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 Purchasing Manager, this role is responsible for managing the procurement process to ensure the timely acquisition of goods and services. This position requires a keen eye for detail, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The Purchasing Category Specialist is responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and relevant regulations. This role is crucial in optimizing costs, mitigating risks, and maintaining efficient supply chain operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Managing multiple suppliers and strategies in the raw steel & fabrication commodities.
• Conducting market research and supplier evaluations to identify potential suppliers
• Developing and implementing sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality and delivery
• Negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure favorable pricing terms
• Managing supplier relationships and performance to drive continuous improvement
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to understand sourcing needs and requirements
• Monitoring market trends and industry development to identify opportunities for movement.
• Developing cost control, change control, and parts and service support for goods and services procured
• Ensuring the resolution of CSR and STR cases in an expedited manner
• identifying and assigning cost analysis and assess impacts of supplier cost files
• LN part set-up, PDR creation, and enter approved cost changes
• LN part updates, PMO/PLM assistance/liaison to OE engineering
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• 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 EXPEREINCE:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; or relative experience
• 5 years relevant experience in procurement or supply chain
  • 8-10 years’ experience in procurement or supply chain without degree

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 compensation 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.

*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.