Position Overview:You will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of material flow within a manufacturing environment, ensuring efficient delivery of parts to production using lean principles. You will oversee a team of material flow engineers, technologists, and process technicians, providing direction, coaching, and development to support operational goals. This role includes ownership of material flow strategy, engineering change coordination, and execution for both sustaining operations and major projects, including large-scale production line transformations. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to optimize processes, systems, and packaging solutions. This is a compelling opportunity to lead teams and drive high-impact improvements in material flow efficiency and production performance.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead and develop a team of material flow engineers, technologists, and process technicians, including setting priorities, providing coaching, and supporting professional development.
- Design and implement material flow strategies, including delivery routes, point-of-use presentation, replenishment methods, and line-side layouts aligned with lean manufacturing principles.
- Oversee daily material flow operations, ensuring efficient part delivery, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing workflows within warehouse management systems.
- Lead engineering change coordination and implementation, including tracking changes, managing effective dates, and ensuring accurate execution across operations.
- Drive packaging and material handling improvements in collaboration with vendors, packaging engineering, and manufacturing engineering to improve efficiency, ergonomics, and cost.
- Lead material flow planning and execution for major projects, including production line consolidations, defining delivery routes, delivery frequencies, material staging points, and cart or container designs.
- Champion lean initiatives and transformation efforts, including value stream mapping, waste identification and elimination, standard work development, and continuous flow implementation.
- Lead and participate in kaizen events, identifying root causes, implementing countermeasures, and sustaining improvements through visual management and performance tracking.
- Configure and continuously improve how materials move through the facility, including optimizing inventory presentation, reducing handling steps, and improving overall flow efficiency.
- Support new product introductions by leading material flow readiness and coordinating cross-functional activities.
- Oversee sustaining activities such as container and kanban audits, along with updates to material handling methods based on usage and demand trends.
- Utilize tools such as ERP systems, process mapping software, and Microsoft 365 applications to analyze, document, and improve material flow processes.
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.
- Problem Solving: You identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant material flow, manufacturing, or supply chain experience required.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing salaried employees in a manufacturing or operations environment required.
- Strong experience designing and improving material flow processes, including implementation of lean manufacturing principles.
- Proficiency with ERP systems (including AS400 or similar), Microsoft 365 applications, and process mapping tools such as Visio.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive process improvements.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
- Experience supporting large-scale operational or production line transformation projects preferred.
- This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.
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.
