Operations Sr Manager

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.

The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for leading all plant operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and profitable execution of manufacturing activities. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across Production, Safety, Quality, Logistics, Maintenance, Facilities, and external service providers while ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer expectations, and operational performance targets. The position serves as the primary site leader for daily operations, driving a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

The Senior Operations Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, customers, suppliers, and external partners to optimize productivity, control costs, improve quality, and support sustainable business growth.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant operations, production, or manufacturing management. 5+ years of experience leading multiple functional areas within a manufacturing environment. Proven experience managing direct and indirect personnel in production environments. Strong experience overseeing cross-functional operations, including Production, Quality, Logistics, Maintenance, Safety, and Facilities.

Experience managing supplier relationships and external service providers. Strong business acumen with experience managing operational budgets, resource planning, and cost control initiatives. Demonstrated ability to lead continuous improvement initiatives and operational performance programs. Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills. Experience driving operational KPIs including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity, Scrap, OEE, and Cost. Excellent leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and decision‑making skills.

Advanced English proficiency (written and verbal). Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

Experience in the automotive manufacturing industry. Knowledge of plastic injection molding processes. Experience with machining operations and manufacturing technologies. Experience supporting startup operations, plant expansions, or major operational transformations. Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification. Experience managing third‑party vendors operating within manufacturing facilities. Experience with supplier performance management and contract administration. Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), Operations Management, or related field.

Experience leading ISO, IATF 16949, or similar manufacturing quality systems. Strong knowledge of capital project management and facility improvements. Experience managing facilities, utilities, and infrastructure services within a manufacturing environment.

The Senior Operations Manager provides overall leadership for manufacturing operations and serves as the primary point of coordination across all operational functions within the facility. The role is responsible for ensuring that safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial objectives are achieved while maintaining a high‑performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include directing daily operations across Production, Quality, Logistics, Maintenance, Safety, and Facilities, ensuring efficient resource utilization and operational stability.

The position develops and executes operational strategies aligned with company goals, monitors plant performance metrics, and drives corrective actions to address risks and performance gaps. The Senior Operations Manager partners closely…