducing costs through the reusability of equipment. In the 'StartAccess' project at RAF Leeming, I led a team of 20 to set up technical and accommodation requirements. My leadership extended to providing global logistics support to 30 squadrons, managing team professional development, and coordinating supply chain projects across multiple warehousing buildings. Additionally, I contributed to the Cryptographic function of the 90 Signals Unit, supporting communications and information recovery services with my analytical skills.

During my tenure as a Logistics & Supply Chain Supervisor with 1 Squadron of the RAF, I managed the inventory, supplies, and logistical relocation for a 180-member squadron, including military exercises and overseas deployments. I was instrumental in implementing the VIRTUS Body Armour supply function for the division, creating a centralised inventory database that became a best practice model across RAF inventory and logistics services. My project management skills were vital in planning UK-based military exercises, involving transportation, accommodation, and catering services. I demonstrated agility in rapidly planning and executing logistical readiness for the Afghanistan campaign, overseeing bulk orders for essential supplies. Following the military's withdrawal from Afghanistan, I executed the Return Equipment project, coordinating with Kabul Airport authorities for the process. My expertise in customs and border control legislation was crucial in managing the relocation of personnel and supplies for a Falkland Islands deployment. I ensured strict adherence to policies and processes for the management of weaponry and ammunition, forecasted requirements for medical supplies, weaponry, ammunition, and radioactive materials for various operations, and extensively liaised with internal supply chain units to improve logistics processes.