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Director of Strategic Sourcing

Polaris Industries Inc, Minneapolis, MN, United States


Position Overview As the Director of Global Strategic Sourcing, you are responsible for setting and executing the global category strategy for Engineered Systems components used across Polaris’ off‑road product platforms. You lead a global organization of sourcing leaders and manage an annual direct material spend of approximately $600 million while partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Product Development, and Finance. Your role directly influences enterprise‑level decisions, including supplier selection, make‑versus‑buy strategies, vertical integration, and technology roadmaps. This leadership role offers a compelling opportunity to drive margin expansion, supply continuity, and long‑range sourcing strategies that shape the company’s global manufacturing footprint and future product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute global category strategies for engineered components aligned with Total Cost of Ownership and long‑term business objectives.

Own and manage global direct material spend, driving year‑over‑year improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and working capital.

Lead, coach, and develop sourcing leaders and teams.

Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Product Management, and Finance to align sourcing strategies with product roadmaps and operational requirements.

Influence design‑to‑cost, design‑for‑manufacturability, and early supplier involvement throughout new product development cycles.

Lead supplier selection processes, contract negotiations, and long‑term supply agreements with global strategic suppliers.

Represent Strategic Sourcing in enterprise initiatives, including localization, capacity strategy, supply base transformation, and risk mitigation.

Drive supplier relationship management, performance management, and supplier capability development to ensure supply continuity and resilience.

Monitor global market conditions, commodity trends, and geopolitical risks to proactively manage supply chain exposure.

Establish standardized sourcing processes, governance, and best practices across regions.

Desired Competencies

Leadership: Inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve their best by setting clear direction, fostering trust, and creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and accountable for delivering results.

Business Acumen: Understand how your work impacts financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational goals, and make decisions with the broader business context in mind.

Collaboration: Work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.

10+ years of global strategic sourcing experience in an OEM or complex manufacturing environment.

5+ years of senior‑level leadership experience managing global teams and large direct material spend portfolios.

Proven ability to operate effectively in large, complex global organizations and influence at all organizational levels.

Strong negotiation experience leading complex, high‑value supplier agreements.

Demonstrated experience supporting new product introductions and long‑range supply chain strategies.

Ability to translate sourcing strategies into measurable financial and operational results.

Ability to travel up to 25%, including domestic and international travel.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Hybrid work environment on‑site in Plymouth or Wyoming, MN (3 days in‑office, 2 days of flex).

Compensation and Work Arrangements The starting pay range for Minnesota is $156,000 to $205,000 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.

Hybrid work environment on‑site in Plymouth or Wyoming, MN (3 days in‑office, 2 days of flex).

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).

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