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.

About the Role

The Global Licensing & Patent Category Manager will manage and make critical decisions on complex software and licensing software solutions. This is a rapidly growing and highly competitive category with a focus on product, cost structure, and market intelligence for advanced software and new emerging technologies such as AR, AI, ADAS, Telematics, V2X. This position will oversee the global software and licensing supply base including contracts, commercial/pricing, terms and conditions, innovation, and risk mitigation. The successful candidate will develop and execute category strategies through alignment with HARMAN business units, Product Development, Engineering, and Legal.

What You Will Do

Responsible for key supplier relationships with software licenses, online services, patents, trademarks, and related engineering services across all divisions within the company

Sourcing of embedded software licenses, online services, patents, trademarks, and related engineering services

Negotiation of Frame Agreements together with our IP Legal Department and business stakeholders

Manage Request for Quotation (RFQ) and supplier / licensor selection processes

Own and drive Category Strategy in alignment with business stakeholders in Product Management, Engineering, and Quality

Lead and close negotiations with suppliers / licensors for contract terms and conditions

Build appropriate supplier relationships to successfully lead complex transactions

Create make or buy analysis in consideration of alternative system designs/solutions

Drive synergies in close collaboration with our parent company Samsung regarding licenses, online services, patents, trademarks, related engineering services, and other IPs throughout multiple departments inside Harman

Close cooperation with the sales organization, product development, finance, and program management

Support and drive technical discussions between suppliers / licensors and internal interfaces to ensure requirements are met by suppliers / licensors at the best possible commercial terms

Continuous cost and quality improvements

Preparation and presentation of reports and status updates for internal customers

Search and identification of new and alternative suppliers / licensors

Ownership of supplier/partner relationships

Support license determination by Program Management with coordination support of Program Management Office

What You Need

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Legal, Computer Science, Engineering, or Supply Chain

Minimum of 3+ years of previous work experience in software licensing and/or Engineering Services and/or dealing with patents

Experienced with software licensing terms, automotive supply chains, and requirements

Proven ability to translate complex technical requirements into compelling business recommendations and licensing terms

Understanding of data analysis and forecasting methods

Proficient in MS Office and/or web collaboration tools (Confluence/JIRA/Sharepoint)

Experienced in the creation/negotiation of license contracts

What is Nice to Have

Prior experience at an Automotive or Technology company

Prior experience working with product management for a technology company and good knowledge of the software product development lifecycle

Extensive contract negotiation experience, including as lead or primary negotiator

Proven ability to balance risks and close deals

What Makes You Eligible

Be willing to travel up to 15%

Be willing to work in a Harman office located in Novi, MI (Hybrid)

Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment

What We Offer

Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN UniversityCompetitive wellness benefitsTuition ReimbursementAccess to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and CafeteriaAn inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

#Hybrid

#LI-MM1

Salary Ranges:

USD 100,125 - USD 146,850

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.