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Position: Future Leader Development Associate

Reports to: Manager, Manufacturing Engineering

Supports: Operations

Location(s): Fort Valley, GA

About Blue Bird Corporation

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.

JOB SUMMARY

The Future Leadership Development Program (FLDP) Associate, Program Management is an early-career leadership role designed to accelerate the development of high-potential talent through a structured, cross-functional rotational program.

This two-year program includes four 6-month rotations across your specific functional area, and one rotation in a different key business area, providing hands-on experience, leadership exposure, and the opportunity to solve real business challenges that impact Blue Bird’s operations and strategic growth.

FLDP Associates are expected to contribute meaningfully from day one, supporting projects, collaborating across functions, and building the foundational skills required to transition into full-time leadership-track roles upon program completion.

Rotation Design

• Core rotations in your designated function (e.g., HR, Finance, IT, Engineering, Operations)
• At least one cross-functional rotation outside of primary discipline
• Exposure to plant operations and/or corporate functions as applicable
• Final placement based on performance, business need, and career alignment

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support high-impact business projects and initiatives
• Rotate across multiple functions to gain 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

Functional Responsibilities – Manufacturing Engineering

• Complete basic operations tasks related to process analysis to optimize manufacturing areas such as quality, production flow, floor layout for efficiencies, assembly, manufacturing and maintenance.
• Under the supervision of an experienced mentor, perform analysis on existing processes and work areas
• Engage in projects and/or studies that promote continuous improvement and operational efficiency
• Identify inefficiencies and come up with Lean solutions; update work instructions and Job Element Sheet (JES)
• Showcase learnings obtained during the internship program by presenting outcomes of key projects to members of the associated support Team and to members of Blue Birds’ Operations Leadership Team.

Leadership Development Components

• Executive sponsorship and mentorship
• Rotation-specific coaching and performance feedback
• Structured leadership training (e.g., Emerging Leader programs)
• Cross-functional project work and enterprise exposure
• Final capstone project and presentation to Leadership Team

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field
• 0–2 years of professional experience or completion of relevant internship
• Strong academic performance (preferred GPA ≥ 3.0)
• 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.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Prior internship experience, ideally within Blue Bird or relevant industry
• Interest in manufacturing, operations, or industrial environment

OUR VALED CORE COMPETENCIES

• Drive for Results – Takes ownership and delivers outcomes
• Learning Agility – Quickly adapts and applies new knowledge
• Effective Communicator – Clearly conveys ideas across audiences
• Collaborates – Works effectively across teams and functions
• Customer Focus – Understands internal and external stakeholder needs
• Leadership Impact – Demonstrates initiative and influence early

INCLUDES

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching (if applicable)

WORK CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office environment and production environment
• Must work in manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold and noise
• Fast paced production area with moving objects and sheet metal
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Must wear appropriate PPE when and where required
• Frequent weeks working 40+ hours
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Blue Bird® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive 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.

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