Director of Quality

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

As the Leader of Quality, this position will play an important role in the organization’s strategic quality initiative. This position will report to the Senior Vice President, Lean Transformation & Quality.

We are looking for a business leader with a strong background in contemporary quality practice and experience managing a team of quality professionals to deliver corporate objectives.

Key responsibilities include leadership of corporate ISO 9001 efforts and managing the production quality team both at the main and fabrication plants.  The successful candidate will champion the implementation of a sound Quality Management System (QMS) and recertification to ISO 9001 2015.  They will be responsible for ensuring that all ISO standards are implemented in a pragmatic user-friendly way that institute a solid backbone of our Quality Management System (QMS).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Continue implementation of existing Quality Management System (QMS) and all its related compliance.
• Develop and teach quality policies, procedures, processes, programs, and practices that support the QMS.
• Coordinate with our external ISO Certification Body -- for certifications and re-certifications.
• Prepare annual Goals & Objectives for the plant which are aligned with the corporate strategy.
• Work cross functionally with operations to fully establish Quality in Station (QIS) practices
• Conduct periodic dealer survey and develop & implement solutions for top issues
• Review warranty data and e-PDI findings and update plant inspection list
• Serve as the manufacturing representative in Critical Issue Resolution Group (CIRG) meetings as needed
• Responsible for final signoff of bus from operations to distribution
• Responsible for tactical and strategic goals pertaining to the continual improvement of the plant quality with an emphasis on protecting our customers.
• Supervisory duties including training and developing career paths for Quality team members.
• Sustain a culture that is based on continuous improvement.
• Implement corrective action plans and monitor the effectiveness of the solutions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Practical experience using Lean Manufacturing principles
• Computer literate; fully competent in Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/ PowerPoint/Access)
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills with ability to interact with various internal departments
• Exceptional communication skills (both verbal and written), problem solving, and analytical skills              
• Hands on experience in Implementing/Enhancing a Quality Management System (QMS)
• Knowledge of various quality system methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Lean, Pareto Analysis, 6-Sigma, PFMEA, Control Plan, PPAP, ISO, etc. preferred)
• GD&T and Gauging fundamentals is preferred
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated                                           
• Familiarity with bus manufacturing function and technical knowledge of component parts and processes preferred                                                          
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changes in priority                                           

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Quality, Business                                                                       
• 15 years relevant experience in quality and manufacturing environment (Transportation/Automotive industry preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years management experience with direct reports                            
• Exceptional communication skills (both verbal and written), problem solving, and analytical skills
• Must have a valid driver's license in good standing and the ability to travel domestically and internationally at short notice

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Masters Degree in Engineering, Quality, Business
• Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate – preferred
• ISO experience, internal auditor experience is 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 eye insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k with match

Blue Bird’s winning culture is fueled by our ability to respect, encourage, celebrate and embrace the unique perspectives of all of our employees.  We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer who is committed to providing all of our employees with a work environment free of discrimination or harassment.  We base our employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, national, social or ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, past or present military service, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.  

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