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 Sr. VP, Lean Transformation & Quality; this role is responsible for leading a team of Chassis Manufacturing Engineers & Manufacturing Engineering Techs, who work to solve problems confronting manufacturing performance, manage our annual CapEx and safety efforts.  The Director shall assure that product designs, specifications, and labor are maximized to improve the manufacturability at the lowest cost for all products.  The Director will work within the Manufacturing Operations organization and cross functionally across the organization to meet production schedules and maximize internal and external customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the activities of the Manufacturing Engineers & Manufacturing Engineering Techs on Chassis lines
• Play a pivotal role in the establishment of launching new process for any potential future products
• Understand complexity drivers on the lines & implement tools to eliminate operator decision points
• Work closely with Design Engineering and solve chronic DFM issues as identified from quality/manufacturing
• Direct the Chassis Manufacturing Engineering group in optimizing production support, cost reduction, line presentation of material, lean manufacturing improvements, process development and corrective action support
• Assure that resources are available to provide necessary tooling, routers, labor standards, process instructions, and technical support for the timely implementation of engineering changes
• Establish accountabilities and goals for the Chassis Manufacturing Engineering group to be used in annual performance appraisals
• Hold employees and support functions accountable for achieving objectives
• Utilize fiscal responsibility in manufacturing process, equipment/tooling procurement, and project management
• Work within an ISO 9000 quality system and produce documentation acceptable to the customer
• Evaluate projects for performance, safety and reliability
• Provide technical assistance for prototype, pilot, and production support
• Review PFMEA, DVP&R, 8D analyses on product designs
• Own the capital spending manufacturing plan spending
• Participate in the budgeting process to include recommending capital improvements and preparing justification data as required
• Perform other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Analytical, balanced, dynamic, methodical approach to problem solving; good work ethic, integrity, and professional conduct
• Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Must demonstrate leadership, conflict resolution skills; assertiveness, motivational and positive attitude
• Able to develop budgets, and engage in financial planning and cost analysis by estimating production labor and equipment costs
• Excellent organizational skills and a focus on timely delivery of specified deliverables’ goals and objectives
• Good team and interpersonal skills required, along with ability to work with cross-functional teams at all levels of the organization and foster teamwork
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to organize and present ideas concisely and clearly are required
• Experience in the transition and maintenance of error proofing torque tooling.
• Experience in CapEx management (including construction management knowledge)
• Experience in process development and line balancing techniques
• Competent user of MS Office products including Project

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE

• in Engineering required (MS Engineering preferred)
• Minimum 15 years of manufacturing engineering experience required
• Minimum 5, preferably 7+ years of relevant professional leadership experience
• Past experience in Production Supervision required
• Knowledge of World Class Manufacturing(WCM) principles preferred
• PMP Certification and recognized process improvement training (Lean, Six Sigma) preferred

WORK CONDITIONS

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Office and manufacturing facility environment
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Required wearing of appropriate PPE
• Frequent computer and telephone use
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day

*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.