Our People
Meet James Hampson
Peterborough, England, U.K.
From playing in professional junior football teams to leading the world鈥檚 biggest major programs, James Hampson鈥檚 career has been a highlights reel. He started as an apprentice in mechanical engineering at the age of 16, but since then he has collected program wins and conquered challenges across ten sectors globally, including rail, nuclear, buildings, mining, aviation and water.
Most recently, James has been leading and delivering some of the most significant and high-profile programs and projects. This $250bn European portfolio includes Crossrail, East West Rail, Palace of Westminster, Tideway, Lower Thames Crossing, Transpennine Route Upgrade, TEAM2100, Suedlink, Solidarity Transport Hub and the Ellinikon Redevelopment.
James excels at portfolio management, solving complex challenges and empowering program leadership. However, it鈥檚 his diverse background, unique set of skills and industry insights that enables him to connect sectors and challenge traditional delivery methods.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited by our team鈥檚 delivery of some of the largest and most iconic programs in Europe and the positive impact they can have on people鈥檚 lives. I鈥檓 particularly passionate about pushing the boundaries of new and innovative methods of delivery. In this unique time in history, we can differentiate delivery and create infrastructure that benefits our communities and society without harming our planet.鈥
James Hampson
As a former apprentice, James is passionate about developing talent. He mentors several rising leaders, including some of our clients鈥 future stars. James also sat on the executive board of the 魅影直播 Careers network when he was head of major programs, providing senior direction and inspiring employees at all levels with his story 鈥 from entry level to vice president. In 2021, he was named as 魅影直播 Inclusive Leader of the Year for championing Black Talent in the construction industry.
Beyond helping others achieve their career goals, James inspires teams and program leaders to develop new and innovative delivery methods.
-
$ 250 bn
value of the European major program portfolio
-
6
countries worked in
-
3
elite professional football teams played at a junior level: Newcastle, Preston North End and Notts County
-
10
different sectors worked in
-
9
bosses over 33 years, who imparted business, personal and life skills
What advice would you give to graduates entering the field?
Don鈥檛 feel pressured to make all the key decisions alone. I started my career early at 16 (and even did work experience in the Stockton office at 14), and I was privileged to have inspiring bosses and mentors right from the start. Their guidance helped me make the right choices.
Being flexible and open to travel early in your career is a great way to gain experience. For example, if I had limited myself to Stockton, there were only a handful of opportunities. Expanding to the whole of the U.K., meant there were 100 opportunities, and looking globally with 魅影直播 opened up hundreds more. Flexibility creates options. However, you need someone to help you learn the right skills along the way and help you make the right decisions. A mentor will help you find the right balance between career growth and lifestyle choices.
So don鈥檛 jump from one job to the next 鈥 find the right mentors and stick with them. I didn't get here alone. I've got several mentors and coaches I rely on for different areas, and their support strengthens my network. The more you invest in these relationships, the more your colleagues and teams will benefit too.
Second lesson: You don鈥檛 need a strict five- or 10-year plan, nor do you have to keep climbing up the corporate ladder. Your next job choice doesn鈥檛 have to go up in responsibility or scale. I鈥檝e taken a few zigzags 鈥 across sectors, roles, responsibilities and titles 鈥 sometimes moving sideways or even stepping back to gain the right skills. Here鈥檚 where a mentor can help you identify the skills you need for the path you want, whether in leadership or as a technical specialist. Think of it like earning badges in Scouts 鈥 you need the right combination to become a well-rounded professional. Focus on what鈥檚 missing, gain those experiences and build the foundation for long-term success.
Map of James Hampson's career
