Lean Manager, LPPD

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.

Be a catalyst for operational excellence — join a team focused on the learning system to design and develop world-class products by leveraging lean principles and practices. This high-impact role centers on identifying, developing, and implementing breakthrough capabilities in Lean Product and Process Development (LPPD) to drive speed to market and create competitive advantage.

We are looking for an innovative leader — someone forward-thinking who questions assumptions, explores new possibilities, and thrives by uncovering better ways to do things. If you are self-driven, energized by solving problems, stay ahead of product development trends and consistently pursue improved operational efficiency, this is a role where you can make a significant impact.

• Vision and Leadership
  • Partner with Polaris leadership to drive the LPPD long-term vision, strategy, roadmap, positioning, and execution plan across our Powersports business.
  • Assist in designing and evolving the LPPD learning system — including experimentation processes, coaching practices, and cross-functional alignment.
  • Lead development of the LPPD Improvement Priorities, Targets to Improve (TTIs) and other metrics and dashboards.
  • Support LPPD in annual planning for LRP, Macro Plan and Budgeting.
• Program Management
  • Create value stream maps and design experiments in coordination with the LPPD Core Team and product development teams.
  • Manage the flow of work from problem identification to experimentation to implementation of solutions in product and process development.
  • Provide daily management leadership, coaching and support to product development teams and leaders in planning and executing LPPD work and problem solving.
  • Manage weekly progress on LPPD priorities, actions, schedules, best practices, and standard work.
  • Lead LPPD meetings and events.
  • Support LPPD communications and training within product development teams and across Polaris.
  • Coordinate data gathering and complete data analysis work for LPPD with subject matter experts (SMEs) and outside partners. Develop recommendations to enable data-driven decision-making.
  • Engage with internal and external partners in LPPD benchmarking and learning opportunities.
  • Support the D&IT team with delivery of tools and technology required for LPPD.
  • Document LPPD learning and standard work to capture knowledge, efficiently repeat processes, and train others.
  • Leverage AI as a multiplier and accelerator in leading LPPD work.
  • Exemplify LPPD principles and practices in daily work.
• Metrics and Reporting
  • Track progress against Targets to Improve (TTIs) using the dashboard and glide path.
  • Support LPPD documentation and report outs to the Powersports business, functions, and leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex, cross-functional product development projects at Polaris within the following functions:
  Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, or Supply Chain.
• Strong Lean experience with the following: facilitation of Kaizen events, value stream mapping, problem solving process (8D, A3, etc), Stage/Gate process, and new product development process.
• Proven ability to lead change, build strong relationships, and motivate at all levels within Polaris.
• Strong systems thinking with the ability to operate with some ambiguity and still make decisions.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, energetic, and self-driven with ability to multi-task.
• Collaborative team player with strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strong facilitation and coaching capabilities.
• Experience in product development business process ownership, optimization, and change management preferred.
• Proficiency with PTC suite of applications (Creo, Windchill) and Microsoft Office…