Sourcing Lead

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 manage supplier relationships and sourcing activities within assigned commodity categories to support business objectives related to cost, quality, delivery, and supply continuity. In this role, you will collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to execute sourcing strategies, evaluate supplier capabilities, support product programs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. You will use market analysis, negotiation, and supplier performance management techniques to identify opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks. You will also help ensure supplier readiness and alignment throughout product development and production lifecycle activities. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic sourcing decisions and deliver measurable business impact across multiple functions and production operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage relationships with assigned suppliers and establish new supplier partnerships to support effective communication, alignment, and business objectives.

• Execute sourcing activities, including requests for quotations and proposals, supplier evaluations, supplier selection recommendations, and participation in supply agreement and long-term agreement activities.

• Implement commodity strategies by incorporating business objectives, internal customer requirements, supply chain priorities, risk considerations, and growth plans.

• Develop and execute cost reduction initiatives, including fact-based negotiations, market analysis, should-cost modeling, supplier transitions, and contractual cost savings commitments.

• Monitor and drive supplier performance related to quality, delivery, capacity, and lead times to support production requirements and operational goals.

• Manage project cost, schedule, technical requirements, and drawing release status while leading corrective actions when needed.

• Support supplier quality investigations by assisting with root cause analysis, containment activities, and corrective action implementation.

• Conduct make-versus-buy analyses and support sourcing decisions through data-driven evaluations.

• Coordinate resources and schedules across multiple departments to support product development, launch, production, and ongoing manufacturing operations.

• Assist with supply continuity efforts, including support of component shortages and delivery issues as required.

Desired Competencies:

• 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.

• Problem Solving: You identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a technical field.

• Minimum of 4 years of purchasing or related professional experience.

• Experience developing and managing supplier relationships and sourcing activities.

• Knowledge of supplier performance management, cost reduction methodologies, and negotiation practices.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering documentation and technical data.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present information to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Experience using project management tools and supporting cross-functional projects.

• APICS CPIM and/or ISM C.P.M./A.P.P. certification preferred.

• Familiarity with MAPICS MRP and web-based business systems preferred.

• Ability to travel 5–10% as required.

• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $85,000 to $95,000 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 [email protected].  To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).