Manager, Compliance & Analytics

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 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. 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 and optimizing the procurement process, managing projects related to purchasing activities, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement strategic procurement plans aligned with the organizations goals by collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify procurement needs and requirements.
• Lead and manage procurement-related projects from initiation to completion; ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Identify potential risks in procurement processes and implement mitigation strategies by monitoring external factors that may impact procurement activities.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to achieve cost savings by reviewing and managing contracts to ensure adherence to agreed-upon terms.
• Partners with organizations cross functional teams to ensure full compliance with all of USMCA, Buy America, and other content legislation related to state & federally funded infrastructure.
• Represents purchasing and supplier quality in periodic SOX internal and external audits to maintain compliance and proposes any potential changes to SOX narratives in support of purchasing and supplier quality.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proven leadership and the ability to develop subordinates and succession plan
• Demonstrated strong project management skills in a high intensity production environment
• Knowledge and experience in the commercial truck/automotive market
• Familiarity and ability to manage compliance with SOX, federal/state regulations, and maintain auditable processes and records
• Ability to analyze big data, analyze trends, and present to track success over multiple metrics
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to perform in high-stress, fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in MS Office applications

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:

• Bachelor degree required; MBA preferred
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience working in procurement
• Minimum of 5 years’ purchasing management experience
• PMP certification is a plus
• Automotive purchasing procurement experience preferred

WE VALUE

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance;
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters;
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex compensation 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.

*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’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.  

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.