Director, Strategic Partnerships & Synergy

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 every day.

About the Role

HARMAN drives growth by organic developments, strategic partnerships as well as systematic acquisitions in adjacent markets and new technologies.

In this role, as part of Corporate Strategy and M&A team, you will oversee and manage strategic partnerships across all HARMAN Divisions, including Automotive, Lifestyle and Digital Transformation Solutions in close collaboration with the Business Units.

Partners will comprise the Big Tech, Hyperscalers, SoC-suppliers as well as innovative start-ups for next-gen technologies.

In addition, this role will drive Harman-Samsung synergy projects, coordinating across functions and divisions.

What You Will Do

Strategic Partnerships

Develop partnerships strategies & goals for defined key strategic partners in collaboration with the responsible BUs and Purchasing;

partners are predominantly big technology players & leading start-ups

• Support BUs with strategic partner management process in terms of partner scouting, establishing new and elevating existing partnership relationships, leading due diligence of partners and ensuring selection of strategic partners based on defined rules and criteria
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, e.g. BUs, legal, purchasing in terms of partnership requiring gathering, preparing and finalizing legal agreements
• Negotiate strategic partnership deals together or supported by the responsible BU and purchasing
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key partners as the lead point of contact for commercial or any collaboration related topics
• Drive partnership growth, i.e. orchestrate partnership meetings, manage co-creation projects, continuously develop partner strategies and roadmaps
• Support BUs with deep technology know how and understanding of partnership business models

HARMAN - Samsung Synergy

• Execute and drive synergy project between HARMAN and Samsung
• Collaborate across HARMAN functions and divisions to identify and evaluate large potential synergy ideas
• Manage the overall gate process of synergy projects from new idea generation to key project execution
• Develop and coordinate quarterly BOD reports with clear outcomes

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a technical domain Engineering)
• 10+ years of professional experience and 5 years in advanced and / or influencing positions
• Specific experience in partner management, negotiation of partner agreements and definition of state-of-the art business models
• Project management skills related to planning and leading cross-functional initiatives without direct line management of the team
• Experience in processing and synthesizing large data sets to identify inference and interference and the ability to provide relevant context to derive decisions
• Strong strategic thinking, commercial acumen and business sense with strong analytical skills
• Experience working in global, highly matrixed organizations
• Results orientation, a proven track record of measurable impact

What is Nice to Have

• Masters or MBA
• 3+ years’ experience in a Strategy Consulting Company

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel 20%+, domestic and international travel
• Be willing to work in an office in Garching, in hybrid model

What We Offer

• HARMAN offers a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities, professional training and competitive market base compensation
• You will also receive top-notch employee discounts on Harman’s Consumer Audio (JBL, AKG, HARMAN Kardon) and Samsung products
• Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work life integration and collaboration in a global friendly working atmosphere and good work-life-balance
• Attractive salary package and an Employer contribution towards a company pension plan
• Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University’s business and leadership academies which also includes extensive technical trainings
• Internal talent management leadership acceleration programs
• Be Brilliant employee recognition and rewards program

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace, 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.