Gary Mander, Senior Manager for Procurement Transformation at EY, joins the judging panel for the Operational Excellence Awards 2026, bringing extensive experience in complex procurement projects, process optimisation, and strategic alignment to the evaluation process.

In his role at EY since 2022, Mander advises clients on complex procurement and transformation projects, helping organisations optimise processes, deliver value, and align procurement strategies with broader business objectives. His consulting work spans strategic sourcing, category management, and operational efficiency initiatives across diverse sectors, positioning him to assess entries through the lens of both strategic alignment and operational impact.

Prior to joining EY, Mander served as Procurement Manager at Iarnród Éireann for eight years, where he oversaw several major tender processes on behalf of the state. His portfolio included the landmark 2021 procurement of a new fleet of DART vehicles in partnership with the National Transport Authority, a project that demonstrated his capacity to manage high-value, complex procurements within public sector frameworks while balancing stakeholder requirements, regulatory compliance, and long-term strategic value.

A three-time National Procurement Award winner himself, Mander has built his career on advancing procurement excellence through innovation, transparency, and strategic thinking. His judging criteria will emphasise measurable value creation, strategic alignment between procurement activities and organisational objectives, process innovation, and the ability to deliver sustainable operational improvements within complex procurement environments.

His procurement sector expertise brings particular insight to entries addressing supplier relationship management, category strategy development, digital procurement transformation, and the integration of sustainability principles within sourcing and procurement operations. 

As part of the independent judging panel, Mander will assess submissions across multiple categories, ensuring entries demonstrate measurable impact, strategic governance, and sustainable performance improvement. His evaluation approach prioritises evidence-based outcomes, stakeholder value creation, and the alignment of operational excellence initiatives with long-term business strategy.

Winners will be announced at the Operational Excellence Awards 2026 ceremony on 27 May at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, where Ireland's operational excellence community will gather to celebrate achievement across more than 20 sectors.

For the complete judging panel, visit the Operational Excellence Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for updates and insights.