Category Manager - Automotive Semiconductors (m/f/d)

HARMAN; Garching bei München; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Employee discounts on Harman products

Harman University training

Job summary

HARMAN is seeking a Category Manager for Automotive Semiconductors to lead the global sourcing strategy for electronics components critical to our next-generation platforms. You will manage supplier relationships, drive cost optimization, and align sourcing with product roadmaps across engineering and R&D teams.

With 10+ years in procurement, you will influence design-to-cost initiatives, manage RFx processes, and mentor other category managers while travel up to 30% domestically and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in procurement with electronics/semiconductor focus.
• Proven track record in automotive electronics purchasing and cost management.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor supply chains and cost structures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the global sourcing strategy for semiconductor categories.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract management, and long-term capacity planning.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to align sourcing with product roadmaps.
• Collaborate with R&D and product teams to influence early supplier engagement and design-to-cost strategies.
• Manage RFx processes and supplier performance reviews (QBRs).
• Leverage digital procurement tools and analytics to enhance sourcing efficiency and transparency.
• Support cross-category initiatives and act as a high-potential successor for category leadership roles.
• Coach and guide other category managers as needed.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Automotive electronics procurement

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering or related field

Job description

Garching - Bavaria, Germany - Parking 1-5 Business Campus

As a Category Manager - Automotive Semiconductors, you will lead the global sourcing strategy for Electronics components - critical to our next-generation automotive electronics platforms. You will manage global supplier relationships, drive cost optimization, and align sourcing strategies with HARMAN's product and technology roadmaps.

This position is ideal for professionals with deep expertise in automotive semiconductor procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier development.

What You Will Do

• Develop and own the global sourcing strategy for semiconductor categories
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract management, and long-term capacity planning
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to align sourcing with product roadmaps
• Collaborate with R&D and product teams to influence early supplier engagement and design-to-cost strategies
• Manage RFx processes and supplier performance reviews (QBRs)
• Leverage digital procurement tools and analytics to enhance sourcing efficiency and transparency
• Support cross-category initiatives and act as a high-potential successor for category leadership roles
• Coach and guide other category managers as needed

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in procurement, with a focus on electronics or semiconductor sourcing
• Proven success in automotive electronics purchasing, supplier negotiations and cost management
• Strong understanding of semiconductor supply chains, pricing models, and manufacturing cost structures
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience in an automotive Tier 1 or OEM environment
• Familiarity with infotainment systems, ADAS, or vehicle connectivity platforms
• Knowledge of semiconductor lifecycle management and obsolescence planning

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to travel up to 30% (domestic and international)

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment with a culture encouraging work-life integration and collaboration in a global environment.
• 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

#LI-Hybrid
#LI-NR3

About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology

Ever since the 1920s, we've been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.

Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today's most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world's ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.

Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com', '@careers.harman.com' or '@harmanglobal.avature.net' email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview, or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in one of the above email domains about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: [e-mail].

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.

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. 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. HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications and job-related performance.( www.harman.com )

HARMAN is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.