Position Title: Proposal Specialist
Reports to: Franchise Proposal Lead
Location: Hybrid, with frequent travel across the U.K.
Salary: Competitive
Position Summary
The Proposal Specialist will support First Bus commercial objectives by contributing to the co-ordination, creation and delivery of responses to Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), Invitations to Tender (ITTs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and other client-related requests across transport franchising opportunities.
You will play a key role in demonstrating the breadth of First Bus' customer, people, operational and commercial expertise. Your development of compelling content and quantitative evidence will help ensure we are seen as the partner of choice in franchised network delivery and result in market leading quality scores.
Acting with integrity, they will role model First Bus values and behaviors (‘Our Way') in all interactions, and through effective leadership and stakeholder management, they will ensure the needs of local authorities, investors, customers, partners, and colleagues are met.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
* Assisting Franchise Proposal Lead with the preparation and finalisation of Delivery Plan responses, tailoring content to individual client requirements across diverse specialisms including customer experience, training and development, network design, vehicle maintenance, sustainability, and operational excellence
* Collaborating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop accurate, detailed, compelling tender responses
* Undertaking data analysis and tailored franchise-specific research to support development of optimal solutions that meet and exceed client objectives
* Developing and maintaining content within First Bus' quantitative and qualitative evidence base
* Adhering to project timelines, highlighting any challenges to stakeholders, including Franchise Bidding Director, and SMEs
* Reviewing and editing proposal documents to ensure accuracy, consistency and clarity
* Developing a deep understanding of First Bus operations and commercial activities while monitoring regional developments and industry trends
* Demonstrate understanding of bid requirements to help develop bid strategy
* Support the bid team to conduct post bid reviews to ensure sustainable high bid winning success through continuous development and improvement
Skills, Experience and Leadership behaviors required
Skills / Experience
* Editorial and technical writing skills
* Assimilating and interpreting information quickly, and conveying it clearly and succinctly
* Previous experience in bid writing desirable
* Proficient with MS Office Suite required, experience of Adobe Creative Suite desirable
* Experience collaborating with stakeholders across disciplines
* Strong interpersonal skills and aptitude to develop positive relationships with a range of people
* Detail orientated, tenacious and resilient, with the capability to remain calm and work effectively under pressure
* Time management and capability to deliver to deadlines and plan project output delivery
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage with senior leaders both internally and externally.
* Advanced IT skills with proficiency in all Microsoft packages.
Behaviors (“our Way”)
* Always care: show warmth and compassion; be fair and respectful; listen intently to others and interpret findings to support business improvement; always think about your customer
* Do what's right: have a can-do attitude; be open and explain the “why”; do what you say you will; do the best you can, every chance you get; challenge behaviors when necessary across all levels of the business
* Succeed together: work across teams and learn from each other; be supportive of other views and ideas; offer up your knowledge and experience; recognise others; share everyday successes
* Shape the future: see possibilities, not problems; explore ideas big and small; be considerate of others when making decisions; never stop learning and improving
Key Performance Indicators
* Bid quality score average position
* Client feedback
* Bid Director satisfaction
Rewards & Benefits
* 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
* 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
* Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
* Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
* Flexible working
We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.
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.