Polaris

Sourcing Lead (Strategic Value Improvement)

Plymouth, MN, USA Full time

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 Sourcing Lead on the Strategic Value Improvement (SVI) team, you support the development and execution of sourcing strategies for assigned categories in alignment with long-term category objectives. You partner with Category Sourcing, Operations, Engineering, Product Development, and Legal to evaluate suppliers, manage contracts, and advance multi-year sourcing plans. Your work focuses on supplier identification, performance management, and Approved Supplier List (ASL) recommendations that support business needs. This role offers the opportunity to influence category strategy, engage cross-functionally, and drive measurable impact across a global supply base.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and support multi-year sourcing strategies for assigned categories in alignment with category vision and supply chain objectives.
  • Identify, vet, and evaluate potential suppliers, including capability and fit assessments with cross-functional partners.
  • Lead supplier negotiations and support contract development and implementation, including MSAs and MOUs, for execution by appropriate leadership.
  • Recommend suppliers for inclusion on the Polaris Approved Supplier List (ASL) and support ongoing ASL management.
  • Collaborate with Category Sourcing to implement sourcing strategies and strengthen supplier relationships.
  • Support localization initiatives through supplier identification, vetting, onboarding, and alignment with category strategy.
  • Lead supplier site visits, negotiations, and competitive market analysis to support cost, capability, and technology objectives.
  • Monitor supplier performance and adherence to contractual commitments and Polaris requirements.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for the electrical categories, providing guidance and support on contract management, supplier relationship management, and strategic sourcing activities.
  • Support cost reduction initiatives, supplier onboarding and exit plans, and short- and long-term category initiatives aligned with budget and long-range planning.

Desired Competencies:

  • 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.
  • Communication: You clearly convey information, ideas, and expectations to diverse audiences, adjusting your message to ensure understanding and alignment.
  • Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or Business Administration.
  • 4 years of sourcing or relevant professional experience/cycles of learning.
  • Experience leading or supporting supplier negotiations and contract implementation activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate supplier capabilities and manage supplier relationships in a cross-functional environment.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including preparation of materials for cross-functional leaders.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering documentation and technical data.
  • Working knowledge of sourcing disciplines such as supplier relationship management, category strategy, and supply chain risk management.
  • Familiarity with sourcing project management tools and support of project-based initiatives.
  • Ability to travel up to 10%.
  • This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $80,000 to $90,000 per year. We determine individual salaries and positioning within the range based on a wide range 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. 

#LI-RAO #HYBRID

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).