Bid Writer - ML134

Location: ComfortDelGro House, Cricklewood, London, NW2 6JP with option of hybrid working. The role will require some travel and time spent in the locations of the bidding opportunities.

Job Summary: The UK government is determined to deliver better bus services, grow passenger numbers and kickstart economic growth by supporting local authorities to take back control of their local bus services. All Local Authorities have the powers to franchise bus services, moving away from the existing deregulated model. In a franchised bus scheme, the Local Authority determines the details of the service to be provided – where they run, when they run and the standards of services. Operators tender to run a Franchise and operate services under contract to the local authority. Metroline successfully won four Franchises in the Greater Manchester region, the first region in the UK to introduce a Bus Franchising Scheme. The operation of the Franchises commenced on 5th January 2025. As further franchising opportunities emerge across the country, Metroline is seeking to strengthen its Bid Team through the appointment of a Bid Writer.

The Bid Writer will play a key role in the development of high-quality, compelling and compliant tender submissions for bus franchise opportunities. Working closely with subject matter experts across Operations, Engineering, Commercial, Finance, HR and Health & Safety, the successful candidate will coordinate, develop and write winning bid responses that clearly demonstrate Metroline's capabilities, innovation, operational excellence and commitment to delivering exceptional passenger services.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and production of written tender responses for franchise opportunities.
• Analyse client requirements, tender documentation and evaluation criteria to ensure fully compliant submissions.
• Manage the bid writing process from initial tender release through to submission.
• Develop compelling, evidence-based responses that align with customer requirements and Metroline's strategic objectives.
• Coordinate contributions from subject matter experts across the business and convert technical information into clear and persuasive tender responses.
• Research best practice, industry innovations and case studies to strengthen bid submissions.
• Maintain and develop a library of bid content, supporting evidence, case studies and standard responses.
• Ensure all written submissions are consistent in style, quality and messaging.
• Review and edit bid content to ensure clarity, accuracy, compliance and alignment with evaluation criteria.
• Support the development of win themes, value propositions and customer-focused solutions.
• Coordinate response reviews with senior stakeholders and incorporate feedback effectively.
• Ensure deadlines and submission requirements are achieved within agreed timescales.
• Work collaboratively with subject matter experts and colleagues across the business to develop integrated and innovative tender solutions.
• Support bid presentations, clarification responses and interview preparation where required.
• Contribute to lessons learned reviews and continuous improvement activities including efficiencies, following tender submissions.

Essential Criteria:

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Previous experience in bid writing, proposal development, tender management or a related discipline.
• Strong written communication skills with proven ability to produce high-quality business documents.
• Experience of managing multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Experience of gathering and interpreting information from a range of stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading capability.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Experience of working within a structured corporate environment.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement and tendering processes.
• Understanding of the UK passenger transport sector or regulated service contracts (desirable).
• Experience within the transport, infrastructure, public services or franchising sectors (desirable).

Competencies & Skills:

• Self-motivated with determination, resilience and confidence.
• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams, building positive relationships to achieve shared objectives and deliver successful tender submissions.
• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Ability to simplify complex information into concise, persuasive content.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong research and information-gathering capability.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commercial awareness and customer focus.
• Strong presentation and report-writing skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Hours of Work: 38 hours per week with flexibility to work over and above these hours if deemed necessary.

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience.

The Equality Act: Metroline is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with due regard to legal obligations for protected characteristics i.e. age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.