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.
About the Role
The Operations Excellence Manager leads global strategic initiatives within HARMAN Automotive Operations. The role focuses on transformation, organizational development, and operational strategy across Manufacturing, Procurement & BCA, and Supply Chain. As a key partner to senior leadership, this role drives cross-functional performance improvements, capability building, and change initiatives that impact ~12,000 employees worldwide.
Your Team
The Operations Excellence Manager will lead cross-functional project teams across Automotive Operations, working collaboratively with leaders in Manufacturing, Procurement & BCA, and Supply Chain Management to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with HARMAN’s strategic objectives.
The role requires extensive interaction with senior leaders within & outside the Automotive Operations and capabilities to work in a complex matrix organization serving multiple stakeholders & interests
What You Will Do
1. Operations Strategy & Transformation Leadership
Lead high-impact strategic initiatives across Manufacturing, Procurement & BCA, and Supply Chain to support global operational strategy and efficiency goals
Translate strategic objectives into actionable project plans and deliverables.
Drive organizational development, capability building, and process optimization.
2. Organizational Development and Transformation
Lead transformation programs impacting ~12,000 FTEs to improve performance, standards, and cross-functional alignment
Develop and implement change management strategies to support operational improvements and foster an innovative, collaborative, and efficient working culture.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Alignment
Work closely with senior management and cross-functional stakeholders to drive alignment, facilitate decision-making, and ensure stakeholder engagement throughout project lifecycles.
Act as a change ambassador, effectively communicating the vision, goals, and progress of strategic initiatives to drive stakeholder buy-in.
4. Performance Standards and Continuous Improvement
Identify improvement areas and efficiency enhancements that align with industry standards, leveraging data and insights to refine operations strategy continuously.
Drive the development and deployment of performance metrics, tracking progress and providing regular updates to executive leadership.
What You Need to Be Successful
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. An advanced degree (MBA or Master’s) is preferred.
7-10 years of progressive experience in operations, organizational development, or strategy within a global organization, with a proven record of implementing high-impact change initiatives in a complex, matrixed environment
Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated experience in driving strategic projects that impact cross-functional teams, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
Project Management: Expertise in leading large-scale projects and organizational initiatives, with a focus on operational efficiency, change management, and process improvement.
Stakeholder Influence: Proven ability to influence and align senior-level stakeholders, foster collaboration, and manage complex project dynamics.
Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills, with experience using data-driven insights to drive decisions and project outcomes.
Change Management: Solid understanding of change management methodologies and experience in implementing successful change initiatives.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to executive leadership.
What Makes You Eligible
Be willing to travel up to 25% domestic and international
Be willing to work in a HARMAN office within the USA, MX, GER, HUN, CN
What We Offer
HARMAN offers a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities, professional training and competitive market base compensation
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
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-NR3
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field
- 7-10 years of progressive experience in operations, organizational development, or strategy within a global organization
- Experience implementing high-impact change initiatives in a complex, matrixed environment
- Experience driving strategic projects impacting cross-functional teams
- Expertise leading large-scale projects and organizational initiatives
- Experience with operational efficiency, change management, and process improvement
- Ability to influence and align senior-level stakeholders and manage complex project dynamics
- Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills
- Experience using data-driven insights to drive decisions and project outcomes
- Understanding of change management methodologies and successful change implementation experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to executive leadership
- Advanced degree such as an MBA or Master's
Harman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Harman and has not been reviewed or approved by Harman.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, often including medical, dental, and vision plans, with HSAs/FSAs and disability or life insurance also referenced. Wellbeing support such as EAP access and onsite occupational health services is also part of the package in some regions.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Lifestyle-oriented benefits include employee product discounts and region-specific perks like free fruit deliveries, Cycle to Work schemes, and meal coupons or allowances. Flexible schedules and work-from-home options are also part of the overall offering where roles and projects allow.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is repeatedly characterized as solid or market-aligned for many roles, with salary payments described as consistent and on time. Compensation is also tied to performance in some accounts, reinforcing a perception of basic fairness for a portion of employees.
Harman Insights
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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