Director, HR Processes, Project Management & Compliance

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 have an exciting career opportunity for Direct, HR Processes, Project Management & Compliance as a strategic part of the Human Resources team at Bluebird (BLBD).

JOB SUMMARY

The Director, HR Processes, Project Management & Compliance will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing the strategic planning, execution, and delivery of HR processes and systems; core HR projects within the organization; and HR compliance programs. This role requires a blend of strong leadership, project management skills, the ability to influence key stakeholders, and a deep understanding of how to drive efficiency, collaboration, and innovation within the HR function.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• HRIS Oversite: 

• Ensure a successful delivery of HR information systems and services with an exceptional employee experience.
• Accountable for service level delivery through the effective management of the team, regular process improvements, and partnering with other functional areas. 
• Oversee HR operations, ensure compliance, support vendors, manage records, conduct audits, analyze data, and recommend efficiency improvements. 
• Responsible for identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and proactively providing solutions to leadership to enhance HR operations and services.

• Regularly evaluate HR technology capabilities and stay abreast of emerging tools, trends, and system enhancements to ensure HR solutions remain aligned with evolving business needs and workforce expectations.

• Compliance & Risk Management:

• Monitor the effectiveness of human resources compliance programs.  
• Ensure that all HR policies, procedures, practices and reporting activities are compliant with relevant laws and regulations. 
• Update, maintain and communicate the HR compliance calendar, ensuring owners are aware of and accountable for deliverables.

• Strategic HR Planning & Portfolio Management:

• Collaborate with HR leadership and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive project portfolio aligned with organizational goals and HR priorities.
• Translate strategic HR initiatives into executable project plans.

• Project Leadership & Execution:

• Lead the end-to-end management of HR projects, in partnership with product owners, from initiation to closure, ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Serve as a key liaison between HR and cross-functional stakeholders, fostering strong collaboration and change adoption.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Proven track record of delivering projects on time and on budget.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of best-in-class practices.
• Able to lead, plan, prioritize, organize, and coordinate work with and through others.
• Strong experience in project management, project strategy development, contract management, and internal auditing
• Results driven, highly detail oriented.   
• Demonstrated business acumen, communication skills, and relationship management.
• Hands on work ethic with results focus is required.
• Proficient leveraging multiple ERPs, Power BI, and Microsoft Office Suites.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing Agile methodologies in HR or related functions.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities.
• Ability to travel up to 15%

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10 years of experience in project management, with at least 3 years of experience managing HR projects or portfolios.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• PMP, PMI-ACP, or other relevant certifications are a plus.

WE VALUE

• 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 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.

INCLUDES

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k with match

*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.

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

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