Engineering Process Manager - Product Change / Release Management

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.

JOB SUMMARY:

Be a catalyst for operational excellence — join a team that’s redefining how world-class products are developed. This high-impact role serves as the business process leader for core Engineering processes, driving best-in-class Product Development capabilities. The Engineering Process Manager is accountable for the end-to-end performance, sustainability, and continuous improvement of assigned business capabilities. This role ensures processes are aligned with strategic goals, well defined, optimized, scalable, sustainable, and delivering maximum value. Initially, this role will lead the Product Change / Release Management domain .

We’re looking for a relentlessly curious leader — someone forward-thinking who questions assumptions, explores new possibilities, and thrives by uncovering better ways to do things. If you are self-driven, thrive on solving complex problems, stay ahead of product development trends, bring expertise in BOM management, and consistently pursue improved operational efficiency, this is a role where you can make a significant impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Process Ownership & Optimization

• Protect downstream flow by enabling fast, traceable, and right‑first‑time engineering change and release execution

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Product Change / Release Management domain with full accountability for end-to-end process ownership, integration, optimization, and sustainability.

• Own and champion assigned business processes, ensuring they are scalable, sustainable, and delivering tangible business value.

• Lead process design, definition, and documentation. Maintain comprehensive process maps, standards, and training materials.

• Actively lead solution definition, root-cause analysis, problem solving, requirements gathering, validation, user acceptance testing, change management, and implementation.

• Lead process improvement initiatives, leveraging LEAN methodologies, and project management frameworks.

• Provide work direction to team members, which may include both direct and indirect reports.

2. Strategic Alignment & Governance

• Ensure engineering changes translate into synchronized, executable releases across manufacturing, supply, and service — eliminating delay, confusion, and waste.

• Align process objectives with long-range plans (LRP), capability & technology roadmaps, and organizational strategy.

• Lead collaboration with governance boards and cross-functional teams to prioritize investments and manage process change.

• Ensure clear roles and responsibilities (RACI), stakeholder engagement, and sponsorship for process initiatives.

3. Quality Assurance & Data Stewardship

• Ensure data stewardship resulting in a trusted, single source of truth for product development data in the digital thread.

• Define, monitor and control process adherence, ensuring compliance with internal standards.

• Develop and track metrics / KPIs to create visibility into improvement opportunities and risks.

4. User Support & Change Leadership

• Oversee production end-user support for your domain, ensuring quick and effective resolution of issues to ensure user efficiency.

• Lead change management efforts, including communication, training, and adoption strategies.

• Develop and maintain self-service resources and process documentation for global teams.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related technical field.

• At least 5 years’ experience in model-year based New Product Development, working directly with Engineering Bill of Materials

• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing complex, cross-functional projects within the following functions: Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, or Supply Chain.

• Experience leading PLM part and BOM change / release management (New Releases/ECO/Deviation, etc).

• At least 3 years’ experience in Product Development business process ownership, optimization, and change management role, preferred.

• Expert-level proficiency with PTC suite of applications (Windchill) and Microsoft Office applications, including SharePoint and PowerBI.

• Preferred LEAN experience with the following: facilitating Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, Stage/Gate Process and New Product Development Process.

• Proven ability to lead change, build strong relationships, and motivate at all levels within the organization and across functions within a matrix organization.

• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and self-driven individual with ability to multi-task and perform in a very fast-paced environment.

• Collaborative team player with strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Very fast-paced, dynamic culture in an office environment.

Possible Travel to Other Locations less than 10%

#LI-CS99

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $113,000 to $149,000 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.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io . To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov) .

At Polaris, the need for diverse perspectives and experiences enables our vision of Best People, Best Team. We value our differences and align our passions to do great work. As a highly efficient growth company, we are driven to be agile and adaptable to support our customers. At Polaris we unite to create memorable adventures. Learn more at