The First Bus Network CoE is responsible for bus service performance and producing the day-to-day operating plan for our fleet across the UK. Data and route performance analysis is key in managing our service profitability and reliability.

Our core services include designing bus routes and timetables, creating vehicle and driver duties to ensure operational efficiency and complying with regulatory requirements. Using advanced planning systems, the team also prepare contract and tender bids for First, all with the goal of supporting reliable and customer-focused delivery.

Position Summary

The Network Contract Administrator plays a vital role in supporting the commercial and operational success of the Network function. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of tenders, tracking contract outcomes, supporting contract documentation processes, and ensuring effective communication between Network, Finance, and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will also support system maintenance (e.g. EP Morris), contribute to national pipeline visibility, and help ensure the organisation is well-positioned to respond to current and future contract opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Tender and Contract Tracking

• Maintain and update the Master Tracker of tenders, ensuring all submissions, outcomes, and key dates are accurately recorded.
• Log unsuccessful bids, including details of the winning operator and pricing, to support competitive intelligence and future strategy.
• Track and report on the national pipeline of tender opportunities, ensuring visibility across the Network function 

Stakeholder Coordination and Communication

• Document and distribute notes from monthly Network and Finance calls, ensuring clear communication and follow-up on actions.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (e.g. Commercial Development Managers, Finance, Network Planning) to ensure alignment on contract timelines and deliverables.

Documentation and Compliance Support

• Request and manage NAFF (Network Approval for Funding Form) documentation from Network teams.
• Support the Commercial Development Manager (CDM) with EP Morris system maintenance and data integrity.

Reporting and Insight

• Provide regular updates and summaries on contract performance, pipeline status, and bid outcomes to senior stakeholders.
• Assist in preparing reports and dashboards that support strategic decision-making and performance reviews.

 Skills & Experience

• Contract and Tender Administration: Experience in contract administration, bid tracking, or commercial support roles, ideally within transport or public sector environments.
• Data Management and Reporting: Strong Excel skills and familiarity with data tracking tools or CRM systems. Ability to manage and interpret large volumes of data with attention to detail.
• Communication and Coordination: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience coordinating across multiple teams and managing stakeholder expectations.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of public transport operations, tendering processes, or local authority contracting is desirable. Familiarity with systems such as EP Morris is an advantage.
• Organisation and Time Management: Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

RBenefits

• 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..

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.