Global AI Strategy Lead, Automotive Operations

Posted:
11/24/2025, 4:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Budapest, Budapest, Hungary ⋅ Budapest, Hungary

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Operations & Logistics

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

We are seeking a visionary AI Strategy Leader to execute our global AI strategy within Automotive Operations. This role is a strategic catalyst for transforming operational performance through AI-driven innovation, automation, and data intelligence. The AI Strategy Lead will shape the future of manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and quality operations, ensuring AI becomes a core enabler of our digital transformation journey. You will influence executive decision-making, drive enterprise-wide AI adoption, and deliver measurable business impact by embedding AI into critical operational processes.

What You Will Do

Strategy Enablement:

  • Support the development and evolution of the global AI strategy for Operations, ensuring it aligns with corporate digital transformation and growth objectives.

  • Contribute to shaping the AI vision and roadmap by identifying high-value use cases that enhance competitive advantage and operational resilience.

  • Partner with senior leadership by providing insights and clarity on AI’s impact on cost, quality, and speed, supported by robust business cases and ROI models.

Program & Portfolio Management:

  • Lead a portfolio of AI initiatives from concept to scale, ensuring timely delivery and measurable outcomes.

  • Establish governance frameworks for AI ethics, data privacy, and model lifecycle management.

  • Forge strategic partnerships with technology providers, startups, and academic institutions to accelerate innovation.

Technical Oversight:

  • Translate business challenges into AI opportunities, guiding data scientists and engineers in developing scalable, production-ready solutions.

  • Champion data readiness and architecture to enable advanced analytics and AI deployment across global operations.

  • Drive integration of AI solutions into core operational systems (ERP, MES, SCM platforms).

Change Management & Enablement:

  • Foster an AI-first culture by driving awareness, adoption, and literacy across all levels of the organization.

  • Design and deliver enablement programs to upskill employees on AI tools and methodologies.

  • Serve as the primary evangelist for AI in Operations, communicating progress and impact to executive stakeholders.

What You Need to Be Successful

  • Education: Master’s in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field.

  • 5+ years of experience in AI, data analytics, or digital transformation, preferably in automotive or manufacturing.

  • Proven track record of leading AI strategy and implementation in complex operational environments.

  • Strong understanding of AI technologies (ML, NLP, CV), data architecture, and cloud platforms.

  • Experience with agile methodologies and product management is a plus.

  • Skills:

    • Strong project management skills.

    • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

    • Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills.

What Makes You Eligible

  • Be willing to travel up to 25% domestic and international.

What We Offer

  • Flexible work environment with a culture encouraging work-life integration and collaboration in a global environment.
  • Access to employee discounts on world-class HARMAN/Samsung products (JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG etc.).
  • Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
  • An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development
  • “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
  • Work on best-in-class emerging technologies and an atmosphere that motivates you to give your best.

#LI-Hybrid

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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.