Lead, Sourcing

Polaris Inc. Sourcing Strategy Role

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

You will support the development and execution of sourcing strategies that align with broader commodity objectives while helping drive supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and operational excellence. In this role, you will partner with buyers, suppliers, engineering teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to manage supplier relationships, evaluate sourcing opportunities, execute value improvement initiatives, and support strategic supply chain decisions. You will contribute to supplier selection, contract execution, project management, cost reduction programs, and commodity strategy development while balancing quality, delivery, and business objectives. This role provides the opportunity to influence sourcing strategies, lead cross-functional initiatives, and deliver measurable business value across the supply base.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development, execution, and governance of commodity strategies in alignment with organizational goals and broader supply chain objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships and provide guidance to buyers on supplier management practices, supply agreements, and long-term contractual commitments.
• Lead sourcing activities for assigned projects, including supplier identification, request for proposal and quotation processes, supplier evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives, supplier transitions, tool transfers, and other value improvement projects to support business objectives.
• Manage project scope, schedules, costs, technical requirements, and drawing release status while driving corrective actions when needed.
• Collaborate with buyers to develop supplier-specific cost reduction plans, establish measurable targets, and support achievement of those objectives.
• Utilize fact-based negotiation, should-cost modeling, market analysis, and other sourcing tools to identify and implement strategic sourcing opportunities.
• Partner with engineering teams and suppliers to evaluate and implement new technologies and support product development initiatives.
• Support supplier quality and operational teams in addressing quality concerns, delivery challenges, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.
• Conduct make-versus-buy analyses, perform cost analyses, resolve pricing discrepancies, and support financial performance objectives.
• Coordinate activities across multiple departments to support product development, launch, production, and ongoing manufacturing requirements.

Desired Competencies

• Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
• Business Acumen: You understand how your work impacts financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational goals, and you make decisions with the broader business context in mind.
• Planning & Organization: You manage time, resources, and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and deliver consistent results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a technical field.
• Minimum of 4 years of purchasing or related professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier management, sourcing, procurement, or supply chain functions.
• Strong negotiation, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans while identifying and managing business risks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and with external suppliers.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and deadlines.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering documentation and technical data.
• Experience with cost analysis, supplier selection processes, and contract negotiations.
• APICS CPIM, ISM C.P.M./A.P.P., and/or PMP certification preferred.
• Travel required up to 10%.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $68,000 to $90,000 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.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.