Category 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 Category Manager will develop, drive and own the global category sourcing strategy and savings objectives specifically for speaker eMechanical components as well as overlook, develop and optimize the speaker eMechanical portfolio regarding local suppliers in India. The successful candidate will manage all activities relating to global supply base including contracts, commercial/ pricing, supply assurance, innovation, cost reduction initiatives, and conflict resolution. The successful candidate will implement category strategies through alignment with HARMAN business units, engineering, quality, and manufacturing activities. Requires knowledge of the business unit's technology and product roadmaps and specific expertise in the procurement of eMechanical components and associated manufacturing cost structure as well as strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills.

What You Will Do

• Develop and drive and own the global category strategy that align with business objectives and support growth and profitability.
• Build and own appropriate supplier relationships with category supply base and present a single unified HARMAN International interface to the supply base.
• Works with Best Cost Analytics & HW & Component Engineering on technology roadmap plans and ensure long-term competitive cost of components.
• Manage effective supplier negotiations and event driven cost reductions to meet annual cost reduction goals and Should Cost targets.
• Conduct consistent commercial terms/ conditions including a long-term capacity outlook commitment from the suppliers.
• Drive supply base optimization and new supplier development to maximize category leverage on a global eMechanical level with special focus on India
• Lead the source board preparation and create sourcing proposal for management decision.
• Oversee the execution of RFx efforts into the supply base, prepare the response evaluation and proposal for sourcing decisions.
• Coordinate the supplier performance management, including quarterly business reviews and escalation support.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in business or technical related field
• Minimum 7 years of procurement experience.
• Prior experience in mechanical components including commodity sourcing and negotiating direct materials using strategic category management techniques to achieve results.
• Proven ability to lead and achieve cost, quality, and time-to-market commitments.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Success in collaborating with key work partners and able to maintain relationships at the working level.
• An effective team player committed to organizational goals; fostering collaboration among team members

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience in an automotive environment

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 30%, domestic and international travel
• Be willing to work in an [office, manufacturing facility, client-site} OR This role is eligible to work remotely full-time with occasional trips into the X office location required (this could be on 24-hour notice)

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

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