Future Leader Development Associate, Human Resources

Blue Bird Careers•Macon, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Future Leadership Development Program (FLDP) Associate, Human Resources is an early-career leadership role designed to accelerate the development of high-potential talent through a structured, cross-functional rotational program. The two-year program includes four six-month rotations across the associate’s functional area and at least one rotation in a different key business area. It provides hands-on experience, leadership exposure, and opportunities to solve business challenges affecting Blue Bird’s operations and strategic growth. Associates contribute to projects, collaborate across functions, and develop foundational skills for transition into full-time leadership-track roles upon program completion. Rotations include core assignments in the designated function, at least one cross-functional assignment outside the primary discipline, and exposure to plant operations and/or corporate functions as applicable. Final placement depends on performance, business need, and career alignment. In Human Resources, the associate supports initiatives in areas such as talent acquisition, onboarding, employee engagement, learning and development, talent management, and HR operations. The role also includes coordinating programs and projects, analyzing HR data and trends, partnering with HR colleagues and business leaders, and helping develop and implement HR programs, tools, and resources. Leadership development includes executive sponsorship and mentorship, rotation-specific coaching and feedback, structured training, cross-functional project work, and a capstone presentation to the Leadership Team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field.
0–2 years of professional experience or completion of a relevant internship.
Strong academic performance; preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and authorized to work in the United States; proof of employment eligibility is required at hire.
Ability to work in office and production environments, including manufacturing conditions involving heat, cold, noise, moving objects, and sheet metal.
Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment when and where required.

Nice To Haves

Prior internship experience, ideally at Blue Bird or in a relevant industry.
Interest in manufacturing, operations, or an industrial environment.

Responsibilities

Support high-impact business projects and initiatives.
Rotate across multiple functions to gain an enterprise-wide perspective.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve business challenges.
Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
Participate in structured learning, mentorship, and leadership development.
Support Human Resources initiatives across talent acquisition, onboarding, employee engagement, learning and development, talent management, and HR operations.
Coordinate and execute programs, processes, and projects that enhance employee experience and support business objectives.
Analyze HR data and trends to identify insights, support reporting, and inform workforce-related decisions.
Partner with HR team members and business leaders on organizational priorities, process improvements, and talent strategies.
Help develop, communicate, and implement HR programs, tools, and resources.
Participate in cross-functional projects that strengthen leadership capability, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness.
Complete a capstone project and present it to the Leadership Team.