Production Manager - 3rd Shift

Polaris Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing plan

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Wellness programs

Paid time off

Gym & personal training reimbursement

Job summary

Polaris Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama seeks a seasoned Manufacturing Operations Leader to drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost outcomes on the production floor.

You will guide a cross-functional team of managers, engineers, and technicians, shaping plant performance through data-driven decision making and Lean continuous improvement. The role collaborates with supply chain and product development, oversees budgets and staffing, and leads capital projects to enhance efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing management.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision making.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Up to 20% travel.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead production operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Develop and execute production plans aligned with corporate goals.
• Provide leadership and development for supervisors, engineers, and technical staff.
• Drive Lean and standardized work.
• Collaborate with supply chain and cross-functional teams.
• Support new product development and launches.
• Manage budgets and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Oversee staffing, training, and performance evaluations.
• Lead capital equipment planning and implementation.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Utilize data analytics to support decisions and improvements.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven decision making

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or related field

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 production operations while integrating new product development and driving continuous productivity improvements. In this role, you will guide a cross-functional team of managers, supervisors, and technical staff to achieve results across safety, quality, delivery, and cost. You will collaborate closely with plant leadership to ensure compliance, operational efficiency, and successful product launches. This role offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact on manufacturing performance while shaping team capability and process improvement strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Develop and execute production plans aligned with corporate goals and operational targets.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for supervisors, engineers, and technical team members.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean manufacturing practices and standardized work.
• Partner with supply chain, purchasing, and cross-functional teams to meet business objectives.
• Support new product development and ensure successful production launches.
• Manage departmental budgets and identify cost reduction opportunities, targeting annual improvements.
• Oversee staffing, training, performance evaluations, and workforce planning.
• Lead capital equipment planning, justification, and implementation for operational improvements.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize data and analytics to support decision‑making and performance improvements.

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.
• Communication: You clearly convey information, ideas, and expectations to diverse audiences, adjusting your message to ensure understanding and alignment.
• Problem Solving: You identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing management.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in production or manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to inform decisions.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborating across departments.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as welding, paint, or assembly preferred.
• Lean and/or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Up to 20% travel required.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
• To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.

We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE.

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.

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).

At Polaris, the need for diverse perspectives and experiences enables our vision of Best People, Best Team. We value our differences and align our passions to do great work. As a highly efficient growth company, we are driven to be agile and adaptable to support our customers. At Polaris we unite to create memorable adventures.

Learn more at http://www.polaris.com/careers