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 Director of Materials, this role is responsible for managing the daily operations of the materials department, ensuring efficient and timely procurement, storage, and distribution of materials. This role involves coordinating with various departments, maintaining inventory levels, and implementing best practices to optimize material flow and reduce costs. The supervisor will lead a team of materials handlers, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations to ensure high productivity and adherence to safety standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the materials team, including scheduling, training, and performance management
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels, ensuring timely and accurate replenishment of materials
• Collaborate with purchasing, production, and quality control departments to ensure material availability and resolve any discrepancies
• Implement and maintain inventory management systems and processes to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Conduct regular audits of inventory to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
• Develop and enforce safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all team members
• Analyze material usage patterns and trends to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement
• Prepare and present reports on material status, inventory levels, and department performance to senior management
• Perform other related job duties

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Strong background in Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) strategies and Quality Assurance (QA) initiatives
• Strong knowledge of inventory management systems and software, specifically ISO 9000
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications
• Familiarity with safety regulations and best practices in materials handling

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 3 years’ supervisory experience in operational setting
• Experience in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

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
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day

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.  

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