Operations Excellence Manager

Introduction: 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

The Operations Excellence Manager is a high-impact, strategic role reporting to the Operations Excellence Lead within HARMAN Automotive Operations. This position is responsible for designing, leading, and implementing transformational and organizational development projects that drive HARMAN’s operational strategy and impact across Automotive Operations. With a global mandate, the role shapes and drives key initiatives in operational improvement, organizational alignment, and performance management, working closely with cross-functional teams to create lasting value.

As a trusted partner to senior leadership, this role leads initiatives that influence the performance and growth of the broader Automotive Operations team and contributes significantly to achieving company-wide efficiency, agility, and excellence objectives.
 

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 Development and Execution

• Lead the identification and implementation of high-impact strategic initiatives that drive operational efficiency and alignment across Manufacturing, Procurement & BCA, and SCM to enable the defined functional strategies & targets:
  • Manufacturing: 2% operating costs of HARMAN Automotive Sales of $15B, 5% YoY efficiency achievement on operating costs, benchmark in Manufacturing, Safety, Sustainability, Quality
  • Procurement & BCA: 6,5% YoY Material Cost reduction on $4B Automotive Material Spend, product costs delivered at should cost, category strategies driving strategic division choices.
  • SCM: Stable demand & supply planning and execution, benchmark Inventory targets improving cash flow
• Collaborate closely with the Operations Excellence Lead to translate overarching strategic goals into actionable project plans, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Drive organizational development and change initiatives that support HARMAN’s global operational strategy, including capability building, process optimization, and efficiency improvement.

2. Organizational Development and Transformation

• Lead transformational projects and initiatives focused on enhancing operational performance, workforce capabilities, and organizational resilience within Automotive Operations.
• Oversee initiatives that impact ~12,000 FTEs, working to improve operational standards, productivity, 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.
• Represent Automotive Operations Excellence in executive discussions, providing insights on project progress, organizational impact, and strategic alignment.
• 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

• Establish and maintain high-performance benchmarks across project initiatives, ensuring HARMAN’s commitment to operational excellence and best practices.
• 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

• 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
• 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

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.

About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology

Ever since the 1920s, we’ve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.

Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today’s most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world’s ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.

If you’re ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!

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HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or Protected Veterans status. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation. (www.harman.com)

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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.