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2027 HR Leadership Development Program Associate

Polaris Inc.
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Leadership Development Program Overview 

At Polaris, we believe great HR leaders are built through experience, challenge, and opportunity. The Human Resources Leadership Development Program (HRLDP) offers recent graduates an accelerated path to develop business acumen, leadership capability, and HR expertise. Through rotational assignments, exposure to senior leaders, and real-world business challenges, participants build the skills and confidence to become trusted business partners and future leaders within Polaris.

Program Length: 3 Years
Rotation Length: 1 Year (3 Rotations)

The Human Resources Leadership Development Program (HRLDP) is designed for recent graduates with the potential to become future HR leaders at Polaris. We are looking for individuals who demonstrate leadership capacity, intellectual curiosity, strong judgment, and a desire to learn. Through three rotational experiences, participants develop broad HR capability, business acumen, and leadership skills while supporting meaningful work across the enterprise.
 

These rotations will include relocation – candidates must be mobile.
 

Individuals rotate across a combination of HR Business Partner, HR Generalist, and Center of Excellence experiences based on business needs, individual interests, and development goals.

  • HR Business Partner (HRBP): Partner with business leaders to align talent strategies with organizational goals, support workforce initiatives, and drive business performance across Polaris business units.
    • Rotation Locations Could Include: Medina, MN; Plymouth, MN; Wyoming, MN
  • HR Generalist (HRG): Support frontline manufacturing or distribution operations through employee relations, workforce planning, leader coaching, and day-to-day HR partnership.
    • Rotation Locations Could Include: Roseau, MN; Huntsville, AL; Rigby, ID; Elkhart, IN
  • Center of Excellence (CoE): Help design and deliver enterprise-wide HR programs, systems, and strategies that support employees, leaders, and HR teams across Polaris. Potential focus areas include Talent Acquisition, Organizational Development, Early Talent, Labor & Employee Relations, Talent Analytics & Total Rewards.
    • Rotation Locations Could Include: Medina, MN; Plymouth, MN; Wyoming, MN

Upon completion of the program, you will transition into a full-time Human Resources-related position within the business, contingent on business needs and the skills and performance you demonstrate during the program.

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

  • Mentorship: you are paired with one of our functional business leaders for mentor support throughout your entire DP journey. 
  • Professional 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 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 to our senior level leaders to showcase your career aspirations and recap your rotational experience. 

How You’ll Learn and Contribute:

  • Partner with Business Leaders - Build trusted relationships with leaders to align talent and workforce strategies with business objectives.
  • Drive Talent Management - Support the attraction, development, retention, and succession of talent to ensure a strong leadership and talent pipeline.
  • Lead Performance Management - Coach leaders and employees on goal setting, feedback, development planning, and performance outcomes.
  • Provide Employee Relations Guidance - Resolve employee concerns, conduct investigations, and support consistent application of policies and practices.
  • Support Total Rewards Programs - Partner with leaders on compensation, benefits, and reward decisions that align with company philosophy and market practices.
  • Enhance Organizational Effectiveness - Support organizational design, workforce planning, employee engagement, and team effectiveness initiatives.
  • Ensure HR Operational Excellence - Execute HR processes, maintain compliance, leverage HR systems, and provide workforce insights through data and reporting.
  • Enable Organizational Change - Guide leaders and employees through business changes, building readiness, adoption, and sustained organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, human resources, or other related business degree with a graduation date between August 2026 and May 2027.
  • Previous internship, co-op, leadership, athletics, student organization, or relevant project experience demonstrating teamwork, initiative, and a strong drive to achieve results.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  • Must be able to commit to working 40 hours per week starting on one of the following dates: January 11th, 2027 or June 14th, 2027. 
  • 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.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software: Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint.

Successful Candidates Typically Demonstrate:

  • Learning agility and intellectual curiosity
  • Initiative and ownership
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Sound judgement and professionalism
  • Resilience and adaptability in new situations
  • Interest in the intersection of people, leadership, and business
  • Leadership potential demonstrated through academic, professional, athletic, community, or organizational experiences.

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 reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the fall. Selected candidates will participate in a phone screen, business screen, and virtual interview with Polaris HR and business leaders. Candidates who successfully complete the interview process may receive an offer to join the HR Leadership Development Program. Rotation placements are determined based on business needs, individual interests, and development goals, with start dates aligned to graduation timing 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.

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!