At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative transport solutions and enhance network performance for First Bus.
- Company: FirstGroup plc, a leading transport provider in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values innovation and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transportation while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in scheduling and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
About Us
FirstGroup plc is a leading provider of transport services in the UK and Ireland, and a member of the FTSE 250. Our 30,000 colleagues work across the UK to provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities.
Location: Remote - based anywhere in the UK, with occasional travel
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: Competitive - dependent on experience
As the UK’s local bus market undergoes transformative reform, First Bus is at the forefront of this evolution. With large-scale franchise and B2B contracts becoming pivotal to our growth strategy, we are building a dynamic bid team to drive our success.
As a Bid Solutions Specialist (Network), you will play a crucial role in designing creative, efficient, and commercially valuable solutions that position First Bus as the partner of choice for our clients. If you thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and are passionate about delivering impactful, innovative solutions, this role is your opportunity to make a difference while contributing to the future of sustainable transportation.
What You'll Do
- Your work will directly support First Bus’s growth agenda by designing high-performing, client-focused networks that exceed expectations.
- Quickly assess client requirements for new opportunities, developing innovative, competitive solutions.
- Analyse current network performance, leveraging data and industry insights to model and enhance routes, timetables, and schedules.
- Create compliant and efficient driver and vehicle schedules that balance operational efficiency and robustness.
- Collaborate closely with Finance to ensure timely, accurate costing of resource requirements.
- Articulate your solutions through clear, concise verbal and written summaries to support compelling bid submissions.
- Stay ahead of industry best practices, continuously improving our approaches to scheduling, route planning, and network design.
- Work alongside operational teams to ensure a seamless transition from bid assumptions to real-world application for successful contracts.
What We're Looking For
We’re seeking an experienced scheduler who thrives on innovation, analysis, and collaboration. You’ll bring:
- A proven track record in large, complex operations and expertise in computerised scheduling tools such as Optibus and Prospective.
- Strong analytical skills to process complex data sets, identify trends, and drive actionable insights.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, enabling you to clearly articulate complex solutions to a range of stakeholders.
- The ability to stay calm, focused, and organised under pressure, particularly when working to tight deadlines.
- A proactive, self-sufficient approach with a genuine passion for teamwork and continuous improvement.
Your Impact
Your contributions will directly influence our success in winning new contracts and driving our growth agenda. Success in this role will be measured by:
- Improved contract win rates and high-quality scores.
- Positive feedback from clients and colleagues on the strength and innovation of your solutions.
- The confidence and trust you inspire within the bid team.
We will be reviewing applications for this role as they come in, so we recommend you apply as soon as possible.
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer because we believe that diversity brings benefits for our customers, communities and our people. Valuing our differences and drawing on our collective knowledge and experience helps us develop new services, open up new markets and broaden our customer base. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome everyone regardless of social background, gender or gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, sex or age.
Bid Solutions Specialist - Network employer: First Bus Central Services
First Bus Central Services is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Caledonia depot in Scotland, where innovation meets collaboration. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive culture that values cross-functional teamwork and sustainability initiatives. Join us to make a meaningful impact in network planning while enjoying a fulfilling career in the transport sector.
Contact Details:
First Bus Central Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Solutions Specialist - Network
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like First Bus Central Services.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by First Bus Central Services. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Solutions Specialist - Network
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at First Bus Central Services, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at First Bus Central Services and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into First Bus Central Services. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus Central Services
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at First Bus Central Services.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to First Bus Central Services.
