Director, Manufacturing General

A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle
We're a global, multi-disciplinary team harnessing the power of innovation and technology to shape the future. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you help connect consumers to the power of superior sound.

• Contribute your talents to prestigious, high-end brands like JBL
• Combine your passion for audio innovation with cutting-edge product development
• Create pitch-perfect, next-generation technology that elevates the listening experience

About The Role
The Plant Director is responsible for driving the global HARMAN Professional Supply Chain and Operations execution at the site level. This role ensures the timely and high-quality delivery of innovative, cost-optimized products to customers, within a framework of continuous technological and process improvement. The Plant Director also initiates and drives processes to foster an engaged workforce.

This position contributes to HARMAN's overall success by optimizing end-to-end manufacturing and delivery processes, maintaining strong relationships with local authorities and the community, and motivating and developing employees.

The delivery process responsibility includes both new product introductions and ongoing production.

This role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to drive continuous improvement while developing strategies to maximize safety, quality, and productivity. The Plant Director leads cross-functional teams, manages budgets, and ensures that all manufacturing objectives are met in alignment with organizational goals.

In addition to manufacturing, the Plant Director is also responsible for service activities, including the repair of customer returns and the delivery of materials to other service centers.

As a leader with a continuous improvement mindset, managing KPIs and steering operations through action plans is crucial.

What You Will Do

• Lead and manage all site operations, including manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and quality.
• Ensure on-time delivery of products that meet cost, quality, and innovation targets.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, technology, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with global and regional teams to align site operations with overall business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities and the community.
• Foster a high-performance culture by motivating, developing, and engaging employees.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and corporate policies.
• Utilize strategies to build synergy and harmonize the two operational areas within the facility.
• Actively contribute to defining the operational strategy and lead the successful implementation of related actions.
• Grow the site's business by maximizing operational footprint utilization and minimizing capital expenditure.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare operational reports for senior leadership.
• Build and lead a high-performing plant leadership team, mentoring and developing staff to achieve operational excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using the Harman Production System or similar methodologies with clear action plans
• Ensure full compliance with company policies and legal requirements, including health and safety regulations.
• Manage plant budgets and optimize expenditures while maintaining quality and performance standards.
• Take full responsibility for the plant's profit and loss (P&L) results.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and teamwork.
• Oversee the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and establish strong collaboration with development and project management teams.

What You Need To Be Successful

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and lead complex projects.
• Experience in the electronics and audio industry.
• Strong program and project management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration
• Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems.

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to work on-site at the manufacturing plant in Tijuana, Mexico.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time, both internationally and domestically.
• Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment
• Access to employee discounts on world-class HARMAN and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
• Extensive training and development opportunities through HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness and benefits package
• Tuition reimbursement program
• "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program
• An inclusive and diverse workplace that supports both professional and personal growth.