National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has received the overall excellence award at The National Procurement Awards 2025, in recognition of the delivery of one of Ireland’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes.
The awards ceremony, hosted by Colm O’Regan at the Crowne Plaza Santry in Dublin, saw 222 attendees celebrate excellence across 15 trophy categories.
A total of 61 entries were received from 30 companies competing in the 16th edition of the awards.
As the company delivering the National Broadband Plan, NBI is responsible for the largest State investment since rural electrification and has set a new benchmark for excellence in procurement and project delivery.
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“Through innovation, collaboration and strategic vision, NBI is transforming connectivity for communities nationwide and driving long-term social and economic impact,” said the award citation.
“This achievement reflects a commitment to integrity, partnership and performance at every level of the organisation.”
NBI procurement director Angela Larkin said that procurement is a critical component of delivering the National Broadband Plan on time and on budget.
“At a time when infrastructure projects have been hit hard by Covid-19, inflationary price hikes, and global supply chain pressures, we’re extremely proud to be driving value for the taxpayer and to have this hard work recognised at The National Procurement Awards,” she added.
The National Procurement Awards recognise procurement for its pivotal role as a core component in building robust supply chains and shaping overall business strategy.
Judged by leading procurement professionals, this year’s awards highlighted a diverse range of projects that exemplify strategic procurement, sustainable practices, and value-driven outcomes.
PJ Hegarty was the winner in the best procurement risk management award category for its digital subcontractor performance monitoring system.
The tool has become integral to protecting project outcomes and ensuring alignment between procurement, commercial, and operational functions.
Stacey Conroy, senior buyer at PJ Hegarty, said building partnerships has been central to PJ Hegarty’s success for over a century.
“This award recognises our industry-leading approach to risk management across the entire supply chain, from selection to project delivery. We are thrilled that our efforts have been acknowledged at The National Procurement Awards,” she stated.
In the sustainable procurement award category, Iarnród Éireann’s was recognised for its collaborative procurement and stakeholder engagement that have advanced sustainable rail freight.
Sean McCaffrey, the company’s supplier performance manager, described the award as meaningful recognition of the team’s hard work and commitment to sustainability.
“It also serves as a powerful springboard, and we hope to use this momentum to drive forward even more initiatives,” he said.
Judging coordinator Gary Mander noted the focus on internal and external collaboration across the award entries, as well as procurement teams using new technology to their advantage.
“When you look at the considerable value that the projects generated, it shines a light on the way that procurement cuts across every part of the business. This level of collaboration is very encouraging, as it continues to elevate the procurement profession, which reflects positively on us all,” he said.
Mander remarked that The National Procurement Awards are “a fantastic opportunity” for the procurement community to come together and celebrate their achievements.
“It is also evident that sustainability measures are now becoming firmly embedded into the procurement process, with procurement departments taking the lead within their wider organisational structures,” he added.
The procurement leader award was presented to Mark Osmer, procurement business partner at Translink and founder at Intelligent Buyer Ltd, who has delivered landmark transport programmes that have advanced decarbonisation and strengthened cross-border connectivity.
“With a career spanning over four decades across both public and private sectors, our recipient has become one of Ireland’s most respected procurement leaders,” said the award citation.
“Mark Osmer has championed procurement as a strategic driver of social value, sustainability and economic growth, while his leadership through CIPS Northern Ireland has helped elevate the profession’s influence at the highest levels.”
Osmer said receiving the award was especially meaningful, not only because of what it represents but also because of the calibre of past recipients.
“Events like this are incredibly important, particularly when it comes to recognising the dedication of our teams,” he stated.
“They invest countless hours into delivering exceptional work, and having that effort acknowledged on a national stage is a real privilege.”
Express Merchants was shortlisted in the sustainable procurement team of the year and best private sector procurement project of the year.
Managing director Tim Jameson remarked that sustainable, transparent procurement is becoming a defining priority across all industries.
“These awards showcase the innovators leading that shift and demonstrate how smarter supply chain practices can deliver meaningful environmental and operational benefits,” he explained.
Aisling O’Brien received the rising star award. The judging panel said the An Post executive has successfully implemented strategic sourcing initiatives and continuous improvements to make a significant impact that has elevated the procurement function at An Post.
“The award entry process was straightforward and encourages you to reflect on the year’s work,” O’Brien said.
“The award feels especially meaningful because this recognition reflects the team’s efforts just as much as my own.”
Neil Wall, community director at awards organiser BusinessRiver, commented: “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our supporter, Amárach Research, and our communications partner, The Irish Times. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”
Awards judges
● Gary Mander (judging coordinator) – Procurement Transformation – senior manager, EY
● Robert Babington – associate director, Biologics Strategic Sourcing, BMS
● Heloisa De Carli – procurement manager, St Patrick’s Hospital
● Yvonne Delaney – associate professor, Supply Chain Management, University of Limerick
● Colum Foley – assistant professor of Management, DCU
● Paul Higgins – global procurement senior manager, PEPSICO
● Fran Kehoe – senior manager, PwC
● Barry McGoldrick – VP, chief procurement officer, Molex LLC
● Niall Ó’ Halloran – purchasing manager, Rochestown Park Hotel
● Michael O’Callaghan – director, IPICS The Supply Chain Management Institute
● Catherine O’Malley – senior director, Global Supply Chain, Natus Medical Inc.
● Michael Walls – deputy head of procurement, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)
Award winners
Overall excellence award
Winner: National Broadband Ireland (NBI) – National Broadband Plan
Procurement leader award
Recipient: Mark Osmer
Procurement team of the year
Winner: PTSB & Efficio
Sustainable procurement team of the year
Winner: Iarnród Éireann Procurement Department
Procurement rising star of the year
Winner: An Post – Aisling O’Brien
Best green procurement project of the year
Winner: Transport Infrastructure Ireland – CO2 Performance Ladder
Best procurement collaboration project of the year – infrastructure & public services
Winner: Office of Government Procurement & Irish Coast Guard – Operational Dry Suit Systems for IRCG Volunteers
Best procurement collaboration project of the year – commercial & consumer
Winner: Compass Group Ireland, Atlantis of Kilmore Quay & BIM – Integrating Underutilised Irish Fish
Best procurement risk management award
Winner: PJ Hegarty – Data-Led Risk Mitigation
Best public sector, semi state or Government procurement project of the year
Winner: National Broadband Ireland (NBI) – National Broadband Plan
Best private sector procurement project of the year
Winner: PTSB & Efficio – Transforming Payments at PTSB
Best education, training or people development award
Winner: Uisce Éireann – Supply Chain Training Programme
Best procurement transformation award
Winner: BioMarin
Best procurement social value award
Winner: The NOW Group
Most innovative use of technology award
Winner: Compass Group Ireland – Foodbuy Online
For more information about The National Procurement Awards, visit procurementawards.ie.
