Automotive Sustainability Product Manager

About the Role

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and a heightened focus on sustainability. Vehicle OEMs and consumers alike are prioritizing sustainable solutions, and stringent regulations tied to climate change are accelerating the need for decarbonization strategies.

To support this transformation, the Connectivity Stratregic Business Unit (SBU) is seeking an innovative and drivenAutomotive Sustainability Product Managerto lead sustainability initiatives and establish a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable product development.

Sustainability Product Manager will lead sustainability initiatives in SBU Connectivity to help achieve the Harman sustainability objectives (focused on CO2e) aligned with our value engineering, and growth goals defined by the leadership strategy. Meeting these objectives requires cross-functional collaborative mindset working with Procurement, Engineering, Customer Account Management, Manufacturing and Suppliers.

Your Role/Team

This position will report to the SBU Portfolio Lead and will be an individual contributor role working with a cross-functional team aimed on sustainabaility initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainability in the automotive industry. By leading the sustainability efforts for the Connectivity Business Unit, you will play a critical role in driving positive environmental impact while shaping the future of connected automotive technology.

What You Will Do

Sustainability Leadership

• Champion sustainability initiatives within the Connectivity Business Unit, aligning with corporate Science-Based Targets (SBT) for decarbonization.
• Act as the sustainability advocate for the Connectivity products (such as pace 8 - Ready Connect TCU product), setting a precedent for future customer TCU programs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement sustainability strategies that meet regulatory requirements and exceed consumer expectations

Framework and Process Development

• Working with the Automotive division's sustainability team, co-develop frameworks, processes, and adopt tools for identifying, quantifying, assessing, and implementing sustainability levers for TCU products and projects
• Establish a standardized approach for integrating sustainability metrics into the product lifecycle, from design to production and beyond into product differentiation
• Lead product required sustainability changes from MRD to PRD generation to execution, ensuring timing, cost, and KPI targets are met
• Monitor industry trends, best practices, and emerging sustainability standards, integrating them into product design
• Ensure compliance with global environmental regulations and industry standards

Decarbonization Strategy

• Lead efforts to evaluate the environmental impact of connectivity products, focusing on carbon footprint reduction across the value chain
• Identify and implement innovative solutions for energy efficiency, material optimization, and circular economy principles
• Monitor and report on decarbonization progress, ensuring alignment with organizational targets and commitments
• Representing sustainability in overarching initiatives with the objective to integrate sustainability in design and sourcing processes.

Connectivity Sustainability Blueprint

• Develop a sustainability roadmap for connectivity products (such as Space 8 - Ready Connect TCU), creating a scalable blueprint for future TCU projects within the Connectivity Business Unit
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building across the organization to ensure consistent adoption of sustainability principles
• Conduct regular assessments to measure the impact and effectiveness of sustainability programs, identifying areas for improvement and proposing appropriate adjustments
• Contribute to the technical definition and implementation of electronic system cost and CO2e modeling solutions, including the identification of analytics that enable trend data to be established.
• Develop close technical relationships with suppliers to identify best cost solutions, including emerging technologies that provide cost and CO2e improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, product development, procurement, manufacturing, and supply chain logistics teams to embed sustainability into product design and delivery
• Partner with stakeholders across the organization to drive awareness, adoption, and integration of sustainability initiatives
• Engage with external partners, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to align on sustainability goals and best practices
• Foster internal engagement, promoting sustainability awareness and understanding across the organization through training, workshops and communication channels.

What You Need

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in product management, sustainability, or a related role within the automotive or technology sectors such as Sustainability/Cost engineering of Electronic / Mechanical components and systems, VA/VE of Electronic / Mechanical components and systems, Engineering automotive Electronic / Mechanical components.
• Deep understanding of automotive connectivity technologies and the associated value chain
• Proven experience in sustainability engineering, environmental management, or a similar role, ideally within a corporate setting such as developing and implementing sustainability frameworks, processes, and metrics
• Experience in lifecycle assessments or product carbon footprint methodologies
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, climate change regulations, science-based targets, sustainability frameworks, industry best practices, and decarbonization strategies
• Proficiency in data analysis, sustainability reporting, and the use of sustainability software and tools
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

What is Nice to Have

• PMP certification
• Master's Degree in Engineering or MBA with 12 years overall experience
• Experience with Automotive Telematics/Connectivity products/projects

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 20% domestic and international travel and occasionally travel to customer location and Harman facilities.
• Be willing to work in an office in Novi, MI or Sunnyvale, CA
• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment

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
• "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development