Director Corporate Development - Automotive & AI

Description & Requirements

About the Role

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.

What You Will Do

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.

What You Need to Be Successful

• 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

Bonus Points if You Have

• 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

What Makes You Eligible

• 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

What We Offer

• 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

#LI-RV1

Pay Transparency

$ 161,250 - $ 236,500

Dependent on the position offered, other forms of compensation are also available, such as bonuses or commission.

Pay is based on a wide range of factors, including, without limitation, skill set, experience, training, location, and business need. While the above range is a reasonable estimate of the wage range for this position, please note the disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographical differential associated with the location where the position may be filled.

Benefits

HARMAN is interested in the health and wellbeing of you and your family and offers a range of benefits designed to support your needs for holistic wellbeing. Benefits and perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment with HARMAN, and may include paid vacation and holidays, paid sick leave, volunteer leave, and paid bonding and care giver leave. Employees may also be eligible to participate in comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, fertility support and adoption assistance, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan with employer match, short and long term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.

About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology

Ever since the 1920s, we’ve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.

Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today’s most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world’s ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.

If you’re ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!

Important Notice: Recruitment Scams

Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com', ‘@careers.harman.com’ or ‘@harmanglobal.avature.net’ email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview, or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in one of the above email domains about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: [email protected].

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. 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. HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications and job-related performance.()