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
This newly created role will drive HARMAN’s corporate development and strategic investment activities in the Consumer Electronics industry, with a strong focus on Agentic Commerce, E-commerce platforms, and AI-driven commercial strategies.
The position is intended for a senior professional with deep experience in digital platform business models and agentic AI systems, including autonomous commerce agents, personalization and recommendation engines, conversational commerce, and data-driven monetization models. You will identify, evaluate, and shape M&A, partnership, and venture investment opportunities that accelerate HARMAN’s transition toward AI-enabled, customer-centric digital commerce capabilities.
A core responsibility is to build and maintain a strong external network across relevant digital retailers, consumer technology companies, AI-native startups, platform providers, venture capital firms, and strategic partners, particularly within global e-commerce and agentic AI ecosystems.
You will develop an outside-in perspective on platform economics, flywheel effects, and customer experience innovation, translating these insights into clear strategic and financial recommendations. Close collaboration with Commercial, Digital, Product, Data, and Technology teams is essential to evaluate build / buy / partner decisions and ensure alignment with HARMAN’s commercial and digital growth priorities.
This role is particularly well suited for candidates with experience in large digital platforms or global e-commerce environments (e.g., Amazon or similar) who operate comfortably at the intersection of technology, product, and commercial strategy.
What You Will Do
Ecosystem Intelligence
Continuously monitor and assess trends in consumer electronics, digital commerce, agentic AI, retail media, and platform-based business models.
Track strategies of global consumer electronics brands, digital retailers, marketplaces, startups, hyperscalers, and AI-native companies.
Develop and present regular insights and reports to senior leadership on market dynamics, competitive positioning, and implications for HARMAN’s corporate development agenda.
Corporate Development Strategy
Define and shape HARMAN’s inorganic growth agenda in Consumer Electronics and digital commerce, spanning M&A, strategic partnerships, and venture investments.
Develop clear investment theses and target company lists aligned with HARMAN’s commercial, brand, and digital strategy.
Evaluate build vs. buy vs. partner options in collaboration with business, product, and technology leadership.
M&A Pipeline & Execution
Build and manage a robust pipeline of acquisition, partnership, and investment opportunities.
Lead deal teams through initial screening, valuation, due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiation.
Prepare and present high-quality decision materials and recommendations for executive leadership and investment committees.
Leadership & Relationship Management
Partner closely with senior leadership across Consumer, Lifestyle, Digital, Product, and Technology organizations.
Serve as a visible external representative of HARMAN with a strong network across digital retailers, consumer tech companies, venture capital firms, and investment banks.
Lead and facilitate workshops and strategic discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
What You Need to Be Successful
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
10+ years of relevant professional experience in corporate development, venture capital, private equity, investment banking, or strategy consulting
Proven track record in M&A, partnerships, and venture investments within consumer technology or digital business models
Strong understanding of consumer electronics markets and digital commercial strategies, including:
E-commerce and marketplace platforms
Digital retail ecosystems and omnichannel strategies
Agentic commerce and AI-driven customer interaction models
Subscription, platform, and data-driven business models
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in global, cross-functional matrix organizations
Established network within consumer technology, digital commerce, venture capital, and investment communities
Bonus Points if You Have
MBA or advanced degree preferred, ideally with focus on Strategy, Economics, or Technology
Experience at a leading digital retailer or marketplace (e.g., Amazon or similar platforms)
Hands-on exposure to agentic AI, personalization engines, or AI-driven commerce platforms
Experience leading corporate venture capital investments or long-term strategic partnerships
Background in top-tier strategy consulting
What Makes You Eligible
Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally
Work In a Hybrid Office, Novi MI, Stamford, CN, Sunnyvale California
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 opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.
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!
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HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or Protected Veterans status. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation. (www.harman.com)
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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.
Top Skills
What We Do
Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training and competitive compensation. Looking for a challenge where your experience is valued? Come see what you can achieve as a leader with HARMAN!
