About the Role
As Program Excellence Lead, you are responsible for strengthening the effectiveness of program execution across the Global Customer Group (GCG) by defining execution standards, ensuring consistent adoption, and intervening when delivery performance is at risk.
You establish the standards that define what good program execution looks like, ensure those standards are applied across program portfolios, and engage directly in complex or high-risk delivery situations to restore stability and prevent escalation.
Your impact is measured not only by the frameworks you define but by improved delivery outcomes across the program portfolio, including stronger program health, earlier risk identification, and reduction of RED programs.
In partnership with Program Management, Quality, and Customer Group leadership, you act as the global authority for program execution standards, ensuring both preventative governance and hands-on intervention when required.
Your Team
You are part of the Customer Excellence organization and operate as the senior authority on program execution standards across the Global Customer Group.
You lead through influence across Program Management, Quality / PMO, Customer Account Management (CAM), Engineering, Operations, and Finance, and act as a global escalation point for complex delivery execution challenges.
Over time, the capability may expand to include regional program excellence resources embedded within customer groups to support local program teams and ensure consistent adoption of global execution standards.
What You Will Do
What You Need
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field
10+ years of experience in automotive program management, product development, or delivery leadership roles
Strong understanding of program lifecycle management, cross-functional program execution, and delivery risk management
Proven ability to influence leaders across a global matrix organization and resolve complex delivery challenges
What is Nice to Have
Master’s Degree in Engineering or Business
PMP certification
Experience in complex automotive hardware and software product development programs
Experience working across global customer portfolios and program organizations
What Makes You Eligible
Willingness to travel 30% of the time
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and applicable screenings.
Willing to work in an office in Novi, MI (Hybrid)
What We Offer
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
Salary Ranges:
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.