Customer Program Manager
Harman · Gothenburg
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
As a Lead Program Manager, you will be responsible for the successful delivery of large-scale and strategically important programs within the CAM Greater Europe organization of HARMAN Automotive. You will lead international, cross-functional teams across multiple brands, regions, and technical domains to ensure seamless execution from concept through production. This role combines executive-level customer engagement with strategic program leadership and decision-making authority.
What You Will Do
- Lead and own the execution of major customer programs of high strategic relevance within the CAM Greater Europe portfolio
- Serve as the primary customer interface at management level, ensuring transparent and proactive communication.
- Manage large cross-functional and multi-location project teams with structured processes and leadership consistency.
- Drive program performance across brands, regions, and technical domains including software, hardware, and systems integration.
- Lead global troubleshooting and system validation activities across technical teams.
- Take full ownership of change and risk management, escalation handling, and executive-level reporting.
- Make independent decisions on priorities, resources, and mitigation strategies in complex program environments.
- Steer all program phases including prototype, industrialization, and production ramp-up.
- Actively contribute during RFI/RFQ phases (feasibility analysis, technical and commercial alignment).
- Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement culture across the organization.
What You Need to Be Successful
- University degree in Engineering (Electrical, IT, Mechanical, or related) or equivalent program management experience.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary programs or teams (>50 team members).
- Proven success in automotive program leadership with strong technical and commercial orientation.
- Excellent customer-facing communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities in complex and dynamic environments.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
Bonus Points if You Have
- Certified knowledge of PMI methodologies, Automotive SPICE, and IATF16949 processes.
- Deep understanding of Harman Core Competencies (Results, Change, Customer, Team, Self-Awareness).
- Experience leading multi-brand programs within Volvo Cars / Volvo Trucks Group.
- Expertise in program management tools and lifecycle methodologies.
What Makes You Eligible
- Willingness to travel up to 25%.
- Willingness to work on-site in Sweden, Gothenburg as required.
What We Offer
- Flexible work environment, allowing for remote work
- Access to employee discounts on world-class products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, and more)
- 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
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.