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 Project Management Leader, you will use your analytical, operational, and project execution skills to identify and deliver opportunities that improve efficiency across the Polaris manufacturing network. You will manage capacity, develop financial business cases, and guide strategic recommendations that influence insourcing, outsourcing, and network optimization decisions. Working closely with cross-functional partners, you will ensure that approved initiatives are executed with discipline and measurable cost impact. This role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful financial and operational outcomes across a complex, global manufacturing footprint.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop, plan, communicate, and implement assigned projects using cross‑functional teams.
• Build financial estimates and execution plans for manufacturing network optimization initiatives.
• Monitor and manage back shop capacity to enable effective use of Polaris core manufacturing competencies.
• Identify, quantify, and execute operational improvement projects that reduce total cost, including operational, logistics, and tariff‑related components.
• Develop Make vs. Buy marginal cost financial models to support strategic insource/outsource recommendations.
• Partner with engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, quality, and finance to gather inputs and align on strategies for existing and new product introduction parts.
• Manage seamless part transitions through disciplined project management and adherence to released transition standards.
• Maintain strong relationships with operations and business leadership to support alignment on proposed plans.
• Own financial performance for assigned initiatives, including forecasting, budget adherence, and cost optimization.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on financials, project status, and mitigation plans for critical risks.
Desired Competencies:
• Critical Thinking: You analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and apply sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.
• Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in operations, engineering, supply chain, or a related field required
• Minimum 2 years of related experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects across cross‑functional teams and geographies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing process optimization and strong product understanding.
• PMP or PgMP certification preferred.
• Understanding of Lean principles and continuous improvement strategies preferred.
• 15% travel required or more depending on business needs.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
The starting pay range for Minnesota is $74,000 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.
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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. www.polaris.com
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 Talent.Acquisition@Polaris.com. To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).