Category Manager, Automotive Outsourcing

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

A Career at HARMAN Automotive

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience
• Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence
• Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

About the Role

As a Category Manager at Automotive Outsourcing, you will be responsible for preparing and executing your category strategy focusing on establishing strong and resilient supplier relationships. In this role, you will report to the Director of Direct Material Procurement, Outsourcing.

What You Will Do

• Provide innovative strategies for optimizing global sourcing effectiveness and resiliency
• Coordinate and work with both corporate and regional stakeholders to establish and implement long-term strategic goals
• Negotiate global contracts and ensure expedient and compliant implementation throughout organization.
• Establish strong supplier relationships, perform advanced and intricate negotiations, and oversee selection of key suppliers
• Identify and evaluate market changes and new technologies -- make appropriate fact-based recommendations for adoption by Harman stakeholders
• Manage and/or lead preparation and evaluation of RFx
• Facilitate VA/VE, savings ideas, or other cost improvement workshops in support of fulfilling personal, category, and division related savings objectives

• What You Need to Be Successful

• 8+ years of experience with strategic procurement, category management OR program/project management at electronic contract manufacturing service providers
• High level of commitment, strong self-motivation and goal orientation
• Strong data analytics and presentation skills
• Proven experience in contract management and supplier management
• Experience in international working environment with multicultural teams

• Bonus Points if You Have

• Excellent market research and trend analysis skills
• Program/Project management skills
• Strong strategic/long-range planning skills
• Willingness to learn key technical parameters of components
• University degree in Engineering or Business Administration
• In-depth product knowledge in electronics, semiconductors is desired

• What Makes You Eligible

• Fluent English with strong negotiation and communication skills
• Willingness to travel internationally (globally) 10%
• Driver’s license (cat. B)
• Due to the nature of global infrastructure, you understand that flexibility in working hours is required.

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, Harman/Kardon, AKG, etc.)
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Tuition reimbursement
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.