Executive Director, Operational Procurement

About the Role

In this role, you will lead the Operational Procurement team, tasked with building a robust and resilient material supply through active engagement with HARMAN's suppliers. As a dynamic and visionary leader, you will serve as trail blazer, coach and advocate. You will drive supplier delivery performance outcomes, manage early detection and resolution of supply issues, and build system and team capabilities to support electronics supply chains for an automotive business set to double material supply requirements over the next seven years.

Your team consists of 50–60 members with 5–6 direct reports. This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Procurement & BCA.

• Supply Coverage and Capacity Management:
  • Engage HARMAN's supply base to achieve material supply requirements over a two‑year horizon.
  • Confirm supply capacity commitments, including machine and tooling capacities.
  • Close supply coverage gaps, actively engaging suppliers and facilitating escalations as needed.
  • Actively manage HARMAN's supply agreements to meet contractual performance outcomes.
• Supply Change and Exception Management:
  • Drive and close NPI, EOL, PCN/PTN, and OEM volume changes in coordination with suppliers.
  • Develop efficient methods to identify change‑driven exceptions requiring active management.
• Master Data Management:
  • Optimize processes to keep supplier master data current and of high quality.
  • Deploy automated methods (RPA, API) to maintain supplier master data.
• Systems, Standards and Best Practices:
  • Pilot and deploy technologies for efficient internal use and supplier collaboration.
  • Define and deploy KPIs that measure performance and identify gaps.
  • Refine work processes to establish clear standards with suppliers and internal partners.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Representation:
  • Collaborate with SIOP and Manufacturing to meet operational objectives.
  • Represent Procurement in consensus planning and executive escalations.
• Develop Talent:
  • Lead development and growth of a high‑performing Operational Procurement team.
  • Provide coaching, mentorship, and training opportunities.
  • Foster continuous learning, innovation, and an ownership culture.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a relevant technical field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of supplier‑facing experience;
  Supply Chain Management experience desired.
• Proven track record of leading and transforming functions to top‑quartile performance.
• Experience managing multi‑billion‑dollar supply delivery from a global network of suppliers.
• Ability to drive outcomes with large automotive electronic component suppliers (e.g., NXP, Texas Instruments, Renesas, Murata, Micron).
• Knowledge of IT systems used to plan and communicate supply requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills that leverage data for informed decisions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills for stakeholder collaboration.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams to adopt new processes and embrace change.
• Proven capacity to build and develop high‑performing teams.
• Experience leading global organizations with team members in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.
• Strong stakeholder management and conflict mediation skills.
• Strong presentation skills.

• Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
• Willingness to work in a HARMAN office in Novi 1–2 times per week.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening as a condition of employment.

• Flexible work environment, allowing full‑time remote work globally where possible.
• Employee discounts on HARMAN and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.).
• Extensive training opportunities through HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and cafeteria.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment fostering professional and personal development.

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. We encourage sharing ideas, voicing perspectives, and growing. Training, development, and education…