Engineering Process Manager - Product Change / Release Management

About the role

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. JOB SUMMARY: Be a catalyst for operational excellence - join a team that's redefining how world-class products are developed. This high-impact role serves as the business process leader for core Engineering processes, driving best-in-class Product Development capabilities. The Engineering Process Manager is accountable for the end-to-end performance, sustainability, and continuous improvement of assigned business capabilities. This role ensures processes are aligned with strategic goals, well defined, optimized, scalable, sustainable, and delivering maximum value. Initially, this role will lead the Product Change / Release Management domain . We're looking for a relentlessly curious leader - someone forward-thinking who questions assumptions, explores new possibilities, and thrives by uncovering better ways to do things. If you are self-driven, thrive on solving complex problems, stay ahead of product development trends, bring expertise in BOM management, and consistently pursue improved operational efficiency, this is a role where you can make a significant impact. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Process Ownership & Optimization Protect downstream flow by enabling fast, traceable, and right‑first‑time engineering change and release execution Serve as the subject matter expert for Product Change / Release Management domain with full accountability for end-to-end process ownership, integration, optimization, and sustainability. Own and champion assigned business processes, ensuring they are scalable, sustainable, and delivering tangible business value. Lead process design, definition, and documentation. Maintain comprehensive process maps, standards, and training materials. Actively lead solution definition, root-cause analysis, problem solving, requirements gathering, validation, user acceptance testing, change management, and implementation. Lead process improvement initiatives, leveraging LEAN methodologies, and project management frameworks. Provide work direction to team members, which may include both direct and indirect reports. 2. Strategic Alignment & Governance Ensure engineering changes translate into synchronized, executable releases across manufacturing, supply, and service - eliminating delay, confusion, and waste. Align process objectives with long-range plans (LRP), capability & technology roadmaps, and organizational strategy. Lead collaboration with governance boards and cross-functional teams to prioritize investments and manage process change. Ensure clear roles and responsibilities (RACI), stakeholder engagement, and sponsorship for process initiatives. 3. Quality Assurance & Data Stewardship Ensure data stewardship resulting in a trusted, single source of truth for product development data in the digital thread. Define, monitor and control process adherence, ensuring compliance with internal standards. Develop and track metrics / KPIs to create visibility into improvement opportunities and risks. 4. User Support & Change Leadership Oversee production end-user support for your domain, ensuring quick and effective resolution of issues to ensure user efficiency. Lead change management efforts, including communication, training, and adoption strategies. Develop and maintain self-service resources and process documentation for global teams. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related technical field. At least 5 years' experience in model-year based New Product Development, working directly with Engineering Bill of Materials Minimum of 4 years of experience managing complex, cross-functional projects within the following functions: Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, or Supply Chain. Experience leading PLM part and BOM change / release management (New Releases/ECO/Deviation, etc). At least 3 years' experience in Product Development business process ownership, optimization, and change management role, preferred. Expert-level proficiency with PTC suite of applications (Windchill) and Microsoft Office applications, including SharePoint and PowerBI. Preferred LEAN experience with the following: facilitating Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, Stage/Gate Process and New Product Development Process. Proven ability to lead change, build strong relationships, and motivate at all levels within the organization and across functions within a matrix organization. Detail-oriented, highly organized, and self-driven individual with ability to multi-task and perform in a very fast-paced environment. Collaborative team player with strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. W