Program Manager - Vehicle Controls

Polaris Inc. • Novi, MI

4d

About The Position

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. Position Overview: In this role, you will lead vehicle controls program execution within Polaris’ Vehicle Electronics & Software organization. You will provide people leadership to a team of Controller Program Leaders responsible for delivering vehicle controllers and subsystems across multiple platforms. Reporting to the Director of Program Management, you will ensure consistent program rigor, transparent status reporting, and strong cross‑functional alignment with engineering, architecture, suppliers, and vehicle teams. You will balance near‑term execution priorities with longer‑term platform and reuse strategies. This role offers the opportunity to lead program teams at scale and influence vehicle‑level outcomes across Polaris products.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience; advanced degree a plus
• Minimum 7 years of experience in program management, systems engineering, or technical project leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional hardware and/or software programs with system integration scope
• Strong understanding of program management tools, processes, and virtual collaboration practices
• Familiarity with systems engineering practices, requirements management, and technical tradeoffs
• Experience working within a matrixed engineering organization
• Powersports, automotive, or off‑road vehicle industry experience
• Strong communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments
• Travel as needed based on program requirements

Responsibilities

• Provide direct people leadership to a team of Controller Program Leaders, with accountability for controller‑level program execution, reporting, and delivery
• Set clear expectations for program ownership, execution rigor, and communication across controller programs
• Lead performance management, goal setting, coaching, and development of direct reports
• Drive consistent program management practices across controller programs including planning, execution, supplier engagement, and reporting
• Ensure accurate, transparent status reporting of risks, issues, and dependencies to VES leadership and stakeholders
• Lead escalation and resolution of cross‑controller and cross‑system issues to protect vehicle‑level milestones
• Partner with engineering and architecture leaders to align near‑term delivery with long‑term platform strategies
• Coordinate cross‑functional collaboration with engineering, suppliers, and vehicle teams to deliver integrated solutions
• Promote disciplined program execution aligned with Polaris development processes

Benefits

• Polaris is proud to offer competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan that is fundamental to our pay-for-performance culture.
• At Polaris, employees are owners of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan.
• Employees receive a generous matching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future.
• In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings.
• Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees