Manufacturing Training Manager

Polaris Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Employee stock ownership plan

Health insurance

Job summary

Polaris Inc. in Huntsville is seeking an experienced Training Leader to develop and govern manufacturing training programs across sites, aligning with safety, quality, and Lean principles.

You will partner with Operations, Lean, Quality, HR, Engineering and site leadership to implement standardized training systems, certification programs, and reporting; travel ~50% to support multiple locations. This role drives workforce capability and readiness for new products and process changes.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and delivering technical training programs.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and operational excellence principles.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop a manufacturing training strategy aligned with business objectives and priorities.
• Govern training standards, policies, systems, and processes across locations.
• Identify skill gaps and implement development plans for current and future needs.
• Develop and maintain training curricula, work instructions, matrices, and assessments.
• Ensure training reflects current processes, safety, and Lean principles.
• Manage certification and qualification programs with criteria and standards.
• Design cross-training and train-the-trainer programs to improve flexibility.
• Administer training systems and ensure data integrity across platforms.
• Develop training metrics, dashboards, and reports to evaluate effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Planning & Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in training & development, Education, HR, Business, Engineering, Operations Management

Tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

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.

Position Overview

You will lead the development, implementation, and governance of manufacturing training programs that build workforce capability and support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives across manufacturing operations. In this role, you will partner closely with Operations, Lean, Quality, Human Resources, Engineering, and site leadership teams to establish standardized training systems, certification programs, and workforce development strategies. You will drive consistency in training processes, manage training technologies and reporting, and support workforce flexibility through skills development initiatives. You will also provide guidance to site training leaders and support organizational readiness for new products and process changes. This is a compelling opportunity to influence workforce performance and capability across multiple manufacturing locations through strategic training leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a manufacturing training strategy aligned with business objectives and operational priorities.
• Establish and govern training standards, policies, systems, and processes across manufacturing locations.
• Identify workforce skill gaps and implement development plans to address current and future capability needs.
• Develop and maintain training curricula, work instructions, training matrices, competency assessments, and related training content.
• Ensure training programs reflect current manufacturing processes, quality standards, safety requirements, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Manage operator certification and qualification programs, including assessment criteria and certification standards.
• Design and coordinate cross-training, multi-skill development, and train-the-trainer programs to enhance workforce flexibility.
• Administer training systems and learning management tools while ensuring data integrity and consistency across platforms.
• Develop and monitor training metrics, dashboards, and reporting to evaluate training effectiveness and employee proficiency.
• Partner with plant leadership, supervisors, Human Resources, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and Operations teams to support training initiatives and organizational objectives.
• Support new product introductions and process changes through effective training planning and deployment.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support to site training leaders to promote consistent training practices.

Desired Competencies

• Leadership: You inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve their best by setting clear direction, fostering trust, and creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and accountable for delivering results.
• Collaboration: You work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
• Planning & Organization: You manage time, resources, and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and deliver consistent results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in training & development, Education, Human Resources, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing, operations, training, or workforce development.
• Experience developing and delivering technical training programs.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and operational excellence principles.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
• Experience administering Learning Management Systems (LMS) preferred.
• Experience leading certification, qualification, or skills matrix programs preferred.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design preferred.
• Multi-site manufacturing experience preferred.
• Approximately 50% travel across manufacturing locations.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $103,000 to $136,000 per year. Individual salaries and positioning within the range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography. While individual pay could fall anywhere in the range based on these factors, it is not common to start at the high end or top of the range.

To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.

At Polaris we put our employees first, by offering a holistic approach to their health and financial wellbeing. Polaris is proud to offer competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan that is fundamental to our pay-for-performance culture. At Polaris, employees are owners of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan. Employees receive a generous matching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future. In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment.

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris' high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side‑by‑side off‑road vehicles; Sportsman® all‑terrain off‑road vehicles; military and commercial off‑road vehicles; snowmobiles; Slingshot® moto‑roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry‑leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

EEO Statement

Polaris Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Applicants with a disability that are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, or otherwise need assistance or an accommodation in the recruiting process, should contact Human Resources at 800-765-2747 or [e-mail]. To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov). EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled