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 to the Chief Operating Officer, this position is responsible for the daily operations of a fabrication facility, ensuring efficient production, quality control, and adherence to safety standards. In addition, this position will lead the development and implementation strategic future growth strategic plans including the facility’s lean transformation. The successful candidate will lead the Fabrication Plant Team in the development of operational plans based upon corporate vision and goals, to achieve all operational objectives related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost & People (SQDCP). Key responsibilities include personnel management, production planning, quality assurance, and budget management.
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.
- Responsible to prepare all SQDCP progress measures and activities in format readily available to review with executive leadership team
- Develops roll out plans of corporate operations policy within the manufacturing departments.
- 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.
- Reviews and approves cost control reports, cost estimates, and staffing plans.
- Coordinates and collaborates as needed, with other Blue Bird business areas of the corporation in establishing and carrying out responsibilities.
- Reviews and approves the setting of budgets throughout the fabrication business.
- Develops plans for new areas of technology for the Fabrication 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 and maintains qualified personnel in all positions reporting directly to the Fabrication Plant Manager.
- Directs, monitors, and appraises the performance of facility and provides the necessary coordination between activities.
- Identifies training needs, initiates development of teams and team members, recommends effective personnel action.
- Maintains appropriate communications within area of responsibility.
- Keeps employees informed as to company/department plans and progress.
- Coordinates activities as needed with those of other company organizations. Seeks mutual agreement on problems involving coordination.
- Consults with all segments of management responsible for policy or action. Ensures compliance within area of responsibility.
- Reviews and endorses or revises budget proposals received from direct reports. Submits budgets for assigned activities in accordance with the budget procedure. Approves budget expenses up to authorized dollar amounts.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS
- Proven ability to recruit, train, and motivate personnel in order to balance staffing strength with profitability and growth.
- Strong knowledge of and history of implementation 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.
- Clear evidence of team building and development
- Balanced, dynamic, methodical approach; good work ethic, integrity, and professional conduct
BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelors of Science Engineering or Business discipline.
- A minimum of 10 years in a manufacturing leadership position, with a history of increasing responsibilities within production operations and engineering
- Metal fabrication operations experience, 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 Experience in a manufacturing leadership position, with a history of increasing responsibilities within production operations and engineering. 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
- Bachelors of Science Engineering or Business discipline
- A minimum of 10 years in a manufacturing leadership position
- Metal fabrication operations experience, preferred
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.
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