Product Manager, Snow/Specialty Accessories Job Listing at Polaris Industries, Inc. in Medina, MN

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Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use and has recently introduced a new on-road electric powered neighborhood vehicle. Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years are making in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.

JOB SUMMARY
Develop the strategy and roadmap to grow the Snowmobile accessory business and cross-functional technical categories including electronics and performance. Lead global product planning, product life cycle management business reviews; champion market research consumer insights and monitor technology trends. Lead RD and innovation processes and establish subject matter experts for technical cross-functional categories. Drive solutions / technologies across platforms product lines. Establish provide product operations support to the product teams. A key member of the division’s management team that works together to build a successful business for Polaris by maximizing talent, innovation, product quality profitability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•Deliver PL results. Responsible for snowmobile accessory revenue, gross margins, operating expenses and inventory. Guides team to develop and recommend attachment rate targets, sales volume, pricing and profit margin forecasts.
•Leads global long range product plans for snow accessories, technologies and technical cross-functional categories (i.e. electronics, performance safety) and aligns organization through highly integrated planning development.
•Develops strategic roadmap and leads RD and innovation processes for new, innovative signature products that support the target customer, enhance the product ownership and lifestyle experience via differentiation / competitive advantage.
•Champions consumer insights, product / idea generation planning. Analyzes monitors technology trends, market data, competitive activity, demographic lifestyle trends to identify market opportunities that align with the strategic objectives of the business.
•Tracks technology development, industrial design and competitive product development trends to foster innovation, identify future opportunities and competitive threats; establish subject matter expertise / specialists.
•Communicates collaborates with engineering and product development teams to ensure timely and effective product development insertion plans.
•Manages relationships and processes with suppliers and engineering to drive technology development, ensure cost competitiveness, timely delivery; identify technical brand partners.
•Manages and develops the team; attracts, retains and promotes top talent.
•Identifies new opportunities for further expansion of the PGA division in new segments via organic development, strategic alliances/partnerships and acquisitions.
•Establish product operations support including marketing fleet management, accessorized/up-fit vehicles, centralized certification function, professional consumer instructions, fit charts product communications and retail product packaging for quality brand consistency.
•Represents division and company as spokesperson on occasion; attends various industry events including trade association meetings.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
•Bachelors Degree or equivalent required. MBA a plus.
•8-10 years relevant engineering and/or product development experience with at least 3 years managing people.
•Strong project management and analytical skills. Knowledge and experience with quantitative and qualitative market research tools. Strong customer, brand and channel experience.
•Excellent presentations skills. Ability to present to and persuade a wide range of audiences from Polaris Senior Management, to members of the press to dealers,
•Cross-functional influencing capabilities, able to work well across and up and down the organization. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
•Knowledge of quantitative qualitative market research tools and techniques. Strong customer focus.
•Must be able to use product competently. Extensive knowledge of powersports and/or automotive-like products a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS
•Standard office environment. Regular trips to key suppliers, Polaris engineering and manufacturing facilities.
•Some travel (primarily throughout US Canada, occasionally overseas).