Sourcing Lead (Strategic Value Improvement)

Polaris•Plymouth, MN

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Sourcing Lead on the Strategic Value Improvement (SVI) team, you support the development and execution of sourcing strategies for assigned categories in alignment with long-term category objectives. You partner with Category Sourcing, Operations, Engineering, Product Development, and Legal to evaluate suppliers, manage contracts, and advance multi-year sourcing plans. Your work focuses on supplier identification, performance management, and Approved Supplier List (ASL) recommendations that support business needs. This role offers the opportunity to influence category strategy, engage cross-functionally, and drive measurable impact across a global supply base.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or Business Administration.
4 years of sourcing or relevant professional experience/cycles of learning.
Experience leading or supporting supplier negotiations and contract implementation activities.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate supplier capabilities and manage supplier relationships in a cross-functional environment.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including preparation of materials for cross-functional leaders.
Ability to read and interpret engineering documentation and technical data.
Working knowledge of sourcing disciplines such as supplier relationship management, category strategy, and supply chain risk management.
Familiarity with sourcing project management tools and support of project-based initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Business Acumen: You understand how your work impacts financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational goals, and you make decisions with the broader business context in mind.
Communication: You clearly convey information, ideas, and expectations to diverse audiences, adjusting your message to ensure understanding and alignment.
Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.

Responsibilities

Develop and support multi-year sourcing strategies for assigned categories in alignment with category vision and supply chain objectives.
Identify, vet, and evaluate potential suppliers, including capability and fit assessments with cross-functional partners.
Lead supplier negotiations and support contract development and implementation, including MSAs and MOUs, for execution by appropriate leadership.
Recommend suppliers for inclusion on the Polaris Approved Supplier List (ASL) and support ongoing ASL management.
Collaborate with Category Sourcing to implement sourcing strategies and strengthen supplier relationships.
Support localization initiatives through supplier identification, vetting, onboarding, and alignment with category strategy.
Lead supplier site visits, negotiations, and competitive market analysis to support cost, capability, and technology objectives.
Monitor supplier performance and adherence to contractual commitments and Polaris requirements.
Serve as a subject matter expert for the electrical categories, providing guidance and support on contract management, supplier relationship management, and strategic sourcing activities.
Support cost reduction initiatives, supplier onboarding and exit plans, and short- and long-term category initiatives aligned with budget and long-range planning.