Manager, Corporate Strategy

Manager, Corporate Strategy Automotive and AI

Location: Novi - Michigan, USA - Cabot Drive

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.

About the Role

The Manager, Corporate Strategy Automotive and AI will help shape and advance HARMAN's strategic agenda, portfolio priorities, and growth ambitions. Reporting to the Director, Corporate Development Automotive & AI, this leader will partner with senior executives and cross-functional teams to translate market, customer, technology, and competitive developments into clear strategic choices and actionable priorities.

This role will lead enterprise-critical strategic initiatives, including portfolio and adjacent growth strategies, market and segment entry, competitive positioning, business-model evaluation, and buy/build/partner decisions. It requires rigorous analysis, sound business judgment, and the ability to translate recommendations into executable roadmaps and measurable outcomes.

The role will also shape HARMAN Automotive's inorganic growth agenda by partnering closely with Automotive Strategy teams, division leadership and Corporate Development to develop investment themes, evaluate acquisition and partnership opportunities, assess strategic fit, inform executive decision-making, and lead or support the execution of inorganic growth initiatives and strategic partnerships.

What You Will Do

1. Strategic initiatives and external insights

• Support the development and refinement of HARMAN Automotive's multi-year strategy, strategic priorities, and portfolio choices
• Lead cross-functional strategy initiatives that address critical business challenges and accelerate priority growth opportunities
• Structure ambiguous problems, synthesize quantitative and qualitative analysis, and develop decision-oriented recommendations
• Build a strong external perspective through industry benchmarks, expert networks, customers, partners, and competitive intelligence
• Engage and manage external advisers when specialized expertise or an independent perspective is required, ensuring clear scope, resources, timelines, and outcomes

2. Inorganic growth and strategic partnerships Assessment

• Develop strategic theses and priority areas for acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and investments
• Identify and screen potential targets in collaboration with Automotive leadership and Corporate Development
• Assess strategic fit, growth potential, competitive differentiation, business-model implications, and value-creation opportunities
• Prepare executive-level materials and strategic framing for senior leadership and board-level discussions

3. Inorganic growth and strategic partnerships Execution

• Lead execution of strategic partnerships, including counterparty relationship management and negotiations, drafting of partnership agreements, management of Harman cross functional teams incl. legal, business unit leads and engineering
• Support M&A due diligence, business-case development, and investment decision-making
• Prepare executive-level updates regarding the above

4. Leadership and stakeholder engagement

• Build trusted relationships with Harman executives, business units, functions, and regional stakeholders
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and influence outcomes in a global, matrixed organization without relying on direct authority
• Coach and develop strategy team members, setting high standards for analytical quality, collaboration, and delivery
• Communicate complex issues through clear executive narratives and practical, decision-ready recommendations

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor's degree required; a technical, quantitative, business, or economics discipline is preferred
• 8-10+ years of highly relevant experience in corporate strategy, strategy consulting, business development, corporate development, strategic partnerships, or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience leading cross-functional project teams or multidisciplinary workstreams
• Significant relevant industry experience such as automotive (OEM, Tier 1, auto tech), mobility, semiconductors or technology sector experience or strategy consultancy serving these sectors.
• Strategic thinking, commercial and financial acumen, business judgment, and analytical problem-solving skills
• Experience with portfolio strategy, market sizing, business-case development, investment evaluation, and buy/build/partner analysis
• Ability to structure ambiguous problems, synthesize complex information, and translate analysis into clear strategic recommendations
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders in a global, matrixed organization
• Ability to craft compelling executive presentations, translating data and insights into structured, decision-oriented narratives
• Results-oriented leadership style with a track record of delivering measurable business impact and developing high-performing teams

Bonus Points if You Have

• MBA or another relevant advanced degree
• 3+ years of experience in strategy consulting or strategic transaction advisory
• Experience evaluating and executing acquisitions, strategic investments, or strategic partnerships
• Experience applying AI tools or AI-enabled solutions to improve research, analysis, scenario development, or strategic decision-making
• International experience working across major automotive or tech markets, regions, functions, and cultures

Things to Know

• This role is based in Novi, Michigan and follows a hybrid schedule
• Comfortable working flexibly across time zones in support of a global role
• Willing and able to travel up to 25%, including domestic and international travel
• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment (post-offer)

What You Can Expect

• Hybrid work environment that balances flexibility with in-person collaboration, with most office-based roles onsite three days a week
• Access to employee discounts on HARMAN and Samsung products (including JBL, Harman / Kardon, AKG, and others)
• Learning and development opportunities through our award-winning HARMAN University programs
• Wellness benefits designed to support your overall well-being
• Tuition reimbursement support
• Access to the HARMAN campus fitness center and cafeteria, where available
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that supports both your professional and personal development

Pay Transparency $ 108,750 - $ 159,500 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.

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.

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