Strategic Early Engagement Manager

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
  

What You’ll Be Part Of

As an Early Engagement Manager embedded in a CAM Pursuit management team, you drive pre‑RFI customer engagement to build trusted partnerships with OEM stakeholders and shape customer needs early. You work with CAM, Pursuit, SBU Product Management and Div Tech to translate VOC, market and competitive insights into clear business opportunities and customer-ready value propositions. You help validate new offerings with customers and support early proof points through demos/showcases. You also help teams follow standard ways of working by applying agreed methods and tools (pipeline, documentation, playbooks), keeping engagement data current and consistent.
How You’ll Make An Impact

• Drive pre‑RFI customer engagement activities with OEM decision-makers to shape needs, requirements and architecture early.
• Build and nurture customer partnerships by expanding engagement beyond engineering/procurement to include planning, pre-development, technology scouting, marketing and business leadership.
• Identify, qualify and shape new opportunities based on market trends, customer context and portfolio value propositions.
• Translate VOC, market and competitive insights into clear internal input for product positioning and roadmap discussions with SBU and Div Tech.
• Validate new product offerings from SBU and Div Tech with customers (problem fit, value, differentiators, adoption barriers) and capture actionable feedback.
• Support early opportunity enablement (e.g., demo cars, showcases, proof points) to mature concepts and validate feasibility.
• Co-create customer-facing narratives (storytelling, value propositions, content) that support early engagement and downstream pursuits.
• Contribute to innovative go‑to‑market models by working with OEM business teams and internal stakeholders on partnership and commercialization concepts.
• Apply and promote standard methods and tools for early engagement execution (common templates, pipeline tracking, documentation discipline).
• Maintain accurate pipeline and engagement documentation in the defined tools/repositories; ensure transparency for CAM and pursuit planning.
• Lead project work impacting the sub-function and coordinate external vendors supporting showcases/events as needed. 
  

What Makes You A Strong Fit

• Automotive experience in early engagement / pre-sales / business development, with confidence working with OEM stakeholders.
• 10+ years of working experience in Automotive (OEM, Tier-1 or Tier-2).
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to earn access and engagement with cross-functional customer influencers.
• Ability to turn VOC and market/competitive data into clear opportunity strategies and internal actions.
• Strong execution discipline: planning, prioritization, and delivery across multiple parallel initiatives in a matrix setup.
• Comfortable applying and reinforcing standard methods and tools (pipeline hygiene, documentation, playbooks).
• Specialized depth/breadth in the field; works independently with guidance only in complex situations; leads others to solve complex problems; leads projects impacting the sub-function; manages external vendors with accountability.
• We see AI as an important part of how work gets done. While tools may vary, a baseline familiarity with using AI to support efficiency, problem-solving, and quality is expected.

Things To Know

• This role is based in Solihull, the United Kingdom and follows a hybrid schedule.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

What We Offer

• A 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.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that supports both your professional and personal development.

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