Director, Value Engineering (m/f/d)

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Automotive

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience
• Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence
• Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

About The Role

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the Automotive Value Engineering team and related Value Engineering strategies and methods to improve HARMAN Automotive products value, which creates substantial impact on HARMAN's overall profitability. The scope of value improvement considers: pre- and post-SOP electronics and acoustics projects, products, function, material, processes, SW and license, product quality and carbon.

You will be accountable for ensuring that Value Engineering, and the related cross-functional teams, successfully identify and mature the value pipeline. You will also define priorities across products to maximize the impact of Value Management, applying state-of-the-art processes and methods.

Your Team

This position will report to the Senior Director, Value Management and will have a global team of 7 direct reports of Value Management engineers

What You Will Do

Create Vision, Mission and Strategy as well as metrics for Value Engineering activities in regards of:

• Standardization of Value Analysis methods and tools across the division.
• Define Value Improvement ideation & Pipeline generation methodologies.
• Filtering and hardening measures for execution.
• Upskilling of division to create a value conscious product mindset.

Define and ensure successful utilization of Value Management methods and tools globally by the Automotive Division to analyze value and improve value of complex products and factors. The methods and tools will focus on:

• Value Analysis including Function/Cost analysis.
• Commercial idea generation methods and tools.
• Technical idea generations methods and tools.
• DfX methods and tools

Ensure effective hardening of value improvement measures by defining and rolling out of following activities by cross-functional teams:

• Risk identification and mitigation.
• Feasibility checking methods from commercial and technical perspective considering legal, customer requirements and obligations.
• Filtering of ideas to maximize impact of divisional value management.
• Ensure and own the quality of measured data, including the software environment and infrastructure to report, track and monitor the VM initiatives.
• Ensure team transparency with data and analytics.
• Delivering idea generations, ideas, measures to Automotive Value Management PM organization for execution.

Ensure value conscious mindset across the division by:

• Close cooperation with engineering, operations and program teams during design milestones.
• Creating Value Management lessons learned and define projects for continuous improvement.
• Developing and roll-out of methods and tools.
• Train and coach cross-functional teams.

What You Need To Be Successful

• Master's degree in Engineering or Economics.
• Minimum 15 years of proven experience either managing direct reports globally or leading cross-functional teams in a matrix organization in engineering fields.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Value Management methodologies and processes.
• Outstanding motivation to challenge status quo and improve HARMAN Automotive division’s profitability.
• Technical competency in electronic products (electrical, mechanical, semiconductor components).
• Proven experience in best-in-class procurement processes and familiarity with the automotive global supply base and Design for X best practices.
• Understanding of cost-calculation methods and fact-based negotiations.
• Strong data and analytics competency; data-leveraged approach to drive progress and measure results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience with automotive electronics is highly desirable.
• Technical competency in electronic products (electrical, mechanical, semiconductor components).
• Experience with data-leveraged approach to drive progress and measure results
• German and/or Chinese language skills are a plus.

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 20%, domestic and international travel.
• Be willing to work in an office in Budapest (hybrid).

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/Samsung products (JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG etc.).
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
• Work on best-in-class emerging technologies and an atmosphere that motivates you to give your best.

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.

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.

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.(