Manager, Corporate Strategy & Development

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.
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.
Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience
Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence
Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment
About the Role
The Manager, Corporate Strategy and Development – 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
Salary Ranges:
$ 108,750 - $ 159,500
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.