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- Tasks: Shape sustainable transport solutions and lead bid strategies with cross-functional teams.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leader in transforming the UK’s bus industry for a greener future.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, free bus pass, and health support for you and your family.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping public transport's future while making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in fleet management and excellent communication skills are essential; analytical skills are a plus.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 Fleet and Engineering Bid Solutions Specialist, you will play a key role in shaping our technical and operational proposals, ensuring that our solutions meet and exceed client expectations. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, including fleet, engineering, operations, and finance, to develop tailored, high-quality bid solutions that align with our strategic goals and industry best practices.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Monitor upcoming tenders and analyse client priorities, competitive landscape, and industry context to contribute to robust, insight-driven win strategies.
- Maintain expert knowledge of vehicle types, ownership models, and emerging fleet technologies, especially zero-emission vehicles, to identify and propose optimal bid solutions.
- Develop and nurture relationships with OEMs and strategic partners, ensuring alignment between First Bus solutions and future market developments.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including the Mobilisations Director and wider bid team, to support effective transition planning and integrated solution design.
- Provide leadership and support to future team members, modelling expected behaviours and fostering a high-performance, knowledge-sharing culture.
- Lead the fleet and engineering workstream during bid phases, ensuring all related activities are executed on time and aligned with the overarching bid strategy.
- Develop robust, client-aligned strategies for fleet procurement, maintenance, and decarbonisation, incorporating industry best practice and operational feasibility.
- Ensure accurate technical specification of equipment and working conditions, supporting long-term vehicle performance and compliance with maintenance standards.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to cost, model, and document the fleet and engineering solution, including its interaction with client incentive/penalty regimes.
- Review and refine technical submissions, ensuring clear articulation of solutions in both technical and plain English formats to maximise quality scores.
What We’re Looking For:
- Essentials: Proven experience in managing Passenger Service Vehicles (PSV) and/or fleet maintenance, with strong understanding of relevant legislation and compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively across departments and with external stakeholders such as suppliers and clients.
- Strong organisational and presentation abilities, able to remain calm under pressure and clearly articulate complex solutions, particularly in high-stakes bid environments.
- Desirables: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to digest complex tender documents, challenge data, identify trends, and extract key insights.
- Proactive and self-sufficient, with a structured approach to tasks and a drive for career development in a bidding environment.
- Collaborative team player, with a positive and harmonious working style, fostering open communication and continuous learning.
Rewards & Benefits:
- Competitive Salary + Bonus
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
- Flexible working
- Pension scheme and 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.
- 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support through our EAP provision.
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.
Fleet & Engineering Bid Solutions Specialist employer: First Bus
Contact Detail:
First Bus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fleet & Engineering Bid Solutions Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable transport and zero-emission vehicles. This knowledge will not only help you understand the industry better but also demonstrate your commitment to First Bus's mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fleet and engineering sectors, especially those who have experience with Passenger Service Vehicles (PSV). Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed bids or projects in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research First Bus's recent projects and partnerships. Understanding their current initiatives will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your skills align with their strategic goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Fleet & Engineering Bid Solutions Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Fleet & Engineering Bid Solutions Specialist position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with Passenger Service Vehicles (PSV) and fleet maintenance. Provide specific examples of how you've managed compliance and legislation in previous roles to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication and collaboration skills, include examples in your application that illustrate your ability to engage effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders. This could be through successful projects or initiatives you've led.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored to First Bus. Use language and terminology from the job description to show that you understand their needs and values. Highlight your proactive approach and problem-solving skills, especially in high-stakes environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Know Your Fleet and Engineering Basics
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Passenger Service Vehicles (PSVs) and fleet maintenance. Brush up on relevant legislation and compliance requirements, as this knowledge will be crucial during your interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled complex tender documents in the past. Highlight your ability to identify trends and extract key insights, as this will show your analytical prowess and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves collaboration across various departments, practice articulating complex solutions clearly. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders and maintained open communication.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to lead during bid phases and develop client-aligned strategies. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed projects under pressure and how you ensured alignment with overarching goals.
