Buyer, MRO

About Blue Bird Corporation  

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 Senior Manager, Purchasing, the Buyer, MRO coordinates and supports procurement and distribution activities for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) goods, building maintenance, tools, and indirect services supporting the Thunderbird program and Troy operations. This role focuses on streamlining procurement methods, managing the end-to-end purchase order (PO) lifecycle, and resolving invoice discrepancies. 

The successful candidate will lead sourcing activities, evaluate bid proposals, negotiate commercial terms, and collaborate with legal to finalize vendor agreements. This role also serves as the procurement Super User for indirect commodities, monitors tool crib and logistics activity, and drives continuous process improvements across multiple departments to support production timelines. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Purchase Order Management: Execute, convert, and manage PO revisions utilizing LN and B-BOND systems; expedite deliveries to ensure critical project and production timelines are met. 
• Contract Administration: Implement and oversee contracts for indirect goods and services, ensuring all administration procedures are executed accurately and in a timely manner. 
• Supplier Lifecycle Management: Process new supplier onboarding requests, evaluate vendor performance, and leverage strong supplier relationships to drive cost-savings initiatives. 
• Inventory & Logistics Oversight: Monitor tool crib and logistics activity to ensure optimal stock levels of critical operational and maintenance supplies. 
• Financial & Pricing Verification: Review incoming bid proposals, verify pricing on indirect purchases, and resolve invoice price discrepancies directly with accounting and vendors. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the internal Super User for indirect commodities, partnering with multiple internal departments to spearhead procurement process improvements. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS 

• Analytical Aptitude: Ability to perform basic financial and data analysis to identify cost-reduction opportunities. 
• Communication & Partnership: Strong written and verbal communication skills to maintain alignment between suppliers and internal business units. 
• Execution & Agility: Proven ability to multitask, prioritize urgent requests, and thrive in a fast-paced industrial environment. 
• Sourcing Excellence: Capability to effectively evaluate, select, negotiate with, and approve qualified MRO vendors. 
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data tracking) and modern enterprise procurement platforms. 

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 

• Bachelor degree in Supply Chain or Business Related field, required 
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in purchasing, materials management, planning, or an indirect procurement role. 
• 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. 

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE 

• Previous experience with LN, preferred 
• Prior experience managing contract negotiations and vendor service level agreements, 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.  
• 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 with match 

*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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