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- Tasks: Shape sustainable transport solutions and lead bid strategies for First Bus.
- Company: First Bus is transforming the UK bus industry towards sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, free bus pass, and health support.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping public transport's future with impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in fleet management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we welcome applicants 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.
Why Join First Bus? 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:
- 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.
Additionally, during bid phase:
- 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 to you, including cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as 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.
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 allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fleet and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights into the bidding process and share their experiences, which could be invaluable for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed fleet maintenance or passenger service vehicles in the past. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research First Bus's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their strategic goals and current challenges will enable you to tailor your discussions and show how your skills align with their needs, making you a more attractive candidate.
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 you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Fleet & Engineering Bid Solutions Specialist position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in managing Passenger Service Vehicles and fleet maintenance.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience in fleet management and your understanding of compliance requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, include instances where you've successfully digested complex documents or identified trends. This will show that you can handle the analytical demands of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the role but also reflect your understanding of First Bus's mission in sustainable transport. Make sure to articulate how your background aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their success.
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 where effective communication led to successful outcomes, especially in high-stakes environments.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
First Bus values a collaborative working style. Be ready to share instances where you've worked effectively within a team, fostering open communication and continuous learning. This will demonstrate that you're a team player who aligns with their culture.
