Contracts Manager

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 FTA Contracts Manager is responsible for managing opportunities and contracts related to the public transit market funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), from identifying requests for proposals (RFPs) through contract execution. The individual ensures alignment between client requirements, contractual commitments, the proposed solution, internal capabilities, and Micro Bird’s business objectives.

This strategic role oversees RFI/RFQ/RFP activities, contract governance, and performance monitoring, while ensuring that targeted contracts comply with applicable Buy America Act (BAA) requirements. The individual serves as the central point of contact between internal sales, the Drummondville teams, the external sales team in Georgia, project managers in Plattsburgh, and support functions, including legal, finance, operations, engineering, and compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Managing Opportunities and Bids

• Establish and track the schedule of opportunities, requests for proposals (RFPs), and key deadlines.
• Oversee the RFI/RFQ/RFP process, from qualification through submission.
• Oversee go/no-go decisions, priorities, deliverables, and timelines.
• Ensure the quality, compliance, and competitiveness of bids.

Contract Governance

• Coordinate the negotiation, administration, and monitoring of contracts, amendments, and contractual changes.
• Ensure that contractual, commercial, and compliance requirements are fully integrated into bids and contract execution.
• Work in partnership with the legal team, which is responsible for the legal analysis of contracts, to ensure rigorous and consistent management of client obligations.
• Ensure compliance with requirements applicable to FTA contracts, including BAA requirements.

Coordination of Contract Execution

• Ensure continuity between the bid, award, and execution of the contract.
• Coordinate with project managers in Plattsburgh to track commitments, milestones, deliverables, variances, and changes.
• Support the resolution of execution issues, claims, and contractual adjustments with the relevant teams.

Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration

• Oversee the teams involved in bidding, BAA compliance, and contract execution.
• Ensure effective collaboration between internal sales, the Drummondville teams, the external sales team in Georgia, operations, engineering, procurement, finance, quality, compliance, and legal.
• Serve as a central point of contact for contractual issues and ensure a clear flow of information among stakeholders.

Performance, Governance, and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and monitor performance metrics related to bids and contracts, particularly regarding quotes vs. orders, success rates, timelines, and the quality of documentation.
• Conduct structured post-mortems of lost bids and capitalize on lessons learned.
• Implement and refine management tools, templates, and practices related to bids, contracts, and performance monitoring.

On-Site Presence and Representation

• Be regularly present at the Drummondville and Plattsburgh sites to ensure alignment with the teams and proper contract monitoring.
• Participate, as needed, in meetings with transportation authorities, clients, or at FTA events and trade shows.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Significant experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or regulated environment, ideally in the transportation, automotive, or rolling stock sectors.
• Strong understanding of RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, decision-making governance mechanisms, and the contractual, financial, and operational challenges associated with complex projects.
• Proven experience in team management and cross-functional coordination in a multi-site environment.
• Bilingualism in French and English is required.
• Knowledge of FTA/BAA environments and a project management certification (PMP, Prince2) are a plus.
• Solid understanding of contractual, commercial, operational, and financial issues.
• Ability to manage both the bidding phase and execution monitoring in a constantly changing environment.
• Strong political acumen, excellent understanding of organizational and interpersonal issues, and a constructive, solution-oriented approach.
• High level of attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and meticulous record-keeping.
• Energy, initiative, and a strong ability to drive projects forward with determination and sound judgment.
• Excellent communication skills in French and English.
• Willingness to travel regularly between Drummondville and Plattsburgh, as well as for certain client visits or industry events.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, law, project management, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in roles related to complex bidding processes, contract management, industrial project management, or business governance.
• 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.

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 to 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 matching

WORK CONDITIONS

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

• Office environment and production environment
• Must work in a 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
• You 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.

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.

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