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- Tasks: Lead and coordinate bids for sustainable public transport projects.
- Company: First Bus is transforming the UK's bus industry for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a free bus pass after 6 months.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of public transport with impactful projects.
- Qualifications: 3 years in procurement, strong strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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
- Free bus pass for you and your family after 6 months service as well as discounted train travel
- Cycle to work scheme
- Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you!
- 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.
Contact Detail:
First Bus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Commercial Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in public transport and franchising. Understanding the current landscape will help you articulate your insights during interviews, showcasing your strategic thinking and industry knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the transport and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights into the bidding process and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial oversight and bid management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed bids in the past, focusing on your analytical skills and negotiation tactics.
✨Tip Number 4
Research First Bus and its competitors thoroughly. Understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and recent developments will allow you to tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to contributing to their growth strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Commercial Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Bid Commercial Lead position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in managing procurement processes and developing bidding strategies. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your skills in financial oversight and negotiation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your motivation for applying and how you can contribute to First Bus. Address your understanding of the public transport industry and your strategic thinking capabilities.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your CV and cover letter are free from errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the Bid Commercial Lead role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around procurement processes and financial oversight.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your experience in developing bidding strategies and conducting competitor analysis. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how your strategic thinking has led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial oversight is crucial for this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of financial principles. Discuss how you've evaluated bid profitability in previous positions and the impact of your decisions on overall project success.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions related to negotiation skills. Prepare examples where you successfully secured favourable terms in contracts or bids. Highlight your approach and the results achieved to showcase your effectiveness in this area.
