Global Category Manager

A Career At HarmanAs 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.We're a global, multi-disciplinary team that's putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of Harman Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like JBL, Mark Levinson and RevelUnite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product developmentCreate pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experienceAbout The RoleThe position will manage and execute category sourcing strategies and savings objectives. The successful candidate will manage all activities relating to global supply base including contracts, commercial/pricing, supply assurance, innovation and conflict resolution. The successful candidate will oversee and implement category strategies through alignment with Harman business units, engineering, quality and manufacturing activities. Requires knowledge of the business units technology and product roadmaps and specific expertise in the procurement of mechanical, electrical parts and manufacturing cost structure.What You Will DoOversee, conduct, and actively manage the end-to-end strategic sourcing and procurement process of the assigned categories, globallyProvide thought leadership and innovative strategies for optimizing sourcing effectiveness; identify and mitigate potential supply chain risksWork as the interface of Pro division with global sourcing on procedures, processes and strategy definition/implementation as well as tools implementation. Including creation and maintenance of Purchase Info Records, Master Data and ERP files that drive the businessDevelop and execute category sourcing strategies in alignment with product roadmaps and cross functional stakeholders at Harman that fosters the highest level of commitment to continuous improvement in product quality, (total) cost, and deliveryOrganize and lead regular QBR with strategic suppliers to track, report and drive continuous improvement on vendor performance metricsCoordinate and work with both corporate and regional stakeholders to standardize corporate-wide product specifications and establish and implement long-term strategic goals to continually enhance Harman's market positionLead corporate-wide teams to establish specifications, processes, policies, and procedures to manage demand for assigned categoriesLead initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of the supply chain, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable material sourcingEstablish strong vendor relationships, effectively manage category supply base, perform advanced and intricate negotiations, RFx to realize annual savings, and oversee selection of key vendors, in line with category strategiesEnsure expedient and compliant implementation of new contracts throughout organizationActively monitor vendor and internal performance against contracts, industry benchmarks, and previous baselines on a quarterly basis. Develop and submit reports for senior managementIdentify and evaluate market changes and new technologies -- make appropriate fact-based recommendations for adoption by Harman stakeholdersTrack and report on performance metricsEnsure all sourcing activities comply with local, national, and international regulations and standards, conduct regular audits and assessments to verify supplier compliance with legal and ethical requirementsWhat You Need To Be SuccessfulBachelor's DegreeMinimum 8+ years of procurement experienceOutstanding communication and presentation abilities in EnglishPrior experience in sourcing and negotiating direct materials (focusing on metal components sourced out of NA region) in a consumer electronics or professional products environment using strategic category management techniques to achieve resultsMust possess the social intelligence to influence and lead at the most senior levels within the organizationStrong skills with: Supplier management, negotiation, contract development/analysis, supplier evaluation, price/cost analysis, TCOBonus Points If You HavePrior experience in sourcing raw materials, tooling and sourcing complex services, e-mech component and/or raw PCBMaster's degree in business administration5+ years of working experience with OEM, JDM or ODM on complex products or subassembly from new Product Development through End of LifeExperience in the professional lighting industry is a plusExperience in successfully using benchmarking and cost analysis tools to deliver negotiation outcomes to exceed the market indexThorough program/project management skillsGood temperament and ability to work with suppliers and customers from different culturesSolid understanding of risk management techniquesExcellent market research and trend analysis skillsStrong strategic/long-range planning skillsWhat Makes You EligibleYou are willing to travel, if necessary, up to 25%Eligible to work in the USHybrid RoleSuccessfully complete background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment.What We OfferFlexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a Harman or customer locationAccess to employee discounts on world-class products (JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, and more)Extensive training opportunities through our own Harman UniversityCompetitive wellness benefitsTuition reimbursement"Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards programAn inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal developmentSalary Ranges:$ 117,000 - $ 171,600Harman 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.