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:

The Director of Strategic Sourcing has global responsibility for supplier selection, category sourcing strategies, supplier relationship management and procured product development for assigned categories. This position will lead a global team of Strategic Sourcing Managers to optimize enterprise-wide spend, drive margin expansion, improve working capital, increase productivity, and improve product quality. The successful leader will work cross functionally, across multiple geographies, and with key suppliers to deliver superior quality, cost, delivery and innovative solutions to meet business needs.

The Strategic Sourcing Director will influence cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing, to develop mutually acceptable component strategies with industry-leading cost effectiveness.

The incumbent will represent the strategic sourcing organization in key business areas such as localizing content within plant network, key “make vs. buy” decisions, or vertical integration decisions.

Leadership:

• Coordinate distribution of work of Strategic Sourcing team both within the function and across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality organizations
• Manage and develop employees, using formal processes and informal coaching, including communication of job expectations, planning, monitoring and appraising job results, and ensuring that standards, systems, policies and procedures are upheld
• Responsible for team organization and other administrative activities

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive significant, year over year, improvements in Cost, Quality and Delivery of Direct Materials.
• Lead cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Quality, and Support, to develop mutually acceptable component strategies with industry leading cost effectiveness
• High involvement in long-range product planning and new product development, including supplier selection and technology road mapping.
• Monitors market conditions, commodity and technology trends and economics that affect supply market and execute effective strategies.
• Based on total cost of ownership model, rationalize business case for localizing content within plant network.
• Provides vision, leadership and motivation and performance management to category team members (both direct and indirect reports).
• Lead the development of Global Category strategies.  Establish best-in-class sourcing strategies for components and technologies across the global organization.
• Represent the strategic sourcing organization in key make v. buy decisions or vertical integration decisions.
• Lead efforts to establish and improve standard work and key business processes through Lean methods.
• Lead negotiations and supply agreements that are broadly strategic (balancing total delivered cost, inventory, supplier lead-times, etc.).

Key Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to work in Large Complex Global organizations and at multiple levels to influence the culture of Global Supply Chain and Business
• Must have strategic thinking, collaboration and change management capabilities, as well as thought leadership for the business and broader enterprise functions
• Demonstrated experience developing talent and leading / inspiring a team to exceptional results
• Must have developed experience in supply market strategy, risk management, and macro economics
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality, cost, and delivery and the measurement of supplier improvements in these areas.
• Be a proactive leader, anticipating opportunities and obstacles and planning in advance to address them.
• Have strong “outside the box” thinking and leadership, with a history of success in intelligently moving organizations out of comfort zones.
• Executive-level presentation skills, providing regular updates to senior leadership.
• Ideal candidate has experience working in a durable goods manufacturing environment.  Target industries would include: agriculture equipment, automotive, appliance, powersports, construction, aviation, or tier I automotive.

Education and Experience:

• BS Degree in Engineering or Supply Chain (Masters degree preferred).
• Minimum 10 years global sourcing experience in an OEM environment; Minimum 5 years in a leadership role.

We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE.  Apply today!

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; Indian Motorcycle® mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; 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 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.