Lead, Strategic Sourcing NPI Sr.

Polaris Inc.•Wyoming, MN

2d•$100,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Sourcing Lead, you will lead sourcing activities that support the successful launch of new vehicle programs within the Strategic Business Unit. You will oversee sourcing strategy development, supplier engagement, risk management, and cross-functional coordination to ensure product launches meet quality, cost, and timing objectives. Working closely with Engineering, Operations, Product, Strategic Sourcing, and supplier partners, you will help align sourcing decisions with both program requirements and broader business strategies. You will also contribute to process standardization, mentor team members, and provide strategic input to leadership. This role offers the opportunity to influence high-visibility product launches while shaping sourcing strategies and processes that support long-term business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in product development, supply chain, sourcing, project management or related disciplines.
Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.
Experience managing complex projects with competing priorities and multiple stakeholders.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to present information to senior and executive leadership.
Demonstrated analytical, decision-making, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities.
Effective time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of phase-gate product development processes preferred.
Knowledge of engineering documentation, manufacturing process controls, technical data, and material requirements planning (MRP) preferred.
Experience with project management tools and methodologies, including MS Project, CAPM, PMP, or similar approaches preferred.
Knowledge of supply contracts involving domestic and international suppliers preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead sourcing activities for new product programs from development through production launch, ensuring achievement of key milestones, quality standards, and schedule commitments.
Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align vehicle platform needs with broader category sourcing objectives and long-term business plans.
Manage supplier selection, pilot builds, quality planning activities, PPAP completion, and production ramp-up readiness.
Assess supply chain risks, develop mitigation plans, and provide regular project status updates to leadership teams.
Manage sourcing-related financial objectives, including Bill of Materials (BOM), Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), should-cost analysis, tooling expenditures, and overall cost performance.
Coordinate cross-functional efforts among Engineering, Operations, Product Management, Strategic Sourcing, and suppliers to achieve program objectives and resolve issues.
Evaluate supplier capabilities against program requirements and partner with sourcing teams to address gaps or identify new supplier solutions as needed.
Facilitate the transition of materials management responsibilities from development teams to production teams to support stable manufacturing operations.
Develop, standardize, and continuously improve NPI sourcing processes and best practices.
Mentor and support less experienced team members while contributing to organizational sourcing strategy and capability development.