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.

We are now looking for an experienced Growth Programme Manager to play a pivotal role in driving our strategic growth. This position will ensure the seamless coordination of resources across multiple large-scale bid opportunities, supporting both Business-to-Business and Business-to-Government client portfolios.

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:

• Project Governance & Reporting: Enforced PMO processes across bid delivery teams, maintained RAID logs, and produced portfolio status reports, dashboards, and tailored management information to support in-bid governance.
• Planning, Analysis & Financial Oversight: Led end-to-end planning across B2B and B2G bid portfolios, tracked pipelines, forecasted workload and resource needs, monitored bid costs, and managed financial registers with "what-if" analysis and budget tracking.
• RAID & Risk Management: Managed RAID logs, led regular risk and issue reviews with Bid Directors, and ensured alignment with bid lifecycle needs.
• Governance Compliance & Documentation: Drafted and reviewed deliverables for compliance with the Bid Playbook, planned governance review meetings, maintained document controls, and ensured accurate reporting and presentation materials.
• Capability Development & Continuous Improvement: Supported recruitment, training, and onboarding of PMO/project staff, while enhancing PMO standards, tools, and practices to drive continuous improvement across the bid management process.

What We're Looking For:

Essentials;

• Extensive experience in complex project and bid environments, with over 5 years managing high-pressure portfolios and 2+ years developing and enforcing PMO processes in fast-paced, dynamic settings.
• Well-rounded professional with strong academic grounding, educated to degree level with continued professional development, and highly proficient in project management and collaboration tools such as MS Project, SharePoint, Teams, and Monday.com.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, known for excellent communication, influence, and the flexibility to adapt effectively to shifting priorities and tight deadlines.

Desirables:

• Experience working within a Transport industry (desirable)

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary + Bonus
• Private Medical Insurance
• 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.