About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.
JOB SUMMARY
Blue Bird Corporation is seeking an experienced and business-minded Associate General Counsel to support the Company’s legal strategy and operations at the holding company and across all operating subsidiaries. This role will partner closely with senior leadership to provide legal guidance across corporate, commercial, regulatory, and compliance matters in a dynamic manufacturing and transportation environment. This role will focus primarily on transactional assignments and projects but may be called upon to assist in litigation-related activities as necessary. As appropriate, this individual may be called upon to serve as lead counsel to certain assigned business units within the enterprise.
The Associate General Counsel will play a key role in managing legal risk, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to public company operations, government contracts, and environmental standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Commercial & Operational Support
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including:
- Supplier and vendor agreements
- Dealer and distribution contracts
- Fleet sales and customer agreements
- Partner with procurement, sales, and operations teams to enable business objectives while mitigating risk
Corporate & Securities
- Support corporate governance activities, including Board and committee materials
- Assist with public company reporting obligations (SEC filings, earnings disclosures, etc.)
- Advise on securities law compliance, insider trading policies, and corporate policies
Strategic Initiatives
- Support M&A, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships
- Advise on new business initiatives, including electrification and alternative fuel programs
- Identify legal risks and propose practical, business-oriented solutions
Regulatory & Compliance
- Provide guidance on regulatory matters relevant to the automotive and manufacturing sectors, including:
- DOT/NHTSA regulations
- Environmental compliance (EPA, emissions standards)
- Safety and product compliance requirements
- Help develop, implement, and maintain corporate compliance programs
Litigation & Risk Management
- Manage and oversee litigation, including product liability, commercial disputes, and employment matters
- Coordinate with outside counsel and manage legal spend effectively
- Support internal investigations and dispute resolution
Employment & Labor
- Provide legal advice on employment law matters, including:
- Employee relations
- Workplace policies
- Compliance with federal and state labor laws
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS
- Strong experience in commercial contracts and corporate law
- Excellent judgment, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Business-oriented mindset with pragmatic approach to risk
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong negotiation and drafting skills
- High level of integrity and professionalism
- Collaborative team player with executive presence
BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
- 6–10+ years of relevant legal experience (law firm and/or in-house)
- All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience with public companies and SEC reporting
- Background in manufacturing, automotive, industrial, or transportation sectors
- Familiarity with regulatory bodies (DOT, NHTSA, EPA)
- Experience in complex M&A transactions involving public companies
WE VALUE
- Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
- Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
- Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
- Ability to influence stakeholders
- Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
- Flexible workspaces and work hours to help you unleash the best you.
- Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.
INCLUDES
- Continued Professional Development
- Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching
*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Blue Bird® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings. Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms.
All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.
LI-Onsite
Qualifications Education Required Bachelors or better. Doctorate or better. Experience Required Relevant legal experience (law firm and/or in-house) Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
- 6-10+ years of relevant legal experience (law firm and/or in-house)
- Authorized to work in the United States; must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Experience with public companies and SEC reporting
- Background in manufacturing, automotive, industrial, or transportation sectors
- Familiarity with DOT, NHTSA, and EPA regulatory frameworks
- Experience in complex M&A transactions involving public companies
Blue Bird Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Blue Bird and has not been reviewed or approved by Blue Bird.
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Pay Growth & Progression — The 2024 collective bargaining agreement delivered meaningful wage increases for covered hourly employees, with larger boosts at the lowest pay bands. Subsequent contractual provisions point to a structurally improved earnings path for many production roles.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Overtime availability and profit sharing lift overall earnings potential, particularly in production settings. The contract formalized profit sharing and added financial provisions that enhance variable pay.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with Roth option and an employer match is offered, and the union agreement introduced a defined‑contribution retirement plan for covered workers. Company materials indicate employer contributions are part of the total rewards package.
Blue Bird Insights
What We Do
About Us Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. Since 1927, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,600 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of Dealers and Parts & Service facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Our Promise We are singularly focused on building and selling school buses that customers want and value. The safety of schoolchildren is at the center of all that we do and we will strive every day, just as we have since our beginning in 1927, to provide an unparalleled and affordable product in terms of safety, quality, durability, and serviceability. We will be easy to do business with, responsive to our customers' wants and needs, and provide prompt after-sale support in parts and service through a professional, high-qualified distribution network. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. What We Stand For We come to work every day with one common goal, to design, build, sell and service the world's finest school bus. That's what we do - no distractions, no competing priorities. We are heirs to a rich legacy, one of listening to our customers, embracing their needs, and delivering innovations that lead the market. We commit ourselves to four driving priorities - safety, quality, durability, and serviceability. We embody the interests of every child that rides us, every driver that drives us, every service technician that services us and every district that buys us. More than a business, this work is our heritage, and we have been at it since 1927 - that's purpose driven.
