Welcome to the #loveprocurement podcast, where we bring you a fresh and lighthearted take on all things procurement. We’ll dive into this fascinating world with a twist of humor and a sprinkle of fun. Each episode explores a different topic, inviting industry experts and special guests to share their insights, experiences, and stories.

For those that #loveprocurement or are curious why others do.

Season 3 – Episode 17

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Season 3 Ep 17: Is It Time to Redesign Procurement’s Operating Model? feat James Meads

Episode Description

RELEASED 27. Oktober 2026

The long-running debate between procurement generalists and category specialists is taking a new turn. Technology is leveling the playing field on market intelligence just as many seasoned category experts retire, and procurement’s value increasingly depends on communication, stakeholder influence, and the ability to put data to work.

The leaders handling this moment best are redesigning their operating models from scratch and investing in the people who are willing to learn.

In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast host Kelly Barner welcomes James Meads to the show. James is a procurement technology go-to-market advisor specializing in buyer-centric positioning, sales effectiveness, and funnel conversion.

James shares his perspective on how technology is reshaping procurement talent, stakeholder relationships, and the CPO’s role:

Why deep category expertise is becoming less of a differentiator for procurement teams, even in direct spend
How stakeholder management changes when category expertise resides primarily in the business
Where CPOs should start when redesigning their operating model, including why willingness to learn matters more than tech savvy

Links: James Meads on LinkedIn