General Plant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

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 - bird.com .

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this position serves as the senior operations leader for Blue Bird's Main Assembly manufacturing facility.

The General Plant Manager is fully accountable for all plant operations, including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, and Continuous Improvement performance. This leader is responsible for developing and executing plant strategy, achieving operational and financial objectives, driving world-class manufacturing performance, and ensuring alignment with Blue Bird's overall business objectives.

The successful candidate will lead a cross-functional manufacturing organization, develop high-performing leaders, optimize plant performance, support product and capacity growth, and create a culture focused on safety, accountability, operational excellence, and employee engagement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews and approves adequate plans for the control of planned outputs, budget spending, labor efficiency
• Reviews performance against operating plans and standards.  Provides reports to subordinates on interpretation of results and approves changes in direction of plans.
• On occasion, presents monthly reports on performance as requested by senior leadership.
• Provides overall leadership, governance, and accountability for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People (SQDCP) performance across the Main Assembly operation.
• Defines and recommends objectives in each area of responsibility.  Develops specific short-term and long-term plans and programs, together with supporting budget requests and financial estimates.
• Lead, develop, and drive continuous improvement initiatives for SQDCP
• Reviews and approves cost control reports, cost estimates, and staffing plans.
• Coordinates and collaborates as needed with other departments of the facility in establishing and carrying out responsibilities.
• Reviews and approves the setting of budgets throughout the manufacturing Department.
• Develops plans for new areas of technology for the manufacturing functions along with sufficient planning for areas that support the mission of the Corporation within Operations.
• Reviews and approves the implementation of manufacturing and organizational plans that support the Operations Master Plan.
• Establishes objectives and procedures governing the performance of assigned activities.  Issues specific annual objectives to direct team and reviews objectives of the Operations management.
• Selects, develops, and retains high-performing leaders and succession candidates throughout the plant organization.
• Directs, monitors, and evaluates the performance of all plant functional leaders while ensuring alignment and coordination across Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials, Quality, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement functions.
• Identifies training needs, initiates development of team, recommends effective personnel action.
• Maintains appropriate communications within area of responsibility.
• Keeps employees informed as to company/department plans and progress.
• Lead workforce planning activities to ensure adequate staffing, leadership capability, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain a world-class safety culture focused on zero injuries and regulatory compliance.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Continuous Improvement initiatives to improve productivity, quality, throughput, and cost performance.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Proven ability to recruit, train, and motivate personnel in order to balance staffing strength with profitability and growth.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering, Methods Engineering, Process Engineering, and Design principles
• Strong knowledge of and history of application of Lean and Continuous Improvement principles as well as Lean Production Systems.
• Strong leadership, organizational planning, and project management skills.
• Ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation and safety.
• Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to identify and implement creative solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing budgets and capital projects.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive in identifying and implementing enhancements, staying abreast of technology trends, and driving process optimization.
• Safety Focus: Champion safety culture and ensure adherence to safety regulations and company policies. 
• Experience with team implementation and development.
• Balanced, dynamic, methodical approach; good work ethic, integrity, and professional conduct
• Proven track record leading large-scale manufacturing operations with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and workforce performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through organizational growth, operational transformation, and change management initiatives.
• Experience leading large hourly and salaried workforces within a complex manufacturing environment.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• , Engineering or Business discipline.
• A minimum of 15 years of manufacturing experience in automotive, heavy truck, commercial vehicle, bus, heavy equipment, or comparable complex assembly environments.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant leadership responsibilities.
• Heavy truck/heavy equipment/bus assembly manufacturing, preferred
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

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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