Value Stream Leader

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 Plant Manager, this role is responsible for safety, quality, delivery, and cost functions across multiple production departments. The right candidate must be highly motivated and be able to lead Front Line Leaders and cross functional teams in development and implementation of plans to achieve department objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages multiple cross functional teams made up of Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, & manufacturing engineering, quality and material leaders leading 150+ production hourly associates
• Creates a work environment where employees are energized and motivated to continuously improve value stream processes, delight our customers, and accomplish both individual and team objectives
• Establish safe work place environment. This includes verification and enforcement that direct reports follow company safety and environmental policies.
• Establish and maintain 5S techniques and housekeeping objectives within the assigned areas of responsibility
• Using daily management metrics and control charts, conduct fact-based analysis of current state and drive improvements within the value stream's S, Q, D, C, P areas
• Responsible for achieving the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) results and subsequent performance management of all direct reports within your value stream
• Taking ownership of all operational aspects of their assigned areas, the VSL Champions team building, engagement, and process ownership within their respective business area
• Support and, as needed, effectively communicate to associates all management decisions and company policies.
• Effectively rolls out Policy Deployment to assigned areas engaging all employees in effectively developing objectives, action plans and progress measures driving S,Q,D,C,P continuous improvement.
• Develops annual budget to support operational objectives.
• Charts area departments performances on communication boards and review with area at established required efficiency.
• Develop Front Line Leaders into effective leaders to include providing verbal and written feedback on performance (positive or negative) in a constructive manner.
• Conduct lean activities such as Kaizen events to drive process improvement and cost reductions driven by a continuous improvement mindset.
• Holds scheduled stand up team meetings and leads Gemba events within their business area
• Perform other relate duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to understand and follow written/verbal instructions, then, effectively communicate to others.
• Working knowledge of "lean manufacturing" and capabilities to apply principles
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Business preferred
• 4 years of supervisory experience within a manufacturing setting
• Minimum 10 years relevant experience

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Spend 70% on production floor
• Work in manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, and fumes
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Fast-paced environment with moving objects, sharp edges, and congested working areas

*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.