Position Overview:
You will lead the development, implementation, and governance of manufacturing training programs that build workforce capability and support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives across manufacturing operations. In this role, you will partner closely with Operations, Lean, Quality, Human Resources, Engineering, and site leadership teams to establish standardized training systems, certification programs, and workforce development strategies. You will drive consistency in training processes, manage training technologies and reporting, and support workforce flexibility through skills development initiatives. You will also provide guidance to site training leaders and support organizational readiness for new products and process changes. This is a compelling opportunity to influence workforce performance and capability across multiple manufacturing locations through strategic training leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and execute a manufacturing training strategy aligned with business objectives and operational priorities.
Establish and govern training standards, policies, systems, and processes across manufacturing locations.
Identify workforce skill gaps and implement development plans to address current and future capability needs.
Develop and maintain training curricula, work instructions, training matrices, competency assessments, and related training content.
Ensure training programs reflect current manufacturing processes, quality standards, safety requirements, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
Manage operator certification and qualification programs, including assessment criteria and certification standards.
Design and coordinate cross-training, multi-skill development, and train-the-trainer programs to enhance workforce flexibility.
Administer training systems and learning management tools while ensuring data integrity and consistency across platforms.
Develop and monitor training metrics, dashboards, and reporting to evaluate training effectiveness and employee proficiency.
Partner with plant leadership, supervisors, Human Resources, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and Operations teams to support training initiatives and organizational objectives.
Support new product introductions and process changes through effective training planning and deployment.
Provide coaching, guidance, and support to site training leaders to promote consistent training practices.
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.
Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
Planning & Organization: You manage time, resources, and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and deliver consistent results.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in training & development, Education, Human Resources, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in manufacturing, operations, training, or workforce development.
Experience developing and delivering technical training programs.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and operational excellence principles.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
Experience administering Learning Management Systems (LMS) preferred.
Experience leading certification, qualification, or skills matrix programs preferred.
Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design preferred.
Multi-site manufacturing experience preferred.
Approximately 50% travel across manufacturing locations.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
The starting pay range for Minnesota is $103,000 to $136,000 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.
