Shape the Future of Public Transport with First Bus

The UK's bus industry is evolving, and First Bus is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. As franchising and contract-based services become more prominent, we're embracing the opportunity to shape the future of sustainable transport in partnership with local authorities and key stakeholders.

To help drive this transformation, we're looking for a Bid Commercial Lead to join our growing team. This role is key to supporting and coordinating the successful delivery of large-scale franchising and contract-based bids, ensuring First Bus continues to deliver high-quality, efficient services to communities nationwide.

Why Join Us?

Our Growth team plays a pivotal role in securing stability and future success. This is an opportunity to be part of a team that is shaping the next generation of public transport.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Understanding and articulating risk profile of specific projects and bidding opportunities
• Understanding and articulating contractual leverage risks and opportunities
• Researching competitor activity and analysis into likely bidding strategies of competitors
• Delivering financial oversight for bids to determine strategy for financial investment (e.g. Capital Expenditure versus Leasing, and required profit margin)
• Working with Procurement to ensure optimal pricing for bids
• Delivering commercial oversight for bids to ensure optimal approach is taken to solution development based on bid evaluation criteria
• Articulating commercial and financial plans to Mobilisation Director
• Working with Lead Bid Director and Contract Sales Directors to determine long-term Bidding and Growth strategy

What We're Looking For:

Essentials;

• Procurement Process: 3-years' experience in managing the end-to-end procurement process for medium to high-value contracts
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement bidding strategies and undertake competitor analysis.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial principles to evaluate bid profitability.
• Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills to secure favourable terms.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and persuasive proposals.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data and market trends to inform bidding strategies

Desirables;

• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the bus/transport industry and its procurement practices.
• Senior Bid Management: Previous experience in bid management, including developing successful commercial and financial bid strategy

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive Salary + Bonus
• Flexible working
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Working at First you will receive a Free bus pass for you and your family after 6 months services as well as discounted train travel
• Cycle to work scheme
• 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

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.