Description & Requirements

About the Role

The Director of Product Strategy and Planning plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining the Business Unit's vision and contributes to long-term success through developing aligned product strategies and product planning.

This role is responsible for shaping the product vision & strategy and translating it into a rolling 3-year product roadmap. It provides organizational direction & priorities to lead in product category against competition and achieve profitable growth in revenue as well as margin expansion for the business unit over the product lifecycle. This position ensures the products launched in the markets meet both consumers' needs, as well as business objectives.

This role leads and guides the Global Product Line Management Team to execute the roadmap, from concept to launch. It needs to collaborate with external technology partners and internal cross functional stakeholders to define and refine the product strategy that is differentiated and competitive, with the ultimate goals to exceed our consumers expectations with our product offerings. You will directly lead the Product Management Team and guide it in a matrix structure and ensure the functional teams deliver products on Cost, Design, Timing, Quality and Experience. The position also requires presenting, influencing, and negotiating with regional product marketing teams, sales teams, and regional leaders. The product planning, product proposition, and pricing strategy to align with company strategy and financial objectives.

Candidate will represent the BU for on-site related operational matters and be the initial BU window for (new) challenges that need extra attention beyond the normal processes (i.e. quality related incidents, new legislation, supply base optimization) Candidate will also take the lead in a culture of continuous innovation and drive to ensure Harman is recognized as a true innovator within the Consumer Audio space.

Overall, the Director is expected to embody a holistic understanding of the product ecosystem, leveraging market insights, the latest technology trend and customer feedback to drive innovation and product enhancements. This role will report to VP&GM for the Business Unit.

What You Will Do

• Define and Align Long-Term Product Strategy: Develop and communicate a compelling product vision that aligns with the Business Unit's long-term strategy and overall company goals. This includes setting strategic direction to support financial targets (top-line growth and bottom-line profitability), and ensuring the product strategy contributes meaningfully to the BU's competitive positioning
• Lead Global Product Roadmaps and Innovation Planning: Own the global product strategy and vision, including the creation of rolling 3-year product roadmaps. Ensure these roadmaps deliver high-quality, differentiated, and profitable product propositions. Drive innovation by identifying new consumer benefit areas and translating them into actionable product concepts that expand market share and margins
• Develop Annual Business Plans and Brand Positioning; Create annual business plans across all product lines with clear brand positioning and winning value propositions. Focus on maximizing ROI and ensuring each product line contributes to growth in both revenue and profitability. Collaborate with marketing and sales to align product launches with go-to-market strategies
• Steer Cross-Functional Execution and Product Development: Lead cross-functional teams-including Design, R&D, Engineering, Sourcing, and Quality-to translate business needs into functional and operational strategies. Ensure that New Product Introductions (NPIs) are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Guide the execution of product roadmaps to deliver market-winning propositions
• Drive Breakthrough Innovation and Consumer-Centric Design: Collaborate with internal research teams and external partners to identify innovation opportunities. Use consumer insights to refine product features and performance requirements. Champion the development of breakthrough products that open new market spaces and deliver clear consumer benefits
• Master Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full product lifecycle-from roadmap planning and release management to launch, post-launch support, upgrades, and end-of-life transitions. Ensure consistent execution across all stages and maintain alignment with cross-functional stakeholders to address product-related issues efficiently
• Lead and Develop High-Performing Product Teams: Manage and mentor the Global Product Line Management (GPLM) team. Provide leadership, coaching, and performance evaluations, and Lead and guide portfolio team. Build a strong talent pipeline and prepare succession plans for key roles. Foster a performance-driven culture with clear accountabilities and business goals.
• Present Strategy and Engage Senior Stakeholders: Regularly present product strategies and plans to C-level executives, senior management, and regional leaders. Ensure alignment with company-wide strategic and financial objectives. Collaborate with finance and regional teams to improve EBIT and support strategic decision-making.
• Manage Risk and Adapt to Market Changes: Identify potential risks and challenges that could impact product success. Apply advanced critical thinking and risk management strategies to mitigate issues. Adapt quickly to changing market conditions and respond to emerging opportunities with agility and strategic foresight.
• Drive Sales Enablement and Customer Engagement: Partner with global sales and marketing teams to develop and execute sell-in and sell through plans for the products being developed. Support product launches and manage key customer relationships. Conduct business reviews with strategic customers. Monitor market and competitor activity, and ensure customer satisfaction through effective product positioning and support

What You Need to Be Successful

• End-to-End Product Leadership Experience: 10+ years of experience in product strategy, planning, creation, and marketing-ideally in consumer electronics or audio. Proven success in launching innovative, high-impact products that meet consumer needs and drive business growth
• Strategic Thinking with Strong Business Acumen: Ability to define long-term product vision and translate it into actionable roadmaps. Skilled in balancing strategic foresight with operational execution and aligning product direction with business objectives and financial targets
• Cross-Functional and Matrix Leadership: Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams (Design, R&D, Engineering, Sourcing, Marketing, Sales) in a global matrix environment. Able to influence without direct authority and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders
• Team Development and Talent Management: History of managing and mentoring medium-sized teams (5-10 people). Builds high-performing, collaborative teams and fosters a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement
• Consumer-Centric and Technically Fluent: Strong ability to connect with both engineering and end-users. Translates technical capabilities and consumer insights into compelling product strategies that deliver meaningful value and market differentiation
• Communication and Executive Engagement: Exceptional communication and presentation skills. Comfortable engaging with C-level executives, regional leaders, and customers to present strategies, influence decisions, and build trust
• Innovation and Growth Orientation: Proven ability to identify new market opportunities, drive breakthrough innovation, and commercialize new products successfully. Experience developing competitive product roadmaps and go-to-market strategies.
• Financial and P&L Ownership: Strong financial literacy with experience managing P&L, conducting ROI analysis, and making data-driven decisions. Understands how to optimize profitability while investing in innovation and growth.
• Operational Excellence and Lifecycle Management: Disciplined in managing product lifecycle processes-from concept to launch and end-of-life. Skilled in project planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.

• Change Leadership and Cultural Agility: Able to lead teams through transformation and change. Culturally sensitive and adaptable, with the people skills to unify global teams and shift direction in response to market dynamics

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience managing a global P&L (ideally $100M+), with strong business acumen and data-driven decision-making. Demonstrates financial discipline and the ability to optimize profitability across product lines.
• Exceptional planning, prioritization, and execution skills. Proven record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple workstreams in fast-paced, matrixed environments.
• Experience developing and executing partnership strategies with OEMs, ODMs, and ecosystem partners. Familiarity with OEM quality systems and co-development models is highly valuable.
• Downstream marketing and sales experience for consumer products, understanding of the Go to Market process and innovative ways to tell product stories.
• Background in high-end consumer electronics, especially immersive audio. Technical fluency in audio systems, diagnostics, and product design is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with trade organizations.
• Highly analytical with the ability to break down complex challenges into actionable solutions. Brings structure, clarity, and focus to ambiguity, while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

What Makes You Eligible

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a technical field (or equivalent). An advanced degree such as an MBA is preferred.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in business, product strategy, or planning; and proven leadership experience in dynamic global environment and culture perspectives
• Strong English proficiency and effective communication skills; Willing to travel on 30% and work on site at 70% time; Flexible hours to support global time zones.
• Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation

What We Offer

• Ability to work talented experts in the audio industry.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Access to HARMAN campus fitness center and cafeteria
• "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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Pay Transparency

$ 199,500 - $ 292,600

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.

Benefits

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.