VP, Industrial Design

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.

As Vice President of Design, you will lead the vision, strategy, and execution of Design across the Polaris Powersports organization, overseeing capabilities spanning Industrial Design, CMFG, Clay Studio, Digital Design, UX/UI, Advanced Design, CAID, Studio Engineering, Human Factors & Ergonomics, and Advanced Technology & Innovation. You will serve as the senior design authority, bringing these disciplines together to deliver differentiated products and experiences while shaping the long-term design philosophy of the organization.

As a key member of senior leadership, you will partner with Business Unit, Product, Engineering, Marketing, Finance, and executive leaders to influence brand, product, technology, portfolio, and investment strategies. This is an opportunity to shape design across a broad powersports portfolio while leading a global, multidisciplinary organization and influencing products from early exploration through commercialization.

• 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.

• 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.
• Collaboration:
  
  You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or a related design discipline from an accredited university or college; advanced degree preferred.
• 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,…