Executive Director, Product Manager

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.

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

As the Executive Director, Product Management, you will join the Car Audio Business Unit and will partner with a team dedicated to defining, designing, and developing emerging sound system architectures, products, and experiences.  

You will work with Harman’s innovation and technology team, research and UX design team, and our world-class Engineering, Purchasing, Sales, and Marketing teams.  Define the overall product strategy, families, roadmaps, business model, development, and launch plans for a future generation of Harman-branded sound systems, based on an entirely new system approach and architecture.  You will manage component-level product managers and delivery leads in their roles defining and delivering on component product strategies and roadmaps for our global markets.

Your Team

You will grow and directly manage a global 50+ member Product Management Scope Team + New Product/Platform Engineering Delivery team

What You Will Do

• Identify gaps and generate new ideas contributing to improved consumer experience while addressing OEM partner pain points and needs, meeting Harman's business goals, and maturing our brand promises.

• Find and define OEM-winning system, product, and brand value proposition opportunities that differentiate HARMAN from our competitors and increase revenue and margins.

• Define and translate Proofs of Concept, consumer insights, customer feedback, and technology roadmaps into cohesive branded system definitions and support component productization, marketing, and partnership work streams, with a rolling 2-3-year iterative product roadmap and release calendar

• Manage structured review of branded system concepts with the objectives defined by the 2-3-year plan

• Deliver overarching system and individually branded system-level MRD and PRDs with prioritized features and corresponding justification

• Translate product strategy into detailed requirements and prototypes

• Work closely with engineering teams to deliver quick time-to-market and optimal resources

• Analyze appropriate market data and extract technology, system architecture, and product trends for Harman, and define necessary system requirements including performance, content, features/products, pricing, and SOP timing.

• Leverage technologies within and outside of HARMAN to develop lasting and winning relationships to benefit the unique nature of the diverse HARMAN business.

• Develop the core value proposition, brand and system positioning, and messaging for the Harman house of branded systems, the individual branded systems used by our OEM partners, and those targeted for new pursuits.

• Identify the Go-To-Market strategies for all branded audio systems (10-15 individual brand activations at major OEMs)

• Create buy-in for the branded system vision, both internally and with key external partners

• Drive branded system early development (ideation, MRD/PRD, PoC, pre-RFQ, pre-development)

• Support pursuits and RFQs, product development, and launch, including working with engineering, marketing, public relations team, executives, and other product management team members

• Develop sales and marketing tools, leveraging our marketing teams

• Training at quarterly sales meetings and dedicated training sessions

• Define branded system cost targets in cooperation with the customer groups and component product management colleagues

• Recommend list pricing, with accompanying competitive and margin analysis (high-level business case generation in cooperation with our finance teams)

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor’s in engineering, business administration management, or related fields,

• 10+ years of experience in Product Development

• 10+ years of experience in Automotive or Consumer Software/Hardware/Audio/Connectivity

• 3+ years of automotive or consumer experience and agile-based technology development/delivery experience

• Experience in audio, sound system hardware and software, IoT and connected system architecture design, and development

• Demonstrated success with B2B or B2B2C products

• Aptitude for meshing multiple information streams (B2B customer voice, consumer insights, internal business targets, and new technologies into distinct brand promises), into system-level strategies and proposals, while leveraging underlying platform or business efficiencies

• Experience in owning and driving the Product Development Roadmap

• Experience working in a global matrix, cross-functional organization and communicating with key stakeholders in sales, product operations, marketing, and engineering

• Understanding of current technology and consumer trends, processes and how decisions are being made along the value chain in the Automotive industry

Bonus Points if You Have

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Business Administration

• Entrepreneurial experience

• Strong technical background in software development

• 3+ years of wearable and connectivity module architecture and product development experience

• 3+ years of experience working in the sound software domain (voice, audio, noise management)

• Senior Pre-Sales or Business development experience

• Experience with branded audio system design, definition, and development

• Appreciation for UX and design

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 30%, domestic and international travel

• Be willing to work in an office in the Novi, MI office (3 Days per week)

• 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

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

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Salary Ranges:

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.