Contract management leader

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 Lead, 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?
Leads the development of compliant, compelling and high-quality for franchise and larger business-to-business (B2B) opportunities, with the purpose of fully meeting the client\’s requirements and to support the Head of Bid Solutions and wider bid team in delivering winning bids.
Provide line management to a team of specialists in customer benefits, people, IT, operations and safety & environment.
Provide a single point of contact for the delivery of the entire solution, agreeing deliverables with other subject matter experts and holding them to account for delivery of these, with the support of the Head of Bid Solutions.
Develop and articulate compelling bid solutions from outline through to final submission, ensuring high-quality scoring through clear benefit-led narratives and supporting evidence.
Lead and motivate cross-functional Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), often outside of direct line management, to deliver inputs aligned to tight bid timelines.
Build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation, using emotional intelligence and commercial awareness to influence stakeholders and drive collaborative outcomes.
Analyse complex data sets to assess risk and support informed, strategic, and commercially sound decision-making throughout the bid lifecycle

Demonstrable programme/project manager experience
Evidence of delivering winning bid solutions, resulting in high quality scores as the winning factor

Competitive Salary + Bonus
~25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
~ Flexible working
~ 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
~ This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support

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.