Program 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 Program Manager or VP of Program Management, this role provides critical operational support for major program offerings to ensure business objectives are met. Key objectives include assisting with project planning, tracking the completion of required deliverables, and supporting regular status updates for project sponsors and senior management. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Project Teams: Assist in the daily coordination of project activities using Microsoft Project and action item trackers to ensure the team remains on task.
• Plan Maintenance: Help develop and maintain project schedules, timing plans, and basic budgets under the direction of senior leadership.
• Documentation Management: Assist in drafting Statements of Work (SOW) and maintain centralized archives for all project documentation, including meeting minutes and key milestones.
• Deliverable Tracking: Monitor project task progress and follow up with team members to ensure adherence to the Product Development System (PDS).
• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare draft status reports and presentation materials for "Gate Reviews" and other management update meetings.
• Resource Coordination: Help identify and track resource needs across functional areas to support successful project completion.
• Process Improvement: Review internal documents for clarity and support efforts to streamline team communication and reporting processes.
• Perform other related administrative and project-based duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Foundational Project Management: Basic understanding of project management principles, including the ability to track timelines and budgets.
• Soft Skills: Strong organizational, time-management, and written/verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively within a team.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) required; exposure to Microsoft Project, Power BI, or SharePoint is a plus.
• Detail Oriented: High level of accuracy in data entry and document management.
• Self-Motivated: Has the passion to be curious seek knowledge by themselves. Has the foresight to be willing to think ahead and problem solve. Proactive in acquiring new skills.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business-related field required 
• 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

• Internship Experience: Prior internship or 1 year of experience in a project-oriented or administrative role.
• Certification: Interest in or progress toward a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or similar entry-level credential.
• Technical Interest: Technical or engineering background with an interest in product development. 

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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