James O'Neill FCIPS

Examiner
DISC Type : cs

Head of Procurement Strategy & Operations at Sainsbury's

Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Overview

James is the Head of Procurement Strategy & Operations at Sainsburys, bringing over 20 years of experience to the role. He focuses on driving strategy through technology, sustainability, and digital enablement. His teams achievements include winning four CIPS awards in 2024, including the Overall Winner.

Passionate about the procurement profession, James is actively involved with the CIPS Manchester branch. He dedicates his time to supporting the growth and development of new talent, contributing to the success of the next generation of professionals in the industry.

He recently built working AI prototypes for procurement, including a policy assistant and a data cleaner, in under four hours using Microsofts CoPilot Studio.

Personality Overview

Unexpressive

Process Oriented

Late Adopter

They are heavily focused on quality and prefer doing things the right way, even if it takes time.  Being observant comes to them naturally. They do not like taking risks at all and go for proven options in the end.

Topics They Care About

AI in Procurement
Actively exploring AI applications by building prototypes for a 'ProcureAssist' agent and a data cleaner, showing a hands-on approach to new technology.
Sustainable Procurement
Co-founded the Sustainable Procurement practice at his previous firm and continues to focus on sustainability and supply chain transparency as key priorities at Sainsbury's.
Procurement Digitalization
Serves as a judge for the ProcureTech100, evaluating the most innovative digital solutions and demonstrating a deep interest in the future of procurement technology.

Media Appearances

James has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2022
Head of Procurement Strategy & Operations at Sainsbury's
4-2019 - 11-2022
Principal at Proxima
4-2014 - 3-2019
Senior Consultant at Proxima
7-2012 - 3-2014
Consultant at Proxima
5-2010 - 7-2012
Buyer at Currys plc

Education

10-2021 - 1-2022
Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions from University of Cambridge
2008 - 2009
MCIPS from CIPS - The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 19 Location : Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of Procurement Strategy & Operations at Sainsbury's
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Insights For Selling To James

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them which other stakeholders would be important for this purchase decision
  • Spend time addressing concerns around risk and change, they will have them even if they don't express them
  • Be firm in your communication and stay in control

DONT's

  • Avoid getting into storytelling mode, especially when they ask specific questions
  • Don't rely on relationship building even if they act pleasantly
  • Don't use phrases like 'do not worry', 'i promise' etc.

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with James is

  • Proof of usage by others in the industry, case studies showing ROI are likely to work the best with them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from James

  • Often, they don't say no, or keep going about it in circles.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will James move?

  • They are some of the slowest movers and take their time reaching decisions.
  • Can James take some risk or not?

  • They have very low acceptance of risk even if they do not say it directly.

You And James

Personality Compatibility


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