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 Manager 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:

• Develop and manage structured bid project plans, including key milestones, governance stage gates, and risk/opportunity logs to ensure timely and high-quality bid submissions.
• Coordinate day-to-day bid activity, acting as the central point of contact to drive progress, track actions, manage risks, and escalate issues where necessary.
• Facilitate governance and compliance, ensuring bids meet contractual and quality standards, and aligning with internal stakeholders across commercial, solution, and mobilisation functions.
• Lead and manage bid team operations, including scheduling meetings, facilitating workshops, and ensuring effective internal communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Support continuous improvement, implementing lessons learned and post-bid reviews to enhance bid processes and increase long-term success rates; occasionally representing First Bus at relevant industry events

What We're Looking For:

Essentials;

• Experience in Bid Management
• A strong communicator with strong engagement and influencing skills to support a culture of teamwork, and accountability with bid project teams
• Meticulous approach to ensuring bid quality and compliance

Desirables;

• Familiarity with developing successful technical bid plans.
• Familiarity with the bus/transport industry and its procurement practices
• Ensuring all bid technical submissions meet evaluation criteria quality requirements and demonstrate contractual compliance

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.