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- Tasks: Shape people strategies for sustainable transport and manage staffing transitions.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leader in transforming the UK's bus industry for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and free bus passes after 6 months.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping public transport's future with a focus on social impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong communication skills, and ability to analyse complex data are essential.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 Bid Solutions Specialist (People), you will play a key role in shaping our technical and operational proposals, ensuring that our solutions meet and exceed client expectations.
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:
- Develop a comprehensive people strategy aligned with client requirements, incorporating recruitment, training, engagement, and change management to ensure consistent operational and customer performance.
- Assess and manage TUPE implications, people transitions, and cultural alignment, ensuring staff are supported through organisational changes and new client-defined values.
- Evaluate existing and target location staffing challenges, staff facilities, and wellbeing needs to inform a robust and realistic bid solution.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the People team, Mobilisations Director, Social Value SME, Centres of Excellence, and Shared Services, to ensure alignment, identify added value, and enhance solution development.
- Understand the commercial, operational, and incentive/penalty implications of the people strategy and contribute insights into the bid financial model to support overall solution appraisal.
What We’re Looking For:
Essentials
- Experienced HR practitioner
- Comfortable with relevant IT systems
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across departmental boundaries
- Ability to communicate and interact effectively with external parties (eg suppliers, clients, stakeholders)
- Ability to quickly and accurately digest large, complex tender documents
- Structured, methodical approach
- Ability to stay calm and focussed under pressure, especially approaching deadlines
- Analytical skills to be able to process, blend and challenge data from multiple sources, determine trends and identify key findings
- Curiosity to broaden understanding and constructively challenge inputs
- Presentational skills to concisely summarise and articulate complex solutions
- Ability to work in an open, positive and harmonious manner within a small team
- Self-sufficient and values driven – able to progress tasks with minimal direction
Desirables
- Fully familiar with relevant legislation
- Working knowledge of transport-related HR environment, including industrial relations landscape and the application of TUPE in a transport setting
- Experience working with large, complex tender documents
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 advice. 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.
Bid Solutions Specialist (People) employer: First Bus
Contact Detail:
First Bus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Solutions Specialist (People)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable transport and how they relate to HR practices. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the transport and HR sectors. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at First Bus.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with TUPE and how it applies to the transport sector. Being able to articulate your understanding of this process will set you apart as a candidate who is ready to tackle the challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully processed complex data in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to identify trends and make data-driven decisions will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Solutions Specialist (People)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Bid Solutions Specialist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key tasks mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience as an HR practitioner and any familiarity with transport-related HR environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage TUPE implications and develop people strategies.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical skills, include examples of how you've successfully processed complex data or tender documents in previous roles. This will show your capability to handle the demands of the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also clearly articulate how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for First Bus. Be sure to mention your collaborative approach and ability to work under pressure.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Bid Solutions Specialist role and how it fits within First Bus. Familiarise yourself with their people strategy, TUPE implications, and the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your HR Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous HR experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed people transitions or developed strategies that align with client requirements, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Complex Documents
Since the role involves digesting large, complex tender documents, practice summarising and articulating key points from similar documents. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to process information effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
First Bus values teamwork, so be ready to provide examples of how you've worked collaboratively across departments. Discuss how you’ve engaged with external parties and contributed to successful outcomes in past roles.
