Global RFQ Lead, SBU Connectivity (m/f/d/)

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.

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

We are seeking a thought leader to join SBU Connectivity as the RFQ Management Lead. This role is critical in driving growth through strategic RFQ (Request for Quotation) management, ensuring alignment with HARMAN Automotive’s SBU Connectivity business objectives. The ideal candidate will combine strategic insight, operational excellence, product mindset, and cross-functional collaboration to enable our transformative vision of a product-first approach to simplify our go-to-market (GTM) approach to enable seamless connected mobility ecosystem.

You will thrive in a dynamic, results-oriented environment - formulating, organizing, and executing strategic plans that drive business success. As a key interface between product management, business development, customer delivery, and customer management teams, you will ensure the quality, timeliness, and competitiveness of our global RFQ responses leveraging the tools and resources at your disposal.

You will be expected to lead with influence and work with 5-6 direct reports globally and a cross-functional team members drawn from all relevant functions within the business. This team will be empowered and aligned around Automotive and SBU Connectivity strategic imperatives.

What You Will Do

• Lead Global RFQ Management: Own and drive the end-to-end RFQ process for the SBU Connectivity, ensuring quality and timely responses aligned with business targets.
• Product Evangelism: Champion the SBU Connectivity product roadmap (Ready Connect, Ready Aware, Ready Ride, etc…) - translating technology capabilities into customer-relevant solutions.
• Requirements Gathering: Understand high level requirements defined by customers at bidding/ RFQ stage and translate them into functional requirements understood by cross functional teams.
• Roadmap Influencing: Managing early and long-term engagement with key OEM accounts to influence product requirements and influence product/platform roadmaps.
• GTM Transformation: Leverage available products/platforms to make proposal for product/derivate based GTM approach while limiting the amount of bespoke engagements to drive reuse/R&D efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with business development, product line management, engineering, finance, and supply chain teams to deliver compelling and feasible proposals on time and high quality while compliant to GAR guidelines.
• Market & Trend Analysis: Continuously monitor global and regional market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and emerging technologies to inform RFQ strategies and long-term business planning.
• Strategic Planning: Formulate and execute growth strategies to expand HARMAN’s footprint in the global connectivity domain. Govern pursuit planning and PoC with early OEM engagements to align with portfolio strategy.
• Governance & Process Excellence: Ensure adherence to HARMAN’s Global RFQ process and establish best practices and tools for continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Management: Engage with executive leadership and customers to communicate status, risks, and strategic recommendations.
• Performance Tracking: Establish KPIs and dashboards to measure RFQ success, response efficiency, and win rates including lessons learned from win/loss analysis.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in RFQ, program management, product management, or business development within the automotive or technology industry.
• At least 5 years of experience in customer product delivery in automotive or related industries.
• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional projects and managing multiple RFQs simultaneously.
• Un