Program Leader

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.

Location is flexible – Wyoming MN, Medina MN, Plymouth MN, or Roseau MN.

Position Overview:

You will serve as a Program Leader within Polaris Government and Defense, leading the execution of customer-facing programs from initiation through delivery. In this role, you are responsible for translating customer requirements into actionable plans and aligning cross-functional teams to meet commitments related to cost, schedule, and technical performance. You will act as the primary interface between government customers and internal stakeholders, ensuring clarity, coordination, and progress throughout the program lifecycle. You will also oversee program financials and proactively manage risks, issues, and dependencies. This role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful outcomes by owning complex programs that directly support customer missions.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead end-to-end execution of assigned programs with accountability for cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk management.

Serve as the primary interface with customers, translating requirements into clear program objectives and actionable plans.

Direct program financial activities, including budgeting, cost tracking, forecasting, and performance reporting.

Align and coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality to deliver program commitments.

Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, issues, and dependencies to maintain progress and delivery timelines.

Maintain a working understanding of customer missions, operational environments, and program objectives.

Develop technical familiarity with Polaris Government and Defense vehicle offerings to support effective program execution.

Ensure product quality, safety, and compliance requirements are met throughout the program lifecycle.

Build and maintain effective working relationships with government stakeholders and internal partners.

Travel to customer sites, program offices, and end users to support execution and relationship management.

Desired Competencies:

Leadership: You inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve their best by setting clear direction, fostering trust, and creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and accountable for delivering results.

Customer Focus: You prioritize the needs of internal or external customers and use feedback and data to improve outcomes, processes, or experiences.

Planning & Organization: You manage time, resources, and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and deliver consistent results.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.

Minimum of five years of experience executing or leading programs and projects.

Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in a cross-functional, matrixed organization.

Technical aptitude to communicate product-related concepts and issues effectively.

Experience managing program financials, including budgets, forecasting, and cost tracking.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools to support program management activities.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to travel up to 10%.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

#LI-NT1

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $108,000 to $142,000 per year. Individual salaries and positioning within the range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography. While individual pay could fall anywhere in the range based on these factors, it is not common to start at the high end or top of the range.

To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.

We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE. Apply today!

At Polaris we put our employees first, by offering a holistic approach to their health and financial wellbeing. 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. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment.

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; 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, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.