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.
The Category Manager will be part of the indirect strategic sourcing team and will execute the category sourcing strategies and savings objectives specifically for Indirect Services with primary focus on Manufacturing Services. The successful candidate will manage all activities related to the global and local supply base, including contracts, commercial terms/pricing, resiliency, supply assurance, innovation, and conflict resolution. This role will implement approved category strategies through alignment with HARMAN business units, engineering, quality, and manufacturing functions. The position requires a great knowledge of business unit technology and product roadmaps, as well as specific expertise in the procurement of equipment and associated manufacturing cost structures.
What You Will Do
Manage supplier relationships and make critical decisions on contracts, commercial terms/pricing, supply assurance, and conflict resolution with a TCO-first mindset.
Contribute to and execute category strategies for Manufacturing Services across all divisions and regions (India and EU), ensuring alignment with HARMAN business units
Act as a strategic partner to Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and key suppliers; serve as a primary liaison between HARMAN and suppliers/vendors.
Develop the local supplier market to maximize cost benefits, collaborating with strategic local suppliers and Engineering to introduce technologies into HARMAN products while meeting time-to-market, quality, and total cost objectives.
Establish consistent commercial terms/conditions (including Incoterms, payment terms, warranties, service levels) and present a single, unified HARMAN interface to the supply base that minimizes TCO and landing cost.
Lead complex negotiations using should-cost/TCO models; implement event-driven cost reductions (re-sourcing, VA/VE, spec optimization, logistics redesign) to achieve annual savings targets.
Drive supplier rationalization strategies to maximize leverage and improve cost, quality, service, and risk profiles.
Work with the supply base to develop robust delivery plans; assess risk (lead time, duty changes, capacity constraints, geopolitical factors) and their landing-cost impacts before awarding business.
Ensure awards and contracts comply with Global Category Manager strategy and approvals.
Serve as the point of contact for sourcing issues and opportunities related to category management; act as the contact for Indirect Procurement–related issues in Thailand & support India.
Set goals, build improvement plans, conduct business reviews, and provide monthly reporting for areas of responsibility and team members.
Monitor supplier and internal performance against contracts, industry benchmarks, and historical baselines on a quarterly cadence; prepare and submit management reports.
Identify and evaluate market changes and emerging technologies; make fact-based recommendations for adoption by HARMAN stakeholders that improve TCO and landing cost.
Track and report performance metrics regularly, including savings attribution and TCO impacts.
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.
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What We Do
Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training and competitive compensation. Looking for a challenge where your experience is valued? Come see what you can achieve as a leader with HARMAN!
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