Welcome to First Bus

At First Bus we are passionate about making travel simple, reliable and sustainable for everyone. As one of the UK's largest bus operators, we serve millions of passengers each year, connecting people and communications across towns and cities nationwide.

We're investing heavily in zero-emission vehicles, smart technologies, and innovative solutions that transform the passenger experience - and we need forward thinking people to help us shape what's next. Our teams are passionate about making a real impact, and we're proud to be at the forefront of the UK's sustainable transport revolution.

About the role

First Bus is seeking a dynamic and politically astute External Affairs Manager to represent our company at the Scottish level. This position will play a pivotal role in shaping and communicating our policies, managing stakeholder relationships, and forging strategic partnerships to advance our business objectives and public transport advocacy.

This is a stretching role for a committed individual with a strong interest and experience in politics and policy in the transport sector. The postholder will need to be highly flexible to prioritise where their input will add most value in a rapidly changing political landscape, and highly collaborative to work effectively both within the team and across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. You must be prepared to travel regularly (UK), including overnight stays where needed.

The external Affairs Manager will work across the Scottish business and UK wide business to deliver the the best outcomes for our customers, clients, and the communities we serve. These will include:

• Developing closer relationships with Scotland wide political stakeholders;
• Building on existing relationships with local political stakeholders in Glasgow and Aberdeen
• Developing allyships and influencing strategies with the business community on economic value of bus to gain further political traction indirectly.
• Working as part of a team UK wide – the postholder will need to be flexible and adaptable to business needs in response to a changing political environment.

The successful candidate will also need to strengthen working relationships with lobby groups where we have existing relationships – where we have membership, the postholder will be expected to hold those organisations to account to make sure that they work effectively for us. For other organisations, the External Affairs Manager will need to seek allyship to more effectively communicate our position.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

These include:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategy to influence policy and decision-making at the national level.
• Identify, mitigate, and escalate political risks.
• Establish and run effective programme reporting and governance
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business forums, government officials, industry regulators, policy makers, and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the transport sector, advising on potential impacts and strategies.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and public hearings, acting as a spokesperson when required.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all partnership activities.
• Negotiate and manage partnerships with government bodies, transport organizations, and other relevant entities to support strategic goals.
• Prepare briefings, submissions and presentations to government inquiries and consultations.
• Support cross-functional teams to deliver partnership projects, ensuring alignment with company objectives and compliance with legal requirements. Work to build capability in local teams.

Skills, Experience and Leadership behaviours required 

Skills / Experience

• Proven track record in public affairs, government relations, or a related role, preferably within the transportation or related public sector.
• Strong understanding of the UK political environment and legislative process.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven track record of developing and managing partnerships and strategic alliances.
• Ability to work independently and navigate complex policy issues.
• Sound project management skills with a results-driven approach.

Leadership behaviours / competencies 

• Strong communicator, able to convey complex ideas in a clear, concise manner both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work across teams to deliver results.
• Reliable and diligent personality – committed to the success of the team and the business.
• Results-oriented and able to prioritise effectively – making a positive difference by identifying and tackling the biggest opportunities.
• Comfortable operating in an environment with a high degree of ambiguity.
• Self-motivated team player

Rewards & Benefits

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Flexible working

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.