Lead, Supplier Development

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.

The Supplier Development Leader 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.
  
  

Required

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• 10+ years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, or supplier development
• Strong knowledge of APQP and supplier quality processes
• Automotive industry experience preferred
• 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 (OEM) 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 India

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.

Polaris India Private Limited is one of the Polaris group subsidiary companies incorporated on 18th Feb 2011. We launched our flagship products including All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Polaris RANGER: RZR side - by - side and Snowmobiles in India in August 2011. Through our selected product range, we are creating a whole new culture of Off-Road adventure in India. Polaris India has a strong network of 10 dealerships and state of the art Polaris Experience Zones (Off-Road Tracks) to take the off-road riding culture way ahead. We are committed to creating a dynamic work environment where talent thrives, and bold ideas come to life. Join Polaris India, where passion meets innovation! We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. www.polaris.com

How We Hire

Polaris India Private Limited is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate in the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on account of race, age, color, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, or religion or otherwise as may be prohibited by law.

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