First Bus
Bid Solutions Specialist - Networks
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Location: Remote - based anywhere in the UK, with occasional travel
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: Competitive - dependent on experience
As the UK’s local bus market undergoes transformative reform, First Bus is at the forefront of this evolution. With large-scale franchise and B2B contracts becoming pivotal to our growth strategy, we are building a dynamic bid team to drive our success.
As a Bid Solutions Specialist (Network), you will play a crucial role in designing creative, efficient, and commercially valuable solutions that position First Bus as the partner of choice for our clients.
If you thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and are passionate about delivering impactful, innovative solutions, this role is your opportunity to make a difference while contributing to the future of sustainable transportation.
What You'll Do
Your work will directly support First Bus’s growth agenda by designing high-performing, client-focused networks that exceed expectations. You will:
- Quickly assess client requirements for new opportunities, developing innovative, competitive solutions.
- Analyse current network performance, leveraging data and industry insights to model and enhance routes, timetables, and schedules.
- Create compliant and efficient driver and vehicle schedules that balance operational efficiency and robustness.
- Collaborate closely with Finance to ensure timely, accurate costing of resource requirements.
- Articulate your solutions through clear, concise verbal and written summaries to support compelling bid submissions.
- Stay ahead of industry best practices, continuously improving our approaches to scheduling, route planning, and network design.
- Work alongside operational teams to ensure a seamless transition from bid assumptions to real-world application for successful contracts.
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What We're Looking For
We’re seeking an experienced scheduler who thrives on innovation, analysis, and collaboration.
You’ll bring:
- A proven track record in large, complex operations and expertise in computerised scheduling tools such as Optibus and Prospective.
- Strong analytical skills to process complex data sets, identify trends, and drive actionable insights.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, enabling you to clearly articulate complex solutions to a range of stakeholders.
- The ability to stay calm, focused, and organised under pressure, particularly when working to tight deadlines.
- A proactive, self-sufficient approach with a genuine passion for teamwork and continuous improvement.
Your Impact
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Your contributions will directly influence our success in winning new contracts and driving our growth agenda. Success in this role will be measured by:
- Improved contract win rates and high-quality scores.
- Positive feedback from clients and colleagues on the strength and innovation of your solutions.
- The confidence and trust you inspire within the bid team.
Rewards
Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
Working at First you also receive:
- Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
- Cycle to work scheme
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
- Holiday buy/sell scheme
- Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
- Flexible working
We will be reviewing applications for this role as they come in, so we recommend you apply as soon as possible.
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