Purchasing Category Specialist, Fabrication

Blue Bird Careers•Fort Valley, GA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

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 . We are pleased to share that we have an exciting career opportunity for an experienced Purchasing Category Specialist as part a key member of the Blue Bird Supply Chain Team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of supply chain management, excellent negotiation skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, this role is responsible for managing the procurement process to ensure the timely acquisition of goods and services. This position requires a keen eye for detail, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The Purchasing Category Specialist is responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and relevant regulations. This role is crucial in optimizing costs, mitigating risks, and maintaining efficient supply chain operations.

Requirements

Knowledge of the commercial truck/automotive market
Ability to accomplish basic financial analysis, supplier selection, and approval
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to perform in high-stress, fast-paced environment
Working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased
Proficiency in MS Office applications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; or relative experience
2 years relevant experience in procurement or supply chain
3-5 years’ experience in procurement or supply chain w/o degree

Nice To Haves

Chassis/suspension experience, preferred
Technical or Engineering background
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

Responsibilities

Development and selection of suppliers, including international sourcing
Cost control, change control, and parts and service support for goods and services procured
Manage assigned commodities and supply chain strategy
Implement contracting strategies and contracts for goods or services
Responsible for support, implementation, and administration of supply agreements
Ensure all contract administration procedures are followed and executed in a professional manner
Resolve CSR and STR cases in an expedited manner
Perform cost analysis and assess impacts of supplier cost files
Assist in purchasing administrative duties (examples, however, not an all-inclusive list below): LN part set-up, PDR creation, and enter approved cost changes
LN part updates, PMO/PLM assistance/liaison to OE engineering
Performs other related duties as assigned.