Category Manager – Automotive Semiconductors (m/f/d)
.KR1 Harman International Korea, Inc.
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About the Role
As a Category Manager – Automotive Semiconductors, you will lead the global sourcing strategy for Electronics components - critical to our next-generation automotive electronics platforms. You will manage global supplier relationships, drive cost optimization, and align sourcing strategies with HARMAN’s product and technology roadmaps.
This position is ideal for professionals with deep expertise in automotive semiconductor procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier development.
What You Will Do
- Develop and own the global sourcing strategy for semiconductor categories
- Lead supplier negotiations, contract management, and long-term capacity planning
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to align sourcing with product roadmaps
- Collaborate with R&D and product teams to influence early supplier engagement and design-to-cost strategies
- Manage RFx processes and supplier performance reviews (QBRs)
- Leverage digital procurement tools and analytics to enhance sourcing efficiency and transparency
- Support cross-category initiatives and act as a high-potential successor for category leadership roles
- Coach and guide other category managers as needed
What You Need to Be Successful
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in procurement, with a focus on electronics or semiconductor sourcing
- Proven success in automotive electronics purchasing, supplier negotiations and cost management
- Strong understanding of semiconductor supply chains, pricing models, and manufacturing cost structures
- Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills
Bonus Points if You Have
- Experience in an automotive Tier 1 or OEM environment
- Familiarity with infotainment systems, ADAS, or vehicle connectivity platforms
- Knowledge of semiconductor lifecycle management and obsolescence planning
What Makes You Eligible
- Willingness to travel up to 30% (domestic and international)
What We Offer
Flexible work environment with a culture encouraging work-life integration and collaboration in a global environment.
Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
Competitive wellness benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria
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.
Summary
Lead global semiconductor sourcing strategy, manage supplier relationships, optimize costs, align with product roadmaps.
Job title
Category Manager – Automotive Semiconductors (m/f/d)
Experience level
10+ years
Minimum experience
10+ years exp
Industry
automotive
Location requirements
Garching, Germany; remote work not specified.
Salary
Not specified
Visa sponsorship
H-1B sponsor history
Management role
No
Required skills
Preferred skills
Specializations
Structured locations inferred from the posting.
Unknown location