Category Manager (SoCs or Memory)(m/w/x)

# Category Manager (SoCs or Memory) - (m/f/d) **Garching - Bavaria, Germany - Parking 1-5 Business Campus** **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 SoCs or Memories. 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 Electronics and associated manufacturing cost structure. **What You Will Do** * Develop, drive and own the global strategy for complex categories and 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 difficult 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 for high priority suppliers. * Drive supply base optimization and new supplier development to maximize category leverage. * 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. * High Potential as successor for category directors. Acting as backup for category directors. * Support category directors to coordinate cross-category initiative/strategies. * Coaching and providing guidance to category managers. **What You Need to Be Successful** * Bachelor’s Degree in business or technical related field * Minimum 10 years of procurement experience. * Prior experience in Electronics Purchasing 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 **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 * “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program * An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development **You Belong Here** HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want. # LI-Hybrid # LI-NR3 HARMAN 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.