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 Chief Human Resource Officer, this role is responsible for delivering Human Resource strategy and execution to the professional Blue Bird team with a focus on Organizational Development and Learning. This role serves as a trusted advisor and partner to business leaders across the client group in conjunction with the Centers of Expertise.  This individual must demonstrate working knowledge of employee relations, HR process management, risk management and other recognized human resources competencies as well as a deep understanding of leadership and professional development actions.

The right leader will positively influence culture by growing, developing and retaining talent for today and the future.  This leader will need to build strong internal networks and drive change management, communication and leadership of Enterprise initiatives.  This role provides counsel, guidance and tools to managers and senior leadership as a best-practices in communicating with employees to elevate productivity, performance and pride.

With a focus on the Three Blue Bird Foundational Objectives:  Take Care of Employees: Delight Customers & Dealers : Deliver Profitable Growth, this role will spend time assessing Blue Bird’s culture, identifying problems in areas such as communication, teamwork, facility hygiene, and recognition, and partner with key leaders to develop and execute strategies to address improvement opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs human resources programs to ensure initiatives are effective, efficient, and aligned to overall business objectives.
• Directs a team of HR professionals (Generalists, and Coordinators) to support HR initiatives for the business including change management, leader effectiveness, organizational development, corporate communications and employee engagement at the Enterprise level.
• Advises business leaders and oversees employee relations concerns to include performance management, discipline and terminations as well as employee development, organizational development and Learning.
• Provides direction, counsel/coaching and analytics that enable leaders to make sound talent decisions, promote employee engagement and positive employee relations.
• Engages with business leaders and maintains business acumen to be aware of HR needs across the business and provide inputs to the strategic planning process.
• Provides consultation to business and employees on all aspects of human resources strategy and policy.
• Builds relationships with business leaders, managers, and across the larger HR team to drive successful people strategies and programs.
• Identifies key development needs and develops project plans and successful solutions to close identified gaps.
• Coaches Manager’s on the creation and short and long-term goals and ensure these are cascaded through the organization.
• Partners with key leaders on critical, strategic hires.
• Acts as a consultative resource, active member, and a trusted advisor to the organization.
• Assures that HR is conducted in accordance within applicable laws and regulations; takes lead roles in corrective action necessary to restore conformity with ethical and compliance standards; serves as role model and actively fosters employee awareness of and commitment to Blue Bird ethical standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Effective program management skills, including planning & organization.
• Independent, well-organized, self-starter.
• Creativity and imagination in developing effective initiatives and strategies.
• Proficiency and strong command with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and effective writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt efficiently to change in a very fast paced environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related area of study
• 7+ years of experience as an HR Generalist plus
• 3+ years of experience in the area of Organization Development, Employee Engagement, Program Management, or Learning
• Experience delivering programs in an industrial manufacturing setting

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.

*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.

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