About Us
At First Bus we are passionate about connecting people and communities, shaping the future of sustainable transport. We serve millions of passengers every year, helping them get where they need to go safely, efficiently, and affordably.
Our commitment to innovation drives us to constantly evolve, adopting cleaner, greener technologies to reduce our environmental impact and support the transition to a low-carbon future. With a fleet that includes electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, we're proud to lead the way in sustainable transport solutions.
But it's not just about where we go – it's about how we get there. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it's our drivers, engineers, or customer service teams, we are dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience every step of the journey.
As a trusted partner to local authorities and communities, we work to provide reliable, inclusive services tailored to the unique needs of the areas we serve. From city commutes to rural routes, First Bus is here to help everyone travel with ease and confidence.
Join us as we drive progress and make a real difference in the lives of our passengers and the communities we serve. Together, we're moving forward.
Position Summary
Are you a talented writer with a knack for creating compelling content? Do you have a passion for shaping the future of public transportation? Join First Bus as a Proposal Editor, where you will play a pivotal role in showcasing our expertise and driving our success in securing new business opportunities.
This dynamic role combines creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking. You will manage the development of winning proposals, drafting and editing high-quality written content with support of Proposal Writers.
You will work closely with our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and stakeholders to prepare tender responses, tailoring content to individual client requirements across diverse specialisms including customer experience, sustainability, training and development, and operational excellence.
As part of our team, you'll have the chance to shape the future of sustainable transport while developing your career in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
* Managing development of winning proposals, drafting high-quality written content with support of Proposal Writers
* Preparation of tender responses, tailoring content to individual client requirements across diverse specialisms including customer experience, sustainability, training and development, and operational excellence
* Collaborating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop accurate, contractually compliant, compelling tender responses
* Liaison with graphic design resource to support written proposals with dynamic visual content
* Review and editing of proposal documents to ensure accuracy, consistency and clarity
* Peer review of responses and coaching colleagues in bid writing best practice
* Undertaking data analysis and tailored opportunity-specific research to support development of optimal solutions that meet and exceed client objectives
* Developing a deep understanding of First Bus operations and commercial activities while monitoring regional developments and industry trends
* Adhering to project timelines, highlighting any challenges to stakeholders, including Franchise Proposals Lead, Bid Directors, and SMEs
* Support post bid reviews to ensure sustainable high bid winning success through continuous development and improvement
Skills, Experience and Leadership behaviours required
Essentials
* Strong writing and editing skills, with experience in technical or bid writing
* Proven ability to distil complex concepts into clear, compelling narratives
* Motivation and desire to develop people management skills/experience
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships across diverse teams
* High proficiency with MS Office Suite
* Adept at using data and research to inform content development
* Eager to learn, innovate, and contribute to a high-performing team
Desirables
* Familiarity with the transport sector, including its challenges and opportunities
* People management experience
* Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
Behaviours
* Always care: show warmth and compassion; be fair and respectful; listen intently to others and interpret findings to support business improvements; 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 behaviours 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
What We Offer
* A hybrid work setup with flexibility to work from home and frequent travel across the UK and Ireland
* The chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects in the public transportation sector
* A collaborative team culture where innovation and integrity are valued
* Ongoing opportunities for professional growth and skill development
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.