VP, Industrial Design

Polaris•Medina, MN

About The Position

The Vice President of Design leads the vision, strategy, and execution of Design across the Polaris Powersports organization. The role oversees Industrial Design, CMFG, Clay Studio, Digital Design, UX/UI, Advanced Design, CAID, Studio Engineering, Human Factors & Ergonomics, and Advanced Technology & Innovation. As the senior design authority, the VP brings these disciplines together to deliver differentiated products and experiences and shape the organization’s long-term design philosophy. As a member of senior leadership, the VP partners with Business Unit, Product, Engineering, Marketing, Finance, and executive leaders to influence brand, product, technology, portfolio, and investment strategies. The position shapes design across a broad powersports portfolio, leads a global multidisciplinary organization, and influences products from early exploration through commercialization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or a related design discipline from an accredited university or college.
Minimum of 15 years of progressive design experience, including significant leadership experience within complex products, transportation, automotive, powersports, or mobility organizations and extensive global vehicle or complex product development experience.
Demonstrated experience leading large, multidisciplinary and/or global design organizations, including developing senior creative talent and leading organizational transformation across complex, cross-functional environments.
Proven ability to establish and execute enterprise-level design strategies across multiple brands, product categories, or business units and translate brand positioning into differentiated products and consumer experiences.
Portfolio demonstrating design leadership, creative vision, and successfully launched commercial products.
Strong ability to inspire and guide creative design teams and product partners across an organization, including demonstrated capability to lead transformation.
Executive-level communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to connect design strategy to broader business and product strategy.
Business and financial acumen, including experience with organizational planning, budgets, investments, resource allocation, and portfolio prioritization.
Former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.

Responsibilities

Establish and champion the enterprise Powersports design vision, philosophy, and long-range strategy, providing leadership for design exploration and execution, consumer experience, craftsmanship, innovation, and brand differentiation.
Lead and develop a global, multidisciplinary Design organization, strengthening leadership capabilities, accountability, succession planning, talent pipelines, and organizational structure to support business needs.
Partner with executive, Business Unit, Product, Engineering, and Marketing leadership to influence product, brand, portfolio, technology, and investment decisions from concept through commercialization.
Inspire and guide creative teams in developing differentiated products and experiences while fostering collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and strong design execution.
Lead executive and Board of Directors design reviews, clearly communicating design direction, key decisions, opportunities, and recommendations that support the business.
Establish consistent design principles, processes, and governance while enabling creativity, innovation, and effective collaboration across design disciplines and cross-functional partners.
Develop and oversee the Design operating strategy in partnership with Finance and Design Operations, including budgets, forecasts, workforce planning, studio capabilities, technology investments, and resource allocation.
Maintain alignment across Design, Engineering, Product, Marketing, Operations, and other partners, effectively navigating organizational change and competing business priorities.
Apply an understanding of powersports vehicle architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and technical requirements to help ensure design intent is successfully carried through production.
Guide Innovation and Advanced Technology activities within the Design organization and help connect emerging technologies with future design opportunities.
Maintain awareness of global consumer, design, technology, automotive, powersports, mobility, and cultural trends, and represent Polaris and its brands within the broader design community.

Benefits

Competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan.
Company contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases.
Generous matching contribution to 401(k).
Financial wellness education and consultation.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Wellness programs.
Paid time off.
Gym and personal training reimbursement.
Life insurance and disability offerings.
Paid volunteer time off through Polaris Gives.