Program Manager (m/f/d) na Harman

HARMAN’s engineers and designers are creative, purposeful and agile. As part of this team, you’ll combine your technical expertise with innovative ideas to help drive cutting-edge solutions in the car, enterprise and connected ecosystem. Every day, you will push the boundaries of creative design, and HARMAN is committed to providing you with the opportunities, innovative technologies and resources to build a successful career.

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do everyday.

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

Overall responsibility for the realization of large and complex programs within the CAM VW Program Management organization. The Program Manager leads cross-functional and international teams to deliver programs that are strategically relevant and several  brands, regions, and technical domains. The role goes beyond operational project coordination and includes executive-level customer interaction, strategic contributions, and high-level decision-making authority.

Your Team

Leads large cross-functional teams and external suppliers, managing 100–200 project team members. Coordinates virtual, multi-location teams with a consistent and structured management approach.

What You Will Do

• Full accountability for major customer programs of high strategic relevance within the VW Group portfolio

• Primary customer interface at the management level (Audi, Porsche, VW, CARIAD)

• Leads complete programs across brands, regions, and technical domains

• Conducts system testing independently and leads global troubleshooting across hardware/software teams

• Drives and owns change and risk management processes

• Makes independent decisions on priorities, resources, and escalation measures

• Identifies and communicates strategic customer insights and future trends

• Owns and drives all program processes, including documentation and application of lessons learned

• Acts as de-escalation lead during critical project phases, bridging internal teams and customer organizations

• Serves as a single point of contact for status reporting, risk assessment, escalation handling, and executive communication

• Responsible for delivering the product according to agreed targets (schedule, Product costs, budget costs, quality)

• Technical interface towards OEM-customer for all aspects of technical status, program progress, and product alignment

• Single point communication for project status reporting, risk assessment, change management, escalation, and action plans to HARMAN leadership and customers.

• Active steering during RFI/RFQ phases (feasibility, technical specification alignment)

• Top-level planning and controlling

• Aligns both technical and commercial goals with internal stakeholders and external OEMs

• Leads the cross-functional Team 1

What You Need

• University degree in engineering (Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or appropriate graduation) or equivalent Project Management experience.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in project or line management (team size >150 members)

• Demonstrated excellence in Harman Core Competencies (Results driven, Team Player, Change Orientation, Customer Focus, and Self Awareness)

• Strong understanding of Automotive Program Management processes, including IATF16949, Automotive SPICE, and PMI

• Proficient in development lifecycle methodologies and program management tools

• Decision-making and problem-solving ability

• Confident decision-making and problem-solving in complex, dynamic environments

• Ability to manage very large, multifunctional teams in worldwide locations

• Strong customer focus required

• Fundamental knowledge in terms of methodologies in project management

• Fluent in technical and commercial German and English skills

• Ability to motivate and communicate

• Ability to mediate between conflict parties.

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to travel 25%.

• Willingness to work in an office.

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

• You will also receive top-notch employee discounts on Harman’s Consumer Audio (JBL, AKG, HARMAN Kardon) and Samsung products

• Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work life integration and collaboration in a global friendly working atmosphere and good work-life-balance

• Attractive salary package

• Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University’s business and leadership academies which also includes extensive technical trainings

• Internal talent management leadership acceleration programs

• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program

#LI-TR1

#LI-hybrid

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. 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.