Future Leader Development Associate, Human Resources

Blue Bird Corporation•Macon, GA

4d•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 one rotation in another key business area, providing hands-on experience, leadership exposure, and opportunities to address business challenges affecting Blue Bird’s operations and strategic growth. Associates contribute from day one by supporting projects, collaborating across functions, and developing foundational skills for transition into full-time leadership-track roles upon completion. Rotations include core assignments in the designated function, at least one cross-functional rotation, and exposure to plant operations and/or corporate functions as applicable. Final placement depends on performance, business needs, and career alignment. In Human Resources, the associate supports initiatives in talent acquisition, onboarding, employee engagement, learning and development, talent management, and HR operations. The role also includes coordinating programs and projects, analyzing HR data, partnering with HR colleagues and business leaders, contributing to HR programs and resources, and participating in projects that advance leadership capability, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness. The development program includes executive sponsorship and mentorship, rotation-specific coaching and performance feedback, structured leadership training, cross-functional project work, and a capstone project presented 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.
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 with exposure to heat, cold, and noise.
Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when and where required.

Nice To Haves

Strong academic performance, with a preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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 real-world business challenges.
Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
Participate in structured learning, mentorship, and leadership development.
Support Human Resources initiatives, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee engagement, learning and development, talent management, and HR operations.
Assist with coordinating and executing programs, processes, and projects that enhance employee experience and support business objectives.
Analyze HR data and trends to identify insights, support reporting needs, and inform workforce-related decisions.
Partner with HR team members and business leaders on organizational priorities, process improvements, and talent strategies.
Contribute to the development, communication, and implementation of HR programs, tools, and resources.
Participate in cross-functional projects that strengthen leadership capability, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness.
Complete a final capstone project and present it to the Leadership Team.