Sr. Program Manager

Blue Bird Fort Valley, 402 Blue Bird Blvd, Fort Valley, GA 31030, USA

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) has been a leader in school bus innovation since 1927. The company designs, engineers, and manufactures durable school buses with a focus on safety, reliability, and longevity. Blue Bird is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses, having sold more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses. The company is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions.

Reporting to the Sr. Mgr., Program Management, this role leads all aspects of complex, major program offerings to meet business objectives. Key objectives include project planning, execution of deliverables and commitments, and status communication to sponsors, stakeholders, and senior management.

• Provide leadership, vision, and direction for assigned project teams.
• Develop project scope, schedule, and budget; coordinate activities to keep projects on time and on budget.
• Create and negotiate a Statement of Work (SOW) with internal stakeholders and third‑party providers; monitor and assign internal actions to complete the SOW and key milestones.
• Communicate project deliverable expectations; plan, monitor, and review tasks; ensure adherence to Blue Bird’s Product Development System (PDS).
• Coach and guide project team members.
• Identify and communicate resource requirements to functional area leaders.
• Make independent decisions that directly support project objectives.
• Continuously evaluate project status and report progress to executive management and key stakeholders.
• Prepare Gate Review documents and lead the review meeting with management.
• Review processes and documents, ensuring concise communication; propose ideas for continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget using project management tools.
• Excellent communication, organization, time‑management, business acumen, and leadership skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project; proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint preferred.
• Experience with process development and continuous improvement (preferred).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of managing major projects, including at least 2+ years in a manufacturing or technical environment.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident; authorized to work in the United States and able to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

• MBA or Engineering Management Master’s degree (preferred).
• PMP Certification (preferred).
• Technical background or engineering development background (preferred).
• Experience managing a Product Development Program from concept to launch (preferred).
• EV experience (preferred).

• Anticipate and understand customer needs.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills for handling difficult matters.
• Strong project management skills; exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders.
• Effective communication and ability to convey complex details clearly.
• Flexible work spaces and hours that unleash your best.
• Collaborative teamwork while balancing stakeholder needs and delivering corporate objectives.

• Medical Insurance
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Vacation time
• 401 K Matching

Blue Bird® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. The company strives 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. All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.