Bid Director

First Bus is seeking a Bid Director in England to lead complex tender processes for public transport contracts. The role involves overseeing bid activities, developing strategic plans, driving team performance, and building relationships with stakeholders. Candidates should have a proven track record in public sector bids and strong leadership skills. The position offers competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for growth within a diverse and inclusive organization.
Shape the Future of Public 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.

To support this growth, we’re seeking a highly skilled Bid Director to lead complex, competitive tender processes that will help secure the long-term success of First Bus. This role plays a vital part in delivering strategic, high-quality bid submissions that reflect our values and align with our broader business objectives.

Why Join Us?

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:
• Lead and oversee bid activity, ensuring delivery of high-quality, compliant, and compelling submissions, while coordinating resources and guiding bid teams across functions.
• Develop strategic resourcing plans in collaboration with key bid leaders to ensure each tender is supported with the right capabilities, capacity, and expertise.
• Drive team performance and continuous improvement, setting clear expectations, monitoring output, and supporting the evolution of First Bus’ bidding processes for long-term success.
• Shape and execute win strategies by leveraging client intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and competitive analysis to gain a commercial edge.
• Act as a key liaison and influencer, representing bids to senior leadership, building trusted client relationships, and working with operational teams to enhance bid performance and outcomes

What We’re Looking For:

Essentials;
• Proven success in delivering complex public sector bids with high-quality winning scores.
• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with key client stakeholders, positioning firms as ideal partners and gathering competitive intelligence.

Desirables;
• Proven ability to analyse data at a high level to assess risk and take informed commercial decision making.
• Ability to engage with professional leaders in a network and use examples of external best practice and thought leadership to improve internal strategies

Rewards & Benefits
• Competitive Salary + Bonus
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced Pension Scheme
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Flexible working
• 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
• 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 advise. Our 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.