Bid Manager

We’re looking for an experienced Bid Manager ready to lead high-stakes, $100M+ government transport contracts that help shape the future of public mobility in Australia. This isn’t just about managing tenders; it’s your opportunity to lead major bids and fuel growth at Busways – the largest Australian bus operator and leading bus specialist.

As our Bid Manager, you will play a pivotal role in our Bid Team, producing competitive, compliant, and compelling submissions that win critical contracts and reflect Busways’ core values. You will work closely with our Leadership team and other SME’s to design winning strategies, all while leveraging cutting-edge AI bid technology through the industry-leading AutogenAI platform to deliver smarter, faster, and more impactful bids.

You’ll play a key role in driving Busways’ growth strategy by securing long-term contracts that expand our presence into new states and position us as the Australian-owned, first-choice provider for state governments.

If you thrive on complexity, can work in an agile environment and want to make a tangible difference to transport services across Australia, we’d love to hear from you.

More About the Role

This is a commercially strategic role where you will own and lead the end-to-end bid process for state-shaping transport contracts. You’ll work at the intersection of commercial strategy, operations, and government engagement by delivering competitive, compliant, and compelling proposals that protect our commercial interests and help us continue to be Australia’s largest and most experienced privately owned bus operator.

Your impact will include, but is not limited to:

- Driving the full bid lifecycle, from opportunity identification, tender preparation to post-tender activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard.
- Coordinating cross-functional teams and facilitating productive meetings to align strategy, technical inputs, pricing, and commercial requirements.
- Crafting clear, persuasive tender responses that integrate technical, commercial, and financial components to deliver winning strategies.
- Collaborating with the commercial team to shape competitive pricing while managing risk and contractual compliance.
- Acting as a primary point of contact for all bid communications with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies such as Transport for NSW.
- Leading post-submission clarifications, supporting negotiations, and conducting debriefs to drive continuous improvement.
- Coaching and developing team members to strengthen our bid capability and performance.
- Harnessing AutogenAI, an advanced AI tool that accelerates and enhances bid development, together with Microsoft Office, to create compelling, high-impact submissions.

About Busways

Busways is the largest Australian-owned bus operator and the most experienced Australian bus specialist, delivering quality transport services since 1942. As the first choice for real-world public transport solutions that keep communities moving, Busways operates public bus services on behalf of state governments in Australia.

Our 2,800-strong team manages 20 depots and 1,350 buses, operating 73 million trip kilometres and 47 million bus journeys annually. Focused on delivering a seamless passenger network today and driving an integrated transition for a zero-emission future, we are committed to dependable, intelligent services that continuously improve and evolve to meet community needs.

What Does a Successful Candidate Look Like?

We’re seeking a strategic, experienced professional with a proven track record in managing large-scale tendering and bid projects. You will excel at leading the end-to-end process, keeping all stakeholders aligned and accountable through strong communication and effective collaboration.

Key Requirements:

- Minimum 3+ years of experience in a bid management or tendering role.
- Demonstrated success leading teams, managing stakeholders, and delivering high-quality bid submissions.
- Experience in responding to complex and detailed RFP requirements, preferably in the transport / government context.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Exceptional attention to detail, strong organisational and project management skills.
- Proven leadership capability, including coaching and developing others to build team capability and ability to influence and manage senior leaders.
- Creative thinking and proactive problem-solving abilities.
- Strong initiative and professionalism, with the ability to handle complex and confidential matters.
- Australian Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or unrestricted working rights in Australia.

Highly Regarded:

- Previous experience in the public transport sector, particularly working with high-level government stakeholders.
- Familiarity with AI-powered tools or platforms (such as AutogenAI) to enhance bid development and delivery.

Why Join Us?

At Busways, we don’t just transport people – we care about every part of the journey. You’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative team in a modern office environment with great benefits, including:

- Career growth opportunities with higher duties, leadership exposure, and high-profile projects.
- Direct access to senior executives influencing major commercial decisions.
- Flexible work – up to 2 working from home days + flexible start/finish times.
- A supportive team culture with regular lunches and social events.
- Employee Referral Program – generous cash bonuses.
- Salary packaging & novated leasing via trusted partners.
- Modern offices with communal kitchen, outdoor space, fresh fruit & quality coffee.
- Free secure on-site parking.
- Free staff shuttle from Central Coast & Blacktown.
- Fitness Passport – discounted access to gyms & pools across NSW.
- Confidential support via Telus Health’s Employee Assistance Program.
- Office Lunch Club – quality discounted meals made easy.

Busways is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, with a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from all individuals, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those from diverse social, cultural, and gender backgrounds.

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