Purchasing Category Specialist, Electrical

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

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Purchasing for EV & Electrical Systems, the Purchasing Category Specialist supports the procurement of components and materials critical to electric vehicle (EV) and electrical system production. This role assists with supplier communications, basic sourcing activities, data and pricing management, and operational purchasing tasks specific to electrical commodities such as wiring assemblies, sensors, connectors, harnesses, power distribution components, and other EV‑related electrical systems.

The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, eager to learn, technically curious, and interested in the rapidly evolving EV market. This position plays a key supporting role in securing reliable supply, maintaining cost competitiveness, and contributing to an efficient EV supply chain.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the purchasing team in managing EV/electrical suppliers across assigned categories (e.g., harnesses, connectors, sensors, inverters, electrical modules).
• Assist in conducting market research for EV‑focused electrical components, emerging technologies, and potential new suppliers.
• Help collect data and prepare analyses to support sourcing strategies related to cost, quality, delivery, and technology alignment.
• Prepare RFQs, track quotations, and support basic cost analysis activities.
• Participate in routine supplier negotiations under supervision, including price updates, delivery terms, and order confirmation.
• Maintain supplier information, cost breakdowns, technical specifications, and pricing data within internal ERP/EDI systems.
• Monitor delivery schedules and follow up on shipments to maintain continuity of supply for EV electrical components.
• Assist with EV program and project launches by coordinating purchasing tasks such as sample procurement, PPAP documentation collection, and supplier readiness checklists.
• Track supplier performance and support supplier scorecard updates (quality, delivery, responsiveness).
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and program teams to understand EV component requirements and ensure supplier alignment.
• Prepare financial comparisons and basic business case inputs to support purchasing decisions.
• Stay informed of EV industry trends, material cost shifts (e.g., copper pricing), and potential supply risks.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Foundational understanding of supply chain, purchasing, or procurement principles.
• Interest in or emerging knowledge of EV technologies, electrical systems, or automotive electrical components.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; able to manage detailed data and multiple tasks.
• Effective communication skills for supplier and internal stakeholder interaction.
• Understanding of engineering principles
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to learn technical product details and EV commodity requirements.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.
• Ability to travel 10% - 15%, as needed.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• Internship, co‑op, or academic project experience in purchasing, supply chain, project engineering in an automotive environment.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents authorized to work in the United States.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE :

• EV experience, preferred
• Familiarity with purchasing systems, ERP/EDI tools, or data analysis software.

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

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 environment and production environment
• Must work in manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold and noise
• Fast paced production area with moving objects and sheet metal
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Must wear appropriate PPE when and where required
• Frequent weeks working 40+ hours
• Some travel may be required
• 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® 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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