Plant Manager, Fabrication

Blue Bird South
6144 US-341
Fort Valley, GA 31030, USA

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

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this position is responsible for the daily operations of a fabrication facility, ensuring efficient production, quality control, and adherence to safety standards. In addition, this position will lead the development and implementation strategic future growth strategic plans including the facility’s lean transformation. The successful candidate will lead the Fabrication Plant Team in the development of operational plans based upon corporate vision and goals, to achieve all operational objectives related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost & People (SQDCP).

Key responsibilities include personnel management, production planning, quality assurance, and budget management.

• Reviews and approves adequate plans for the control of planned outputs, budget spending, labor efficiency
• Reviews performance against operating plans and standards. Provides reports to subordinates on interpretation of results and approves changes in direction of plans.
• Responsible to prepare all SQDCP progress measures and activities in format readily available to review with executive leadership team
• Develops roll out plans of corporate operations policy within the manufacturing departments.
• Defines and recommends objectives in each area of responsibility. Develops specific short-term and long-term plans and programs, together with supporting budget requests and financial estimates.
• Reviews and approves cost control reports, cost estimates, and staffing plans.
• Coordinates and collaborates as needed, with other Blue Bird business areas of the corporation in establishing and carrying out responsibilities.
• Reviews and approves the setting of budgets throughout the fabrication business.
• Develops plans for new areas of technology for the Fabrication manufacturing functions along with sufficient planning for areas that support the mission of the Corporation within Operations.
• Reviews and approves the implementation of manufacturing and organizational plans that support the Operations Master Plan.
• Establishes objectives and procedures governing the performance of assigned activities. Issues specific annual objectives to direct team and reviews objectives of the Operations management.
• Selects and maintains qualified personnel in all positions reporting directly to the Fabrication Plant Manager.
• Directs, monitors, and appraises the performance of facility and provides the necessary coordination between activities.
• Identifies training needs, initiates development of teams and team members, recommends effective personnel action.
• Maintains appropriate communications within area of responsibility.
• Keeps employees informed as to company/department plans and progress.
• Coordinates activities as needed with those of other company organizations. Seeks mutual agreement on problems involving coordination.
• Consults with all segments of management responsible for policy or action. Ensures compliance within area of responsibility.
• Reviews and endorses or revises budget proposals received from direct reports. Submits budgets for assigned activities in accordance with the budget procedure. Approves budget expenses up to authorized dollar amounts.

• Proven ability to recruit, train, and motivate personnel in order to balance staffing strength with profitability and…