About the Role

The Component Management Team provides operational lifecycle support for hardware and software components across Harman EU projects. The scope includes hardware distribution, support for software update processes, homologation and qualification activities, warehouse and inventory management, as well as workshop operations for fixtures, prototype tooling, and component rework.

The Team Lead is responsible for steering and coordinating these activities across Harman EU projects. The role acts as a central operational interface between development, program execution, and supporting functions, ensuring reliable and efficient component availability throughout the project lifecycle. This includes ensuring structured operational execution, alignment with defined processes and guidelines, and close collaboration with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and other specialist functions. The position also supports continuous improvement of operational processes and transparency within its area of responsibility.

Your Team

This position leads a team of approximately 8–15 professionals specializing in component management and software update support across CG EU. The team operates in a cross-functional and international environment, supporting multiple projects and stakeholders in parallel.

The Team Lead has disciplinary and functional responsibility for the team and supports capability development in line with operational and business needs.

What You Will Do

• Provide disciplinary and functional leadership to the Component Management team for CG EU, including setting priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring stable operational performance.
• Take responsibility for operational hardware processes throughout the entire lifecycle, including global hardware distribution, warehouse and inventory management, and maintaining accurate and reliable databases.
• Provide operational support for homologation, qualification and certification activities for hardware and software, working closely with the Engineering, Quality and Program Management teams.
• Manage workshop and tooling operations, including fixture manufacturing, prototype tooling, modifications and the use of modern machinery and manufacturing methods.
• Oversee component and PCB-level rework activities such as soldering, cable rebuilds and qualification-driven modifications to test setups.
• Coordinate ordering, quotations, delivery schedules, and alignment with approved pricing frameworks for development and project parts within the EU, in close collaboration with Purchasing and Program Management and in accordance with defined guidelines.
• Work closely with cross-functional stakeholders, including Program Management, Engineering, Purchasing, Quality and other relevant departments, to ensure the smooth execution of projects.
• Resolve day-to-day operational issues by conducting root cause analyses, defining corrective actions, and escalating issues within established processes and decision frameworks.
• Contribute to efficiency and quality improvements by applying established operational standards, continuous improvement approaches and structured working methods.
• Monitor and steer operational KPIs within your area of responsibility, such as on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, rework effort and lead times.
• Act as a role model for Harman Automotive Superpowers, fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous team development.
• Execute HR cycle activities including recruitment, performance management, individual development, coaching, and succession planning.

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a comparable qualification, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in an operational, technical, or manufacturing-related environment, ideally with responsibility for coordinating teams or complex operational activities.
• Proven experience in leading operational teams and coordinating complex cross-functional activities within a technical or manufacturing-related environment.
• Solid understanding of hardware and software lifecycle processes, including development support, homologation, qualification, and certification activities.
• Hands-on experience with workshop, tooling, or prototype-related operations, ideally in an automotive or regulated industry context.
• Ability to apply structured operational practices and collaborate effectively across functions to improve efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and resolve day-to-day technical and operational issues within defined processes and policies.
• Clear and confident communication skills, enabling expectation management, constructive feedback, and professional handling of sensitive topics in a leadership role.

What is Nice to Have

• Experience in automotive manufacturing or development environments, ideally with exposure to project-driven or prototype-based operations.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience in an operational, technical, or engineering context.
• Fluent English and good German communication skills, suitable for daily collaboration in an international environment.
• A strong mindset for operational excellence and continuous improvement, including structured working methods and KPI awareness.

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to travel up to approximately 10%, including domestic and occasional international travel.
• Willingness to work in a mixed environment, office location 80%, workshop or manufacturing facilities, and customer sites, depending on operational needs.
  

What We Offer

• A flexible work environment that offers remote work opportunities, provided that operational tasks allow, combined with on-site collaboration.
• 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