TRANSLINK
Translink operates approximately 1,500 buses and coaches, 34 Belfast Rapid Transport Gliders, 43 trains and four crossborder trains under the Enterprise brand service. As an arm’ s length body of the Department of Infrastructure, it employs approximately 4,000 employees across Northern Ireland.
Ultimately, Translink’ s mission is to lead the transformation of transport in Northern Ireland, creating advanced public transport services and integrated networks that connect communities, enhance the economy and improve health and the environment.
This mission is supported by a set of values summarised as the‘ Translink SPIRIT’, which stands for safety, people, innovation, responsibility, integrity and teamwork. It informs all aspects of the organisation’ s operations, including procurement.
For Mark, the evolution of procurement at Translink has been dramatic:“ We’ ve evolved from a very siloed organisation where we simply placed purchase orders, conducted tenders and were compliant with public procurement regulations.”
Today, fleet procurement has a seat and is represented at board level, ensuring that commercial considerations are built into decision-making processes from the outset. This shift has positioned procurement as a key driver of Translink’ s transformation agenda.
“ We are leveraging our strategic supplier relationship expertise that we’ ve built in the last 15 years,” Mark goes on.“ We ensure that every pound we spend actually drives progress towards a greener, sustainable, inclusive and more connected future.”
“Procurement is the backbone of Northern Ireland public transport transformation”
MARK OSMER, PROCUREMENT BUSINESS PARTNER, TRANSLINK
The evolving role of procurement The procurement landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, influenced by broader societal shifts, technological advances and changing consumer expectations.
“ We’ re evolving as a society and Translink reflects that,” observes Mark.“ We now have five generations in the workplace; our customers’ profile and travelling patterns have changed. People are very discerning around who they travel with and want to know if the products and services they use are ethically and responsibly sourced.”
Clearly, technological advances – particularly AI – are transforming the procurement function. Mark sees AI as a significant opportunity to improve services by automating administrative activities, freeing up resources for strategic thinking and value-adding continuous improvement.
“ AI is going to have a huge impact on procurement, whether people like it
6 translink. co. uk