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 VP, Materials Planning & Logistics, the Logistics Material Flow Inventory Optimization Engineer will develop and improve the process of moving material across all operations locations. Duties to include analyzing the flow and design ways to improve efficiency of delivery of material.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and engineer dock to point-of-use material handling process, including dock door utilization, transport method, transport path, lineside location and return path.
• Design and analyze operational solutions for transporting, delivery and storage of material for product launch, line restructuring / layout.
• Manage the Plan for Every Part (PFEP), develop plan and delivery process to point of use 
• Experience with material replenishment
• Parts line side presentation, rack, floor, kit parts analysis
• Determine warehouse and lineside storage requirements for current and new material.
• Work in conjunction with Purchasing to address supplier packaging requirements, constraints, fleet, etc.
• Work in conjunction with the Director of Materials and Logistics Manager to optimize freight cost, labor and efficiency.
• Consistently seek out opportunities for process improvement, implement changes to increase efficiency and decrease costs.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure cleanliness, organization and compliance to 5S Standards
• Maintains inventory levels to ensure deliveries occur within customer timelines
• Maintains and ensures accuracy of the perpetual inventory system
• Drive Inventory Management process.
• Ensures the movement / storage of purchased parts and finished goods are accurate and timely.
• Establish material movement, material storage and presentation standards, drive adherence and accountability.
• Develop, track and monitor Objectives / OKRs
• Performs other related duties as assigned and required to support the business

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with kitting operations/minomi concept
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong leadership abilities with excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the proven ability to fully understand customers’ requirements and effectively motivate and supervise the Materials Team.
• Proficient in warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Sound knowledge of warehouse operations, including receiving, storing, shipping procedures and inventory management
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as part of the development team
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software and software used in product testing and documentation 
• Must meet established quality and production standards
• Practice 5S Principles
• Adhere to personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Must meet established attendance policy and work overtime when required

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Engineering or Business discipline
• 5+ years of experience

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management) certification, preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work in manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, and fumes
• Fast-paced environment with moving objects, sharp edges, and congested working areas
• Will be pushing, pulling, kneeling, reaching overhead, grasping, and lifting up to 50 pounds

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 vision 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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