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:
As a Sourcing Lead - Strategic Value Improvement, you will play a critical role in development and implementation of sourcing strategy for assigned categories in alignment with the broader long-term category vision.
You will work closely with Category Sourcing, Operations, Engineering, Product Development and Legal to support developing robust, multi-year sourcing strategies and recommend category specific Approved Supplier List (ASL).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:
Supplier Relations:
- Support activities involved in identifying and vetting new suppliers and collaboratively with category sourcing establish relationships to ensure sufficient communication and alignment between the suppliers and Polaris.
- Lead contract negotiations and implementations such as MSAs and MOUs (to be signed by Sourcing Manager or above).
- Participate in supplier site visits, supplier negotiations, and competitive market analysis to secure contractual commitments to achieve longer-term cost savings and technology requirements.
- Evaluate supplier capability and fit based on input from cross-functional teams such as Operations, Engineering and Product Development.
- Align with cross-functional stakeholders to recommend new potential suppliers for the Polaris Approved Supplier List (ASL).
- Lead and support localization efforts through supplier identification, vetting, and on-boarding processes in alignment with category strategy.
Category Strategy:
- Foster collaborative relationship with category sourcing on strategy development and supplier relationships.
- Collaborate with category sourcing on the implementation of the strategies that support plans and goals.
- Assist in establishing the multi-year vision for assigned categories taking into account input from the internal customers, sourcing goals, risk, future growth plans, and broader supply chain strategy.
- Support category sourcing with implementation of cost reductions, and projects on an as needed basis.
- Support supplier on-boarding plans and exit plans as needed.
Sourcing Priority Management:
- Support category teams in both short and long-term initiatives for assigned categories to align with budget and long range planning (LRP) commitments.
- Analyze supplier's adherence to contracts and performance commitments for assigned categories to ensure suppliers are meeting Polaris's requirements and contractual commitments.
- Primary internal contact regarding contract management, supplier relationship management, and strategic sourcing for assigned suppliers associated with assigned categories
Other Duties as Assigned
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or Business Administration
- 4+ years of sourcing or relevant professional experience
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required:
- Self-starter with effective negotiation, decision making and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written & verbal communication within team and cross-functionally.
- Highly organized and effective in managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to professionally represent Polaris by developing productive working relationships with suppliers and coworkers
- Capable of reading and interpreting engineering documentation and technical data.
- Experienced in presentation abilities, including PowerPoint development. Expected to present to cross-functional leaders
- Basic knowledge of multiple sourcing disciplines (i.e. supplier relationship management, category strategy, supply chain risk management)
- Knowledge of Sourcing Project Management tools and ability to assist in tasks assigned by Project Managers.
Working Conditions:
- Fast-paced office environment
- 5-25% travel may be required
KEYWORDS:
Global, purchasing, commodity, strategy, category, buyer, procurement, sourcing, operations
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