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
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this position serves as the senior operations leader for Blue Bird's Main Assembly manufacturing facility.
The General Plant Manager is fully accountable for all plant operations, including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, and Continuous Improvement performance. This leader is responsible for developing and executing plant strategy, achieving operational and financial objectives, driving world-class manufacturing performance, and ensuring alignment with Blue Bird's overall business objectives.
The successful candidate will lead a cross-functional manufacturing organization, develop high-performing leaders, optimize plant performance, support product and capacity growth, and create a culture focused on safety, accountability, operational excellence, and employee engagement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Reviews and approves adequate plans for the control of planned outputs, budget spending, labor efficiency
- Reviews performance against operating plans and standards. Provides reports to subordinates on interpretation of results and approves changes in direction of plans.
- On occasion, presents monthly reports on performance as requested by senior leadership.
- Provides overall leadership, governance, and accountability for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People (SQDCP) performance across the Main Assembly operation.
- Defines and recommends objectives in each area of responsibility. Develops specific short-term and long-term plans and programs, together with supporting budget requests and financial estimates.
- Lead, develop, and drive continuous improvement initiatives for SQDCP
- Reviews and approves cost control reports, cost estimates, and staffing plans.
- Coordinates and collaborates as needed with other departments of the facility in establishing and carrying out responsibilities.
- Reviews and approves the setting of budgets throughout the manufacturing Department.
- Develops plans for new areas of technology for the manufacturing functions along with sufficient planning for areas that support the mission of the Corporation within Operations.
- Reviews and approves the implementation of manufacturing and organizational plans that support the Operations Master Plan.
- Establishes objectives and procedures governing the performance of assigned activities. Issues specific annual objectives to direct team and reviews objectives of the Operations management.
- Selects, develops, and retains high-performing leaders and succession candidates throughout the plant organization.
- Directs, monitors, and evaluates the performance of all plant functional leaders while ensuring alignment and coordination across Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials, Quality, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement functions.
- Identifies training needs, initiates development of team, recommends effective personnel action.
- Maintains appropriate communications within area of responsibility.
- Keeps employees informed as to company/department plans and progress.
- Lead workforce planning activities to ensure adequate staffing, leadership capability, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness.
- Establish and maintain a world-class safety culture focused on zero injuries and regulatory compliance.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Continuous Improvement initiatives to improve productivity, quality, throughput, and cost performance.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS
- Proven ability to recruit, train, and motivate personnel in order to balance staffing strength with profitability and growth.
- Knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering, Methods Engineering, Process Engineering, and Design principles
- Strong knowledge of and history of application of Lean and Continuous Improvement principles as well as Lean Production Systems.
- Strong leadership, organizational planning, and project management skills.
- Ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation and safety.
- Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to identify and implement creative solutions.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and managing budgets and capital projects.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive in identifying and implementing enhancements, staying abreast of technology trends, and driving process optimization.
- Safety Focus: Champion safety culture and ensure adherence to safety regulations and company policies.
- Experience with team implementation and development.
- Balanced, dynamic, methodical approach; good work ethic, integrity, and professional conduct
- Proven track record leading large-scale manufacturing operations with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and workforce performance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through organizational growth, operational transformation, and change management initiatives.
- Experience leading large hourly and salaried workforces within a complex manufacturing environment.
BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- , Engineering or Business discipline.
- A minimum of 15 years of manufacturing experience in automotive, heavy truck, commercial vehicle, bus, heavy equipment, or comparable complex assembly environments.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant leadership responsibilities.
- Heavy truck/heavy equipment/bus assembly manufacturing, preferred
- All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
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 that 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. Experience Required progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant leadership responsibilities. manufacturing experience in automotive, heavy truck, commercial vehicle, bus, heavy equipment, or comparable complex assembly environments. 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
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business (or better)
- Minimum 15 years manufacturing experience in automotive, heavy truck, commercial vehicle, bus, heavy equipment, or comparable complex assembly environments
- Minimum 10 years progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant leadership responsibilities
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident; authorized to work in the United States and provide proof of eligibility at hire
- Proven ability to recruit, train, and motivate personnel; lead large hourly and salaried workforces
- Strong knowledge and history of applying Lean and Continuous Improvement principles and Lean Production Systems
- Knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering, Methods Engineering, Process Engineering, and design principles
- Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets and capital projects; cost control
- Experience driving safety culture, regulatory compliance, and zero-injury focus
- Experience leading organizational growth, operational transformation, and change management
- Heavy truck/heavy equipment/bus assembly manufacturing experience
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.
