Purchasing Project Specialist

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.

Support various improvement/standardization initiatives. Support Sr. Purchasing Manager with Key Performance Indicator (KPI) tracking and Cost Measures Reporting. Manage Capex projects for plant expansion and capacity improvements. Ensure ongoing coordination between internal stakeholders: Purchasing, Finance, Engineering, Maintenance, Accounts Payable and Internal Controls. Department support by performing tasks including, but not limited to, Invoice Hold Report, general system maintenance tasks. Supplier negotiations, supplier quote analysis, supplier terms review, and financial modeling to represent the best fully landed cost decision for Blue Bird Purchasing.

• →Support continuous improvement projects and cost reduction efforts related to Blue Bird supply chain
• →Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency
• →Prepare timely reports and presentations to Finance and Purchasing management highlighting key financial insights
• →Maintain files and other documents to support business compliance and ISO certification
• →Research and address identified Purchasing gaps related to compliance and risk management
• →Create and track supply chain success metrics through advanced business analytics
• →Partner with project teams to ensure departmental milestones are met in a timely and accurate fashion
• →Track and report MRO Purchasing KPIs and targets for cost measures and supply agreements including but not limited to the Hold Report and Spend Under Contract.
• →Performs other duties as expected

• Ability to create and track large data sets, analyze trends, and present to track success over multiple metrics
• Ability to demonstrate intermediate to advanced level skills in MS Office application reporting tools
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present complex data to a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to prioritize and perform in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Ability to be organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal customers
• Ability to demonstrate strong project management skills in a high-intensity production environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, project management or equivalent experience required.
• 3+ years of experience working as a project specialist or project manager
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• 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.

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office environment and production environment
• Must work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold and noise
• Fast-paced production area with moving objects and sheet metal
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• You must wear appropriate PPE when and where required
• Frequent weeks working 40+ hours
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day

*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.

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