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Operations Leadership Development Program

Polaris Inc.
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Operations Leadership Development Program 

Leadership Development Program Overview  

Launch your career at the intersection of manufacturing, supply chain, and operational excellence. 

The Polaris Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) is an accelerated rotational program designed for high-potential graduates who aspire to become the next generation of operations leaders. Through challenging assignments across supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, quality, and engineering, participants gain hands-on experience solving real business challenges and driving meaningful results. 

As an OLDP participant, you will lead impactful projects, learn from experienced leaders, and build the technical, business, and leadership capabilities needed to grow your career at Polaris. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Deliver results through rotational assignments in operations, supply chain, quality, engineering, and enterprise functions.  
  • Lead projects that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and overall operational performance.  
  • Use data, business insights, and problem-solving methods to identify and implement process improvements. 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve business challenges and drive results. 
  • Present project outcomes and recommendations to business leaders and key stakeholders. 
  • Develop leadership capabilities through mentorship, networking, and hands-on operational experience. 
  • Demonstrate adaptability, accountability, and commitment to continuous learning and growth. 

 

Program Length: 3 Years  

Rotation Length: 1 Year (3 Rotations) 

Rotations may require relocation, and candidates must be willing and able to relocate. 

Placement Locations may Include: Greater Twin Cities Metro, MN; Huntsville, AL; Roseau, MN; Battle Ground, WA.  

 

Potential rotation areas include:  

Core Supply Chain Rotation: Gain end‑to‑end exposure to supply chain operations, including material flow, production and supply planning, sourcing, logistics, and supplier performance, while supporting reliable, cost-effective manufacturing and distribution. 

Core Operations Rotation: Support manufacturing and distribution operations through hands‑on experience in manufacturing engineering, quality, EHS, continuous improvement, or operations leadership, including direct exposure to front-line supervision. 

Enterprise Operations Lead an enterprise level capstone project focused on optimizing supply chain or operational performance through data analytics, process improvement, cost reduction, and strategic initiatives such as sustainability, automation, sourcing risk, or new product introduction. 

 

Upon successful completion of the program, you will have the opportunity to transition into a full-time Operations-related position within the business, contingent on business needs and the skills and experience you demonstrate during the program. 

 

Program Advantages: As a Polaris employee, you will enjoy specific benefits beyond rotational experiences, including: 

  • Mentorship: You will be paired with a functional business leader establishing a mentor relationship that will begin in your DP journey and continue throughout your career with Polaris.  
  • Leadership Development: A blend of structured and self-guided learning opportunities provided throughout the program that are intended to build leadership skills. 
  • Networking: Intentional time with peers and leaders at Polaris to build your professional network.  
  • Early Talent Summit Week: You will participate in our 3-day event in our Wyoming, MN office. This immersive experience brings together all US interns and DPs for professional development, structured networking, a DP graduation event, inspiring executive speakers, and a thrilling team ride on some of your favorite Polaris vehicles. 
  • Community Engagement: Opportunity to get involved in your local community.  
  • Rotation Showcases: Present rotational accomplishments and career aspirations to senior-level leaders. 

 

Polaris Benefit Highlights:  

  • A generous 401K employee contribution matching program.  
  • Pay for Performance Company which uniquely allows employees to receive Annual Profit-Sharing bonuses based upon the performance of the employee. 
  • Tuition Reimbursement program to support employees who want to further their education.  

 

The Selection Process:  

Applications are accepted from August-November. Selected candidates will complete a phone screen followed by a business screen and a virtual panel interview with HR and business leaders. Upon acceptance, the Early Talent team will provide monthly communications including instructions on completing a Brand Slide, which supports your first rotation placement based on business needs, development areas, skills, and individual career aspirations. Placements are finalized in late October for January start dates and in mid April for June start dates. Your start with Polaris is based on graduation date, with roles beginning in either January or June. 

 

DP Relocation Assistance:  

Polaris offers a relocation program through our mobility vendor for employees who qualify. Benefits include a lump sum payment, self-haul moving package, lease cancellation/duplicate housing reimbursement, and access to a relocation counselor. The counselor will explain available resources and assist in securing short-term housing. You will be responsible for daily transportation to and from the office. 

 

Required Qualifications: 

  • A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, or other related degree with a graduation date between August 2026 and May 2027. 
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 
  • Must be able to commit to a full-time work schedule starting on one of the following dates:  
    • January 11th, 2027.  
    • June 14th, 2027. 
  • Demonstrated business acumen and sound judgment with the ability to analyze information, solve problems, make recommendations, and apply operations best practices to business processes. 
  • Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to lead projects, navigate ambiguity, build relationships, and influence across organizational levels. 
  • Foundational operations knowledge gained through coursework, internships, student organizations, case competitions, leadership experiences, or related operations projects. 
  • Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) and not require sponsorship for employment now or in the future.  
  • Must be willing to travel and relocate between sites for your rotations, as well as be mobile beyond the rotational program to support your career development. 
  • Must have reliable transportation for daily commuting to and from the office. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software: Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint. 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Previous Internship/Co-op experience.  
  • High level of drive and career aspiration.  
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies. 
  • Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) or supply chain management software. 
  • Exposure to data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) or programming languages like Python or SQL for operations analysis. 
  • Understanding of manufacturing automation, IoT, or smart factory technologies. 
  • Experience working in cross-functional or cross-cultural teams. 
  • Demonstrated change management or project leadership experience 

 

This position is not eligible for sponsorship. To be considered for this opportunity, you must apply on our career page. 

We hope you're ready for the ultimate adventure!