Polaris Industries Inc

Sr Director, Product Planning

Polaris Industries Inc$210K — $265K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; MBA or other graduate degree preferred.
  • Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in sales, marketing, and product management.
  • Minimum 5 years of formal people leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex product portfolios.
  • Strong strategic, analytical, and financial acumen.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Experience utilizing market research tools.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and execution of the Long-Range Product Plan for the assigned portfolio.
  • Oversee product proposals, program plans, and business cases for new products.
  • Direct portfolio strategy and lifecycle management decisions.
  • Analyze market trends and consumer insights to identify opportunities.
  • Ensure customer insights are integrated into product strategies and initiatives.
  • Collaborate with various departments to support profitability and market share objectives.
  • Lead, coach, and develop Product Directors and Product Managers.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation with a market-leading profit-sharing plan.
  • Employee ownership opportunities through company contributions.
  • Generous 401(k) matching contributions and financial wellness education.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Wellness programs, gym reimbursements, and paid time off.
  • Support for employee volunteer efforts through paid time off programs.
Full Job Description

Position Overview:

You will lead product strategy, portfolio planning, and lifecycle management for Polaris' RZR, Polaris Xpedition, General, and Sportsman product lineups within the Off-Road Vehicle organization. In this role, you will oversee a team of Product Directors and Product Managers responsible for shaping product strategies, establishing program priorities, and delivering business results across multiple platforms. You will guide long-range product planning, portfolio investment decisions, and innovation initiatives while ensuring customer insights remain central to decision making. Working closely with leaders across Engineering, Design, Operations, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and PG&A, you will help drive sustainable growth and competitive differentiation for the business. This role offers the opportunity to influence enterprise-level product strategy, investment priorities, and the future direction of Polaris' largest off-road vehicle platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and execution of the Long-Range Product Plan (LRPP) for the assigned product portfolio, ensuring alignment with business priorities and platform strategies.

  • Oversee product proposals, program plans, and business cases for new products and platform investments, driving alignment and securing necessary approvals.

  • Direct portfolio strategy and lifecycle management decisions to balance long-term growth opportunities with current business performance objectives.

  • Analyze market trends, competitive activity, consumer insights, demographic shifts, and regulatory developments to identify opportunities and risks.

  • Ensure Voice of Customer insights are integrated into portfolio strategies, investment decisions, product roadmaps, and innovation initiatives.

  • Partner with Operations, Sourcing, Sales, Finance, and PG&A to support profitability, market share, volume, mix, and ownership experience objectives.

  • Review portfolio performance, market dynamics, and program progress to inform strategic adjustments and resource allocation decisions.

  • Lead, coach, and develop Product Directors and Product Managers while fostering accountability, collaboration, and high performance.

  • Collaborate with Engineering, Design, Marketing, Operations, Finance, PG&A, and Executive Leadership to deliver successful product outcomes.

  • Remove organizational barriers, escalate critical issues as needed, and support the effective execution of strategic programs and initiatives.

  • Partner with Product Planning leadership to identify best practices, improve operating rhythms, and drive consistency across the organization.

  • Represent Polaris at industry events, customer engagements, trade meetings, and executive reviews.

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.

  •  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.

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

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree required; MBA or other graduate degree preferred.

  • Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in sales, marketing, product planning, product management, and/or product development.

  • Minimum 5 years of formal people leadership experience leading professional and/or leadership-level employees.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex product portfolios and influence enterprise-level decisions.

  • Strong strategic, analytical, and financial acumen with experience evaluating market opportunities and business performance.

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels, including senior leadership.

  • Experience utilizing quantitative and qualitative market research tools and techniques to inform business decisions.

  • Ability to operate off-road products competently.

  • Ability to travel regularly between Polaris locations and up to 20-35% domestically and internationally as business needs require.

  • This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $210,000 - $265,000 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. 

#LI-GR1

#LI-Hybrid

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 Industries Inc

Polaris Industries Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Polaris Industries Inc, a leader in the powersports industry, and propel your career to new heights with unparalleled job opportunities. At Polaris, innovation and leadership drive us forward, and we invite you to be a part of our trailblazing journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Polaris Industries Inc, you will collaborate with a global team of professionals dedicated to setting benchmarks in the powersports sector. Our commitment to excellence in innovation and diversity training ensures that every team member is equipped to contribute to our shared goals effectively.

Lead with Innovation

Step into a role at Polaris Industries Inc and lead projects that redefine industry standards. Our culture thrives on innovation and leadership, fostering a workspace where forward-thinking and proactive problem-solving are at the forefront.

Engage in Meaningful Work

Join our market-leading team and help drive digital transformation across the industry. Polaris Industries Inc is not just about powersports; it's about creating experiences that resonate with our customers worldwide. Your work will directly impact our success, enhancing how our customers engage with the outdoors.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Polaris Industries Inc is deeply committed to the professional growth of its employees. With a variety of career paths available, the potential for advancement is substantial. We support your professional journey with robust training programs, leadership development opportunities, and a commitment to promoting from within.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Polaris internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, develop essential skills, and build a professional network that will serve you throughout your career. Our internships offer a hands-on approach to learning and development, paired with real-world projects that prepare you for future employment.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Polaris Industries Inc, we believe diversity drives innovation. Our inclusive culture welcomes professionals from all backgrounds, encouraging a diverse range of thoughts and ideas. Diversity training is integral to our operations, ensuring that all team members feel valued and understood.

Benefits and Culture

Choose a career at Polaris Industries Inc and enjoy not just a job but a lifestyle. Our benefits package is designed to support our team members in achieving a healthy work-life balance, including health, vision, and dental insurance, employee discounts, and more. Our company culture champions enthusiasm, dedication, and passion, with a focus on maintaining a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Join Our Team

Explore the job opportunities at Polaris Industries Inc and find the position that matches your skills and interests. We are hiring creative, curious, and driven individuals ready to make a significant impact in the powersports industry. Whether you are looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a leadership role, Polaris offers a path that aligns with your career aspirations.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Polaris Industries Inc: - **Career Tips**: Get insider perspectives and industry-leading insights to enhance your professional journey. - **Networking Events**: Connect with leaders and peers within the industry through our networking events and online communities. - **Job Alerts**: Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences.

Apply Now

Ready to accelerate your career? Submit your resume, prepare for your interview, and join a team that’s redefining an industry. At Polaris Industries Inc, your future is waiting.
Learn more about Polaris Industries Inc
Size
16,000 employees
Market Cap
$5.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$124.8 million
Founded
1954
5 Year Trend
+12.7%
Revenue
$7 billion
NASDAQ

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