At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to THINK OUTSIDE.
Position Overview:
As a Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Sourcing Lead, you will lead sourcing activities that support the successful launch of new vehicle programs within the Strategic Business Unit. You will oversee sourcing strategy development, supplier engagement, risk management, and cross-functional coordination to ensure product launches meet quality, cost, and timing objectives. Working closely with Engineering, Operations, Product, Strategic Sourcing, and supplier partners, you will help align sourcing decisions with both program requirements and broader business strategies. You will also contribute to process standardization, mentor team members, and provide strategic input to leadership. This role offers the opportunity to influence high-visibility product launches while shaping sourcing strategies and processes that support long-term business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead sourcing activities for new product programs from development through production launch, ensuring achievement of key milestones, quality standards, and schedule commitments.
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align vehicle platform needs with broader category sourcing objectives and long-term business plans.
- Manage supplier selection, pilot builds, quality planning activities, PPAP completion, and production ramp-up readiness.
- Assess supply chain risks, develop mitigation plans, and provide regular project status updates to leadership teams.
- Manage sourcing-related financial objectives, including Bill of Materials (BOM), Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), should-cost analysis, tooling expenditures, and overall cost performance.
- Coordinate cross-functional efforts among Engineering, Operations, Product Management, Strategic Sourcing, and suppliers to achieve program objectives and resolve issues.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities against program requirements and partner with sourcing teams to address gaps or identify new supplier solutions as needed.
- Facilitate the transition of materials management responsibilities from development teams to production teams to support stable manufacturing operations.
- Develop, standardize, and continuously improve NPI sourcing processes and best practices.
- Mentor and support less experienced team members while contributing to organizational sourcing strategy and capability development.
Desired Competencies:
- Leadership: You inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve their best by setting clear direction, fostering trust, and creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and accountable for delivering results.
- Critical Thinking: You analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and apply sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.
- Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
- Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects through a structured product development or phase-gate process, ensuring milestones, deliverables, risks, and stakeholder expectations are effectively managed.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in product development, supply chain, sourcing, project management or related disciplines.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.
- Experience managing complex projects with competing priorities and multiple stakeholders.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to present information to senior and executive leadership.
- Demonstrated analytical, decision-making, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Effective time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
- Understanding of phase-gate product development processes preferred.
- Knowledge of engineering documentation, manufacturing process controls, technical data, and material requirements planning (MRP) preferred.
- Experience with project management tools and methodologies, including MS Project, CAPM, PMP, or similar approaches preferred.
- Knowledge of supply contracts involving domestic and international suppliers preferred.
- Travel may be required.
- This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
The starting pay range for Minnesota is $100,000 to $115,000 per year. Individual salaries and positioning within the range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography. While individual pay could fall anywhere in the range based on these factors, it is not common to start at the high end or top of the range.
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To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.
We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE. Apply today!
At Polaris we put our employees first, by offering a holistic approach to their health and financial wellbeing. Polaris is proud to offer competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan that is fundamental to our pay-for-performance culture. At Polaris, employees are owners of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan. Employees receive a generous matching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future. In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment.
About Polaris
As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris' high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.
EEO Statement
Polaris Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Applicants with a disability that are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, or otherwise need assistance or an accommodation in the recruiting process, should contact Human Resources at 800-765-2747 or [email protected]. To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).
