Director Corporate Development – Automotive & AI

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 youll discover that at HARMAN you can grow make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

About the Role

In this role you will lead the development of HARMANs 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 HARMANs 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 HARMANs 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

• Bachelors 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

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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 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.