Operations Excellence Manager (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.

About the Role

The Operations Excellence Manager leads global strategic initiatives within HARMAN Automotive Operations. The role focuses on transformation, organizational development, and operational strategy across Manufacturing, Procurement & BCA, and Supply Chain. As a key partner to senior leadership, this role drives cross-functional performance improvements, capability building, and change initiatives that impact ~12,000 employees worldwide.

Your Team

The Operations Excellence Manager will lead cross-functional project teams across Automotive Operations, working collaboratively with leaders in Manufacturing, Procurement & BCA, and Supply Chain Management to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with HARMAN’s strategic objectives.

The role requires extensive interaction with senior leaders within & outside the Automotive Operations and capabilities to work in a complex matrix organization serving multiple stakeholders & interests

What You Will Do

1. Operations Strategy & Transformation Leadership

• Lead high-impact strategic initiatives across Manufacturing, Procurement & BCA, and Supply Chain to support global operational strategy and efficiency goals

• Translate strategic objectives into actionable project plans and deliverables.

• Drive organizational development, capability building, and process optimization.

2. Organizational Development and Transformation

• Lead transformation programs impacting ~12,000 FTEs to improve performance, standards, and cross-functional alignment

• Develop and implement change management strategies to support operational improvements and foster an innovative, collaborative, and efficient working culture.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Alignment

• Work closely with senior management and cross-functional stakeholders to drive alignment, facilitate decision-making, and ensure stakeholder engagement throughout project lifecycles.

• Act as a change ambassador, effectively communicating the vision, goals, and progress of strategic initiatives to drive stakeholder buy-in.

4. Performance Standards and Continuous Improvement

• Identify improvement areas and efficiency enhancements that align with industry standards, leveraging data and insights to refine operations strategy continuously.

• Drive the development and deployment of performance metrics, tracking progress and providing regular updates to executive leadership.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. An advanced degree (MBA or Master’s) is preferred.

• 7-10 years of progressive experience in operations, organizational development, or strategy within a global organization, with a proven record of implementing high-impact change initiatives in a complex, matrixed environment

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated experience in driving strategic projects that impact cross-functional teams, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.

• Project Management: Expertise in leading large-scale projects and organizational initiatives, with a focus on operational efficiency, change management, and process improvement.

• Stakeholder Influence: Proven ability to influence and align senior-level stakeholders, foster collaboration, and manage complex project dynamics.

• Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills, with experience using data-driven insights to drive decisions and project outcomes.

• Change Management: Solid understanding of change management methodologies and experience in implementing successful change initiatives.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to executive leadership.

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 25% domestic and international

• Be willing to work in a HARMAN office within the USA, MX, GER, HUN, CN

What We Offer

• HARMAN offers a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities, professional training and competitive market base compensation

• 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

• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria

• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

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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.