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- Tasks: Lead and oversee bid activities to secure First Bus's future in public transport.
- Company: First Bus is transforming the UK bus industry for sustainable transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and a free bus pass.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of public transport with impactful strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven success in public sector bids and strong leadership 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 support this growth, we’re seeking a highly skilled Bid Director to lead complex, competitive tender processes that will help secure the long-term success of First Bus. This role plays a vital part in delivering strategic, high-quality bid submissions that reflect our values and align with our broader business objectives.
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:
- Lead and oversee bid activity, ensuring delivery of high-quality, compliant, and compelling submissions, while coordinating resources and guiding bid teams across functions.
- Develop strategic resourcing plans in collaboration with key bid leaders to ensure each tender is supported with the right capabilities, capacity, and expertise.
- Drive team performance and continuous improvement, setting clear expectations, monitoring output, and supporting the evolution of First Bus’ bidding processes for long-term success.
- Shape and execute win strategies by leveraging client intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and competitive analysis to gain a commercial edge.
- Act as a key liaison and influencer, representing bids to senior leadership, building trusted client relationships, and working with operational teams to enhance bid performance and outcomes.
What We’re Looking For:
Essentials:
- Proven success in delivering complex public sector bids with high-quality winning scores.
- Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with key client stakeholders, positioning firms as ideal partners and gathering competitive intelligence.
Desirables:
- Proven ability to analyse data at a high level to assess risk and take informed commercial decision making.
- Ability to engage with professional leaders in a network and use examples of external best practice and thought leadership to improve internal strategies.
Rewards & Benefits:
- Competitive Salary + Bonus
- Private Medical Insurance
- Enhanced Pension Scheme
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
- Flexible working
- 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, including cash back benefits across optical & dental, virtual GP appointments, mental health support, and nutrition and fitness advice.
- 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 Director employer: First Bus
Contact Detail:
First Bus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the public transport sector, especially the latest trends in franchising and contract-based services. Understanding the current landscape will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to First Bus's goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public transport industry, particularly those involved in bidding processes. Building relationships with key stakeholders can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful bids you've led in the past. Highlighting your leadership and management skills through real-life scenarios will demonstrate your capability to drive team performance and deliver high-quality submissions.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on competitive analysis techniques and client intelligence gathering. Being able to articulate how you would leverage these strategies to shape win strategies for First Bus will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Bid Director position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in leading complex public sector bids.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly demonstrate your proven success in delivering high-quality bids. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for shaping the future of public transport. Highlight how your skills align with First Bus's values and objectives, and mention any relevant experience in competitive tender processes.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. For instance, mention successful bids you've led, the scores achieved, and how your contributions have positively impacted previous organisations.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Understand the Bid Process
Familiarise yourself with the intricacies of public sector bidding. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leading complex bids and how you ensured high-quality submissions that met compliance standards.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Bid Director, strong leadership is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, set clear expectations, and driven performance in past roles. Highlight your ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Be ready to talk about how you've built trusted relationships with key stakeholders in previous positions. Discuss your strategies for gathering competitive intelligence and how these relationships have influenced bid outcomes.
✨Highlight Analytical Abilities
Since analysing data is essential for assessing risks and making informed decisions, prepare to discuss specific instances where your analytical skills led to successful bid strategies. Use concrete examples to illustrate your thought process.
