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 VP, Purchasing, this role is responsible for overseeing the entire supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) and electrical commodities, leading contract negotiations to secure competitive pricing, favorable payment terms, and optimal lead-times to align with corporate goals and annual operating plans. This role will also evaluate and select strategic partners for both legacy and next-generation products; while managing a team of buyers responsible for the global supply chain of critical electrical and component commodities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Select and develop a global supply base to ensure a robust and healthy EV supply chain
• Lead cost control initiatives, change management, and parts and service support
• Plan and execute aggressive cost reduction targets to meet financial objectives
• Collaborate to implement design for manufacturing improvements, reduce rework and defects, and enhance assembly efficiency
• Manage the EV commodity and supply chain strategy, including:
  • Analyzing the supply chain to optimize part delivery and logistics, minimizing downtime
  • Identifying new business opportunities through market analysis and segment gap identification
  • Securing key EV partners and suppliers through detailed analysis and alignment with business objectives
• Develop the Blue Bird EV ecosystem from initial EV assessment through end of life, supporting customer needs
• Establish partnerships with industry-leading EV infrastructure provider
  • Develop and refine requirements for next-generation EV systems
  • Serve as the primary contact with lobbyists for Federal and State EV legislation
  • Collaborate directly with the EPA to structure the Clean School Bus Program within the IIJA Bill.
  • Represent Blue Bird on the World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Manufacturing and Supply Chain Steering Committee.
  • Work with local, state, and national officials to promote the transition of school bus fleets to electric vehicles.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Proven track record of delivering savings and other value as an individual or team leader
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of best-in-class procurement practices
• Able to lead, plan, prioritize, organize, and coordinate work with and through others
• Demonstrates leadership in a global environment with internal customers and suppliers
• Experience leading Purchasing team
• Strong experience in project management, sourcing strategy development, contract negotiations, supplier relationship management, cost modeling, vendor auditing, and budget management
• Results driven, highly detail oriented
• Proven track record of interpreting the complex relationships of policies, contractual requirements and the legal/regulatory aspects of the supply chain to establish and implement effective negotiation strategies
• Demonstrated business acumen, communication skills, and relationship management
• Hands on work ethic with results focus is required
• Proficient leveraging multiple ERPs, Power BI, and Microsoft Office Suites
• Ability to travel up to 30%

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering or other relevant field
• Minimum 8 years progressive experience in procurement roles with minimum 4 years in a direct procurement role in a global organization with complex, global contracts

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Certified Professional in Supply Management

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 eye insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k with match

Blue Bird’s winning culture is fueled by our ability to respect, encourage, celebrate and embrace the unique perspectives of all of our employees.  We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer who is committed to providing all of our employees with a work environment free of discrimination or harassment.  We base our employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, national, social or ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, past or present military service, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.  

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