Shape the Future of Sustainable 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.

As a Fleet and Engineering Bid Solutions Specialist, you will play a key role in shaping our technical and operational proposals, ensuring that our solutions meet and exceed client expectations. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams, including fleet, engineering, operations, and finance, to develop tailored, high-quality bid solutions that align with our strategic goals and industry best practices.

Why Join First Bus?

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:

At all times;

• Monitor upcoming tenders and analyse client priorities, competitive landscape, and industry context to contribute to robust, insight-driven win strategies.
• Maintain expert knowledge of vehicle types, ownership models, and emerging fleet technologies, especially zero-emission vehicles, to identify and propose optimal bid solutions.
• Develop and nurture relationships with OEMs and strategic partners, ensuring alignment between First Bus solutions and future market developments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including the Mobilisations Director and wider bid team, to support effective transition planning and integrated solution design.
• Provide leadership and support to future team members, modelling expected behaviours and fostering a high-performance, knowledge-sharing culture.

Additionally, during bid phase;

• Lead the fleet and engineering workstream during bid phases, ensuring all related activities are executed on time and aligned with the overarching bid strategy.
• Develop robust, client-aligned strategies for fleet procurement, maintenance, and decarbonisation, incorporating industry best practice and operational feasibility.
• Ensure accurate technical specification of equipment and working conditions, supporting long-term vehicle performance and compliance with maintenance standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to cost, model, and document the fleet and engineering solution, including its interaction with client incentive/penalty regimes.
• Review and refine technical submissions, ensuring clear articulation of solutions in both technical and plain English formats to maximise quality scores

What We're Looking For:

Essentials; 

• Proven experience in managing Passenger Service Vehicles (PSV) and/or fleet maintenance, with strong understanding of relevant legislation and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively across departments and with external stakeholders such as suppliers and clients.
• Strong organisational and presentation abilities, able to remain calm under pressure and clearly articulate complex solutions, particularly in high-stakes bid environments.

Desirables;

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to digest complex tender documents, challenge data, identify trends, and extract key insights.
• Proactive and self-sufficient, with a structured approach to tasks and a drive for career development in a bidding environment.
• Collaborative team player, with a positive and harmonious working style, fostering open communication and continuous learning.

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive Salary + Bonus
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Flexible working
• 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.