At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the full bid lifecycle and develop winning proposals for new business opportunities.
- Company: Join Arriva Road Transport Services, a growing and innovative transport company.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, employee discounts, and 24-hour support.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative team while shaping the future of transport.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management and strong writing skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Company: Arriva Road Transport Services (ARTS)
Who We Are
Are you a talented bid professional looking for your next challenge? Do you have the commercial awareness, writing skills and drive to help win new business and support ambitious growth plans? If you're looking for a role where your contributions are valued, your ideas make a real impact and you're part of a growing and collaborative team, we'd love to hear from you.
At Arriva Road Transport Services (ARTS), we exist to prove that alternative transport can be better than the journey it replaces. Every year, we deliver over 80,000 rail replacement journeys, facilitate more than 20,000 train crew taxi journeys, and provide dedicated frontline support to customers across the UK. As we continue to grow, we're expanding into new markets and seeking a Bid Manager to play a key role in securing new business opportunities and helping shape the future of our organisation.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Commercial Bids, you'll take ownership of bid opportunities from qualification through to submission, working closely with operational, finance and commercial stakeholders to develop winning solutions and compelling proposals. This is a hands‑on role for an experienced Bid Manager who enjoys developing bid content, designing commercially viable solutions and managing multiple opportunities within a fast‑paced environment. You'll also support the development of a Commercial Bids Executive and contribute to the continued growth of the ARTS business.
What You'll Be Doing
- Bid & Proposal Management
- Manage the full bid lifecycle from qualified opportunity through to submission and contract award
- Develop persuasive, high‑quality bid responses tailored to customer requirements
- Coordinate contributions from Operations, Finance, Legal and HR teams
- Manage bid plans, timelines and governance processes to ensure successful submissions
- Maintain and continuously improve bid content libraries, case studies and supporting documentation
- Solution Design & Commercial Development
- Translate customer requirements into practical, deliverable transport solutions
- Work with operational teams to develop costed and commercially viable proposals
- Support pricing development and commercial modelling activities
- Identify risks, assumptions and opportunities within proposed solutions
- Engage with suppliers and supply chain partners to support bid development
- Pipeline & Opportunity Management
- Manage multiple live opportunities across a varied pipeline
- Support bid/no‑bid decisions through commercial and strategic assessment
- Maintain CRM records and provide regular pipeline updates
- Manage tender portals, clarification questions and submission requirements
- Work closely with the Commercial Bids Executive to ensure seamless opportunity handover and progression
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent ARTS during client meetings, presentations and clarification discussions
- Build positive relationships with procurement teams and key stakeholders
- Support the transition of successful bids into operational mobilisation
- Ensure contractual commitments and commercial assumptions are effectively handed over to delivery teams
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience managing the full bid lifecycle from opportunity through to award
- Strong bid writing and proposal development skills
- Experience working within formal tender and procurement environments
- Commercial awareness and experience supporting pricing or commercial modelling activities
- Excellent project management and organisational skills
- The ability to manage multiple concurrent bids and deadlines
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior colleagues
- Strong Microsoft Office and CRM system skills
Experience within transport, rail, logistics, infrastructure or managed services environments would be advantageous. APMP qualifications and experience using eTendering platforms would also be desirable.
Why Join Arriva
At ARTS, you'll join an ambitious and growing business where you'll play a direct role in shaping our future success. We offer:
- Free travel on Arriva branded rail services across the country
- Arriva Village employee discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24‑hour confidential support
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
Bid Manager employer: Arriva Road Transport Services
At Arriva Road Transport Services (ARTS), we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Located in Derby, with the flexibility of hybrid working, we offer competitive benefits, continuous professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact in the transport sector. Join us to be part of a team where your contributions are valued, and you can grow alongside a company committed to innovation and excellence.
Contact Details:
Arriva Road Transport Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Arriva Road Transport Services and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Arriva Road Transport Services!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Arriva Road Transport Services keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Arriva Road Transport Services:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Arriva Road Transport Services. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Road Transport Services
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Arriva Road Transport Services.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Arriva Road Transport Services that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Arriva Road Transport Services. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
