Director, SoC and Memory Category

A Career at HARMAN

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 Director, SoC and Memory Category Management will manage and make critical decisions on all aspects of the global semiconductor supply base for System-on-Chip (SoC) and memory technology, including contracts, commercial terms, component pricing, supply assurance, innovation, and conflict resolution. The successful candidate will develop and execute category strategies through alignment with HARMAN’s Automotive business units and functional stakeholders, including engineering, quality, and manufacturing. This role requires in-depth knowledge of the relevant semiconductor supply base as well as a working knowledge of HARMAN’s Automotive electronic product roadmaps and technology requirements. The role requires a sophisticated level of relationship management, interfacing with business unit presidents and executive leaders of strategic technology partners, requiring balancing of interests to maintain mutually beneficial relationships.  This person will be the senior escalation/communication point for HARMAN and the supply partner.
 

Your Team

This position will directly report to the Vice President, Electronics Category Management and will manage a team of 7 direct reports in various global regions.
 

What You Will Do

• Develop, drive and own global procurement strategies that align with business objectives and support growth and profitability.
• Build and own appropriate senior level supplier relationships with category supply base
• Coordinate the senior level engagement between procurement, supply chain functions and senior stake holders within the HARMAN automotive SBUs.
• Working collaboratively throughout the value chain, drive innovation, agility, cost, quality, business continuity and sustainability through Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Relationship Management and flawless execution
• Lead effective supplier negotiations and event driven cost reductions to meet annual cost reduction goals and Should Cost targets.
• Negotiate consistent commercial terms/ conditions and present a single unified HARMAN International interface to the supply base.
• Drive supply base optimization and new supplier development to maximize category leverage        
• Establish goals, improvement plans, business reviews and monthly reporting related to areas of responsibility.
• Develop staff through training and succession planning processes to maximize their potential for the benefit of individual and company

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business/Economics or relevant field
• 10+ years of experience in procurement of electronic components and/or semiconductors
• Strong negotiation and relationship building skills
• Strong communication & presentation skills; assertiveness; recognized executive presence
• Strategic mindset with ability to frame supply base strategies over a 3 to 5 year time horizon
• Direct experience with relevant semiconductor suppliers including Micron, Samsung, Kioxia, Intel and Qualcomm
• Experience with teaching and deploying advanced negotiation concepts
• Experience in international working environments, working with multicultural teams
• In-depth product and industry knowledge in electronics and semiconductors

What is Nice to Have

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration or other relevant field
• Semiconductor procurement experience within the Automotive Industry

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 25% of combined domestic and international travel
• Be willing to work in an office in Novi, Michigan or Garching, Germany
• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment

What We Offer

• Access to employee discounts on world class HARMAN/Samsung products (JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG etc.)
• Inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities
• Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University’s business and leadership academies
• Internal talent management leadership acceleration programs
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will re