HARMAN is looking for a Category Manager to execute indirect sourcing strategies and savings objectives for Manufacturing Services on a global scale. You will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, contracts, pricing, and supply assurance while acting as a strategic partner to internal business units.
What You'll Do
- Manage supplier relationships and make critical decisions on contracts, commercial terms, pricing, and supply assurance with a total cost of ownership (TCO) mindset.
- Contribute to and execute category strategies for Manufacturing Services across all divisions and regions, including India and the EU.
- Act as a strategic partner to Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and key suppliers, serving as the primary liaison between HARMAN and its supply base.
- Develop the local supplier market to maximize cost benefits and introduce new technologies into HARMAN products.
- Establish consistent commercial terms and conditions and present a single, unified HARMAN interface to suppliers.
- Lead complex negotiations using should-cost and TCO models; implement event-driven cost reductions to achieve annual savings targets.
- Drive supplier rationalization strategies to maximize leverage and improve cost, quality, service, and risk profiles.
- Work with suppliers to develop robust delivery plans, assessing risk and 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 and 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 quarterly; prepare and submit management reports.
- Identify and evaluate market changes and emerging technologies; make fact-based recommendations for adoption by HARMAN stakeholders.
- Track and report performance metrics regularly, including savings attribution and TCO impacts.
What We're Looking For
- Deep knowledge of business unit technology and product roadmaps.
- Specific expertise in the procurement of equipment and associated manufacturing cost structures.
Team & Environment
You will be part of the indirect strategic sourcing team at HARMAN.
Work Mode
This role operates on a global scale, with focus and responsibilities in India, the European Union, and Thailand.