In this role you will lead the development of HARMAN’s AI-focused automotive partner ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on in-car experience, ADAS, and next-generation intelligent vehicle platforms. You will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and shaping strategic partnerships, venture investments, and M&A opportunities across the United States, China, and Europe.
The position sits at the intersection of technology, strategy, and corporate development, requiring deep market insight, strong technical understanding, and an established network within the global automotive and AI ecosystem. The role will work in close collaboration with Automotive Technology, Product, and Engineering leadership to perform outside-in analyses of emerging technologies and companies, translating insights into actionable partnership and investment recommendations.
Ecosystem & Market Intelligence
Continuously screen and assess the global AI and automotive technology landscape, with focus on in-car experience, ADAS, AI software stacks, data platforms, and enabling technologies.
Develop a deep understanding of strategies pursued by OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, startups, hyperscalers, and AI-native companies.
Provide structured, outside-in market and competitive analyses to senior leadership, highlighting implications for HARMAN’s automotive strategy.
Partner Ecosystem Development
Build and actively manage a strategic partner ecosystem spanning technology partners, startups, and innovation leaders in the AI automotive domain.
Identify, source, and cultivate high-impact partnership opportunities aligned with HARMAN’s product and technology roadmap.
Act as a senior external representative of HARMAN in the AI and automotive ecosystem.
Corporate Development & Investment Activities
Define and refine investment theses for partnerships, venture investments, and M&A in collaboration with Automotive Technology and Product teams.
Screen, evaluate, and prioritize potential targets for strategic partnerships, minority investments, and acquisitions.
Lead or support transaction processes including strategic rationale development, valuation, due diligence, and investment committee preparation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Automotive Technology, Product Management, Engineering, and Business leaders to ensure strategic alignment.
Translate technical and market insights into clear strategic recommendations for build / buy / partner decisions.
Support integration and partnership governance activities post-transaction where applicable.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Business, or a related field
MBA (preferred) with focus in Engineering, Economics, or Strategy
Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, including corporate development, strategy, venture capital, M&A, or partner development
Proven track record in partner ecosystem development, venture investments, and/or M&A transactions
Strong technical understanding of AI and automotive technologies, particularly in areas such as:
In-car user experience & digital cockpit
ADAS and intelligent driving systems
AI software platforms, cloud & edge AI, data and perception technologies
Demonstrated ability to perform outside-in market analyses and translate insights into strategic recommendations
Established network within the automotive, AI, startup, and investment ecosystem, especially across the US, China, and Europe
Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Experience in strategy consulting is highly appreciated
Experience working with or within OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, or AI-native technology companies
Hands-on exposure to corporate venture capital or strategic partnership governance
Prior leadership of cross-functional initiatives in a global, matrix organization
Willingness to travel internationally (up to ~25%) and ability to work flexibly across time zones
Fluent in written and spoken English and German
Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment
Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location
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
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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.