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 www.blue-bird.com.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the Senior Purchasing Category Specialist 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 Senior 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 FAB team.
• 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
• Experience in FAB, steel and metals purchasing.
• 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 REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or Finance
• Minimum of 5+ years of purchasing/procurement experience
• 7 years equivalent experience without a degree

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or Finance preferred

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.

INCLUDES

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and eye insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k with match

*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.

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.

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