HARMAN International · 1 day ago
Global Category Manager
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expHARMAN International is a global, multi-disciplinary team focused on innovative technology in the audio industry. The Global Category Manager will manage and execute category sourcing strategies, oversee the procurement process, and ensure compliance with regulations while fostering strong vendor relationships.
AudioConsumerConsumer ElectronicsDSPElectronicsManufacturing
Responsibilities
Oversee, conduct, and actively manage the end-to-end strategic sourcing and procurement process of the assigned categories, globally
Provide thought leadership and innovative strategies for optimizing sourcing effectiveness; identify and mitigate potential supply chain risks
Work as the interface of Pro division with global sourcing on procedures, processes and strategy definition/implementation as well as tools implementation. Including creation and maintenance of Purchase Info Records, Master Data and ERP files that drive the business
Develop and execute category sourcing strategies in alignment with product roadmaps and cross functional stakeholders at HARMAN that fosters the highest level of commitment to continuous improvement in product quality, (total) cost, and delivery
Organize and lead regular QBR with strategic suppliers to track, report and drive continuous improvement on vendor performance metrics
Coordinate and work with both corporate and regional stakeholders to standardize corporate-wide product specifications and establish and implement long-term strategic goals to continually enhance HARMAN’s market position
Lead corporate-wide teams to establish specifications, processes, policies, and procedures to manage demand for assigned categories
Lead initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of the supply chain, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable material sourcing
Establish strong vendor relationships, effectively manage category supply base, perform advanced and intricate negotiations, RFx to realize annual savings, and oversee selection of key vendors, in line with category strategies
Ensure expedient and compliant implementation of new contracts throughout organization
Actively monitor vendor and internal performance against contracts, industry benchmarks, and previous baselines on a quarterly basis. Develop and submit reports for senior management
Identify and evaluate market changes and new technologies -- make appropriate fact-based recommendations for adoption by HARMAN stakeholders
Track and report on performance metrics
Ensure all sourcing activities comply with local, national, and international regulations and standards, conduct regular audits and assessments to verify supplier compliance with legal and ethical requirements
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum 8+ years of procurement experience
Outstanding communication and presentation abilities in English
Prior experience in sourcing and negotiating direct materials (focusing on metal components sourced out of NA region) in a consumer electronics or professional products environment using strategic category management techniques to achieve results
Must possess the social intelligence to influence and lead at the most senior levels within the organization
Strong skills with: Supplier management, negotiation, contract development/analysis, supplier evaluation, price/cost analysis, TCO
Preferred
Prior experience in sourcing raw materials, tooling and sourcing complex services, e-mech component and/or raw PCB
Master's degree in business administration
5+ years of working experience with OEM, JDM or ODM on complex products or subassembly from new Product Development through End of Life
Experience in the professional lighting industry is a plus
Experience in successfully using benchmarking and cost analysis tools to deliver negotiation outcomes to exceed the market index
Thorough program/project management skills
Good temperament and ability to work with suppliers and customers from different cultures
Solid understanding of risk management techniques
Excellent market research and trend analysis skills
Strong strategic/long-range planning skills
Benefits
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 products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, and more)
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
Company
HARMAN International
Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
HARMAN International has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (4)
2024 (6)
2023 (7)
2022 (6)
2021 (7)
2020 (7)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2016-11-14Acquired
1986-11-21IPO
Leadership Team
Michael Mauser
President and Chief Executive Officer
Darrin Shewchuk
Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications
Recent News
2026-01-05
Morningstar.com
2025-12-24
2025-12-24
Company data provided by crunchbase