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- Tasks: Shape sustainable transport solutions and lead bid strategies with cross-functional teams.
- Company: First Bus is transforming the UK bus industry for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, free bus pass, and health support.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal team shaping public transport's future and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in fleet management and strong communication skills are essential.
- 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 allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fleet and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about upcoming opportunities at First Bus.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Passenger Service Vehicles (PSV) and fleet maintenance in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've navigated compliance requirements and managed complex projects in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by highlighting past experiences where you successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Emphasising your ability to communicate effectively across departments will be key in demonstrating your fit for this role.
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 legislation and 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 tender documents or identified trends. This will show that you can contribute to insight-driven win strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also clearly articulate how your background aligns with First Bus's goals. Make sure to mention your proactive approach and ability to work collaboratively across departments.
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 (PSV) 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.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to develop bid strategies and manage cross-functional teams. Think of specific scenarios where you led projects or initiatives, and be ready to explain your thought process and the results achieved.
