Sr. Purchasing Manager

Blue Bird Corporation has been designing, building, selling, and servicing the world's finest school bus since 1927.  We have grown to become a billion-dollar school bus manufacturer headquartered in Macon, GA with manufacturing facilities located just 30 minutes south in Fort Valley, GA. 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Manager of Purchasing reports to the Executive Director, Purchasing.  In this role, the Senior Manager, Purchasing is responsible for managing the Powertrain Category. This includes leading the Blue Bird Detroit Purchasing satellite office and ensures the continued development of Blue Birds current/future strategic partnerships.  Creates and implements complex powertrain strategies to optimize business efficiency and minimize the Total Cost of Ownership of the goods and services within the category/commodity, and maximize sales.  Engages with Blue Birds strategic partners to navigate complex CARB & EPA regulations to ensure solid powertrain mix/availability, timely launch, and TCO.

This role leads a team of category specialists to pursue strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contracting, performance, and risk management to exceed Blue Birds targets. Works with supply base on VA/VE projects to pursue targets such as price, availability, technology, and delivery schedule that is consistent with getting the highest quality goods at the lowest possible cost to the company. Estimates the values according to knowledge of market price and raw material trends.  Reviews bid proposals and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority. Effectively manages supply constraints and capacity analytics to ensure supplier recovery and diverse supply chain. Maintains manual or computerized procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and supply agreements.  Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, suppliers, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Leads Blue Bird’s satellite purchasing office with reporting category managers
• Develops and manages the entire powertrain supply base
• Negotiates strong long-term partnership agreements with strategic suppliers to exceed Blue Birds long term cost targets.
• Strategically/tactically ensures Blue Birds supply chain by navigating the future diesel, gas, and propane powertrain legislation.
• Leads all powertrain negotiations to drive fully landed cost reductions, mitigate increases drive, manage changes, and parts and service support
• Ensures supplier capacity and timely supply at the agreed lead times from each supplier.
• Drives Long term leadership development of powertrain category specialists
• Supports, implementations, and administers all supply agreements
• Ensures all contract administration procedures are followed and executed in a professional manner
• Resolves CSR and STR cases in an expedited manner
• Performs cost analysis and assess impacts of supplier cost files
• Assists in purchasing administrative duties (examples, however, not an all-inclusive list below):
  • LN part set-up, PDR creation, and enter approved cost changes
  • LN part updates, PMO/PLM assistance/liaison to OE engineering

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Situational Leadership and the ability to develop subordinates and succession plans
• Knowledge of the commercial truck/automotive market
• Ability to accomplish basic financial analysis, supplier selection, and approval
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to perform in high-stress, fast-paced environment
• Working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased
• Proficiency in MS Office applications

 EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:

• Bachelor degree or equivalent experience required; MBA preferred
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience working in purchasing/procurement
• Purchasing Management experience required
• Automotive purchasing experience preferred

EOE/AA/Disabled/Veterans

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law. 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.