Supplier Development 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.

JOB SUMMARY :

The Supplier Development Lead plays a critical role in transforming Polaris’ sourcing capabilities by identifying, evaluating, and developing a robust, localized, and high-performing supply base. This role focuses on enhancing supplier capabilities, ensuring delivery excellence, and securing supply continuity, including sub-tier management—to support business growth and operational resilience.

This position requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and supplier relationship management skills. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can lead initiatives across the organization and drive measurable results in supplier performance and sourcing strategy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

Identify and assess new suppliers aligned with Polaris’ strategic sourcing needs and regional localization goals.

Conduct supplier evaluations using tools such as Rapid Plant Assessments (RPA); identify capability and capacity gaps.

Collaborate with Global Strategic Sourcing Directors across categories (e.g., Powertrain, Electronics, Chassis) to align supplier development priorities.

Build business cases using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles to support sourcing decisions.

Lead capability and capacity expansion initiatives with existing suppliers, especially for new product introductions (NPIs) or supplier transitions.

Manage onboarding of new suppliers, including guiding them through Polaris’ standards, manuals, and pre-negotiation of commercial terms.

Evaluate and develop Tier 2 suppliers to strengthen the extended supply chain and leverage economies of scale.

Ensure adherence to APQP processes and manage ROI analysis for tooling investments.

Coordinate cross-functional activities and maintain documentation through structured issue tracking.

Performance Metrics & Deliverables :

Supplier identification matrix with capability / capacity mapping by region and category.

Established relationships with public / private channels to expand sourcing options.

Completion of RPAs for all evaluated suppliers.

Development of 2–3 new localized suppliers per targeted category.

Weekly progress updates to sourcing leadership and stakeholders.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EDUCATION :

Required :

Bachelor’s degree

10+ years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, or supplier development

Strong knowledge of APQP and supplier quality processes

Automotive industry experience preferred

Bilingual (Spanish and English); excellent communication skills

Willingness to travel 50–60%

Strong analytical, organizational, and multitasking skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Self-motivated, hands-on, and entrepreneurial mindset

Preferred :

Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field

Master’s degree or MBA

Experience in powersports or automotive assembly industries

Familiarity with Polaris products and operations

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Fast-paced, hybrid work environment

Frequent domestic and international travel required

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

About Polaris Industries, Inc.

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. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

North Pole Star, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Polaris Mexico) is at the forefront of innovation in the powersports industry, manufacturing world-class vehicles that inspire adventure, we are home of RZR, ATV, General, Sportsman and other greats brands. With a focus on quality, teamwork, and cutting-edge technology, our Mexico operations are our largest global manufacturing facility site with more than 5,000 employees. Here at Polaris Mexico, we have engineering support from our new Product Development Center and physically assemble each one of our all-off-road vehicles with processes of injection molding, tube fabrication, welding, engines assembly, liquid and metal paint, and 6 assembly lines. We are committed to creating a dynamic work environment where talent thrives, and bold ideas come to life. Join Polaris Mexico, where passion meets innovation! www.polaris.com

How We Hire

North Pole Star, S. de R.L. de C.V. is committed to offering equal employment opportunities to all employees and makes 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 regarding social assistance, union membership, political beliefs or any other status protected by applicable law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr