Sr. Sourcing Lead - Metal Fabrication

About the position

As a Senior Sourcing Lead, you will be a key team member driving the strategic development and execution of sourcing initiatives for metal fabrications, in alignment with the broader Commodity Strategy. You will oversee and optimize the supply base to ensure suppliers consistently meet our four core priorities: Delivery, Quality, New Product Integration, and Cost Competitiveness. In addition, you will identify and engage new suppliers with advanced metal forming capabilities, and lead cross-functional teams by leveraging their strengths to achieve impactful results. This role may include direct people management responsibilities. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of our metal sourcing strategy while working alongside a collaborative, results-driven team-your leadership will directly influence innovation, performance, and growth.

Responsibilities

• Identify and establish new supplier relationships to ensure effective communication and alignment with Polaris.
• Lead the development and implementation of supply agreements and long-term agreements (LTAs), with final approval by the Purchasing Manager or higher.
• Manage supplier selection and maintain the RFx matrix for assigned commodities.
• Propose supplier onboarding and exits to the Purchasing Manager, and execute approved changes.
• Initiate RFx processes for new parts and part revisions, aligned with the commodity strategy, and recommend supplier selections.
• Assess supplier capabilities and strategic fit based on input from the commodity team and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Coordinate cost reduction initiatives, supplier transitions, and tooling changes.
• Oversee project cost, schedule, technical requirements, and drawing release status, and lead corrective actions as needed.
• Lead the development and execution of the commodity strategy to support organizational goals and long-term plans.
• Define a multi-year vision for the commodity, incorporating input from internal stakeholders, purchasing objectives, risk assessments, growth projections, and the broader supply chain strategy.
• Identify, introduce, and integrate new metal forming and assembly capabilities into the supply base to enhance technical performance and innovation.
• Develop and execute both short-term and long-term cost reduction strategies for assigned commodities, aligned with budget targets and long-range planning (LRP) commitments.
• Leverage tools such as fact-based negotiation, should-cost modeling, and competitive market analysis to initiate cost reduction initiatives.
• Establish contractual commitments to secure long-term cost savings and support departmental financial goals.
• Monitor and drive supplier performance across assigned categories to ensure compliance with Polaris's quality and delivery standards.
• Support the supplier quality function by identifying root causes of quality issues and coordinating containment and corrective actions.
• Provide clear direction and support to team members, fostering a culture of transparency, continuous learning, and professional growth.
• Build and lead high-performing teams by recognizing and leveraging individual skill sets to drive results.
• May have direct reports and will be responsible for their career development, performance management, and ongoing coaching.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Sourcing, Sales or Engineering role related to metal fabrication, including cross-functional project or commodity management.
• APICS CPIM and/or ISM C.P.M./A.P.P. certifications preferred.
• Knowledge or experience with metal fabrication processes such as Deep Draw, Hemming, Resistance Spot Welding (RSW), Riveting, Hydroforming, Hot Metal Gas Forming (HMGF), and large stampings.
• Functional knowledge of engineering documentation, manufacturing process controls, and technical data.
• Proven track record of strong, effective leadership.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to proactively identify risks and make informed decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguous environments with minimal direction.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to resolve complex, high-impact, and cross-functional challenges.
• Effective negotiation, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and functions.
• Strong time management, prioritization, and multitasking abilities.
• Advanced understanding of supply contracts highly preferred.
• Skilled in developing and delivering presentations, including PowerPoint, to operations and executive leadership.
• Familiarity with project management tools and ability to support tasks assigned by Project Managers.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan.
• Generous matching contribution to 401(k).
• Financial wellness education and consultation.
• Comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Paid time off.
• Gym & personal training reimbursement.
• Life insurance and disability offerings.
• Paid volunteer time off through the Polaris Foundation.