Operations Excellence Manager (m/f/d) in Deutschland

Description & Requirements

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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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. 

If you’re ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!

Important Notice: Recruitment Scams

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: [email protected].

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.() 

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  [email protected] . Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.