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

The HR Project Portfolio Manager will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, execution, and delivery of core HR projects within our organization. This role requires a blend of strong leadership, project management skills, the ability to influence key stakeholders, and a deep understanding of Agile principles to drive efficiency, collaboration, and innovation within the HR function.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with HR leadership and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive project portfolio aligned with organizational goals and HR priorities
• Project Oversight: Lead the end-to-end management of HR projects, in partnership with product owners, from initiation to closure, ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Agile Implementation: Champion Agile principles and methodologies within the HR project portfolio, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean practices, to foster continuous improvement, flexibility, and adaptability
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster strong partnerships with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Learning and Development, and other key stakeholders to facilitate seamless project execution and drive positive business outcomes
• Resource Management: Effectively allocate resources, including personnel, budget, and technology to support the successful execution of HR projects and initiative
• Risk Management: Proactively identify risks and issues within the project portfolio, develop mitigation strategies, and escalate as needed to ensure timely resolution
• Performance Measurement: Establish KPIs and metrics to track project progress, measure success, and provide regular updates to senior leadership and stakeholders
• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the HR project portfolio by conducting retrospectives, implementing lessons learned, and refining processes to optimize efficiency and effectiveness
• Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of HR project managers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment
• Develop and deploy and provide thought leadership for effective internal & external communication strategies, social media branding and community engagement outreach activities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proven track record of delivering projects on time and on budget
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of best-in-class practices
• Able to lead, plan, prioritize, organize, and coordinate work with and through others
• Strong experience in project management, project strategy development, contract management, and internal auditing
• Results driven, highly detail oriented
• Proven track record of interpreting the complex relationships of policies, contractual requirements and the legal/regulatory aspects to establish and implement effective project strategies
• Demonstrated business acumen, communication skills, and relationship management.
• Hands on work ethic with results focus is required
• Proficient leveraging multiple ERPs, Power BI, and Microsoft Office Suites
• Ability to travel up to 25%

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field; Master’s degree preferred
• 8+ years of experience in project management, with at least 3 years of experience managing HR projects or portfolios
• Proven track record of successfully implementing Agile methodologies in HR or related functions
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or other relevant certifications are a plus

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 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’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.

#LI-Onsite