Production Manager

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 Plant Manager Fabrication or Manufacturing and Assembly, this role is responsible for safety, quality, delivery, and cost functions across multiple production departments.  The right candidate must be highly motivated and be able to lead Supervisors, Team Leaders and cross functional teams in development and implementation of plans to achieve department objectives. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise operations within the assigned area of responsibility
• Responsible to oversee a safe operation and to drive a Culture of Safety inclusive of 5S principles
• Creates a work environment where employees are energized and motivated to continuously improve value stream processes, delight our customers, and accomplish both individual and team objectives
• Enforce all principles and procedures to attain Quality in Station (QIS)
• Provide determined leadership required to drive the necessary concepts establishing our Quality Leadership Teams
• Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of new hires
• Develop, implement, and enforce operating methods and procedures designed to eliminate operating problems and improve product quality and revenue
• Responsible for achieving the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) results and subsequent performance management of all direct reports within your value stream
• Evaluate various areas of the production operation to ensure optimum safety and quality practices are in place
• Accomplishes results through leadership by communicating clear job expectations and providing the environment to attain those results
• Effectively rolls out Policy Deployment to assigned areas engaging all employees in effectively developing objectives, action plans and progress measures driving S,Q,D,C,P continuous improvement.
• Conduct lean activities such as Kaizen events to drive process improvement and cost reductions driven by a continuous improvement mindset.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Understanding of labor and machine capacity and loading to successfully plan and execute production schedule
• Knowledge of manufacturing tools and equipment
• Familiar with OSHA guidelines and standards
• Experience with lean concepts such as 5S, Gemba, Kaizen and Team Building
• Ability to create and adhere to production processes
• Understanding of support functions such as Maintenance, Tool & Die, Materials, ME & Quality
• Computer literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent organization, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and through written documentation

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelors in Business or related field OR
• 7 years’ experience in a Manufacturing Environment
• Minimum 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Lean Manufacturing Green Belt or Black Belt, preferred

WORK CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Office and manufacturing environment
• Must work in manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold and noise
• Fast paced production area with moving objects capital machine tools and sheet metal
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Frequent computer and telephone use
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day
• Travel: 0-10%

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 matching

*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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