📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Harman Kardon Global Brand Lead
🔹 Company: HARMAN International
🔹 Location: Stamford, Connecticut, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Consumer Electronics
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-15
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with flexibility for remote work
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the development and execution of the Harman Kardon brand growth plan
- Directing global campaigns, partnerships, and brand communication across all consumer touchpoints
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive brand equity and growth
- Managing a team and external agencies to deliver results
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of brand management and marketing.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement a Harman Kardon brand management model to act as best-in-class principles
✅ Establish and chair the Harman Kardon Brand Committee to build business recommendations and facilitate decision-making impacting both divisions
✅ Execute against a regular meeting cadence to ensure transparency and act as a tool for issue/challenge resolution
✅ Partner closely with senior business/division leaders to grow Harman Kardon equity globally to maximize returns
✅ Ideate and execute the long-term strategic Harman Kardon growth plan, working with divisional strategy teams to identify the most attractive where-to-play opportunities
✅ Create the global brand positioning, core brand idea, and executional guardrails, working with applicable stakeholders
✅ Prove the brand is driving incremental growth and occupies the space best suited to driving equity for both divisions
✅ Develop the 3-year brand growth plan to meet the business goals for the brand across both Lifestyle and Automotive
✅ Lead the development of annual global marketing plans for Harman Kardon, collaborating with the BU and regions to create comprehensive launch plans
✅ Lead global creative & campaign development, maintain fidelity to vision while overseeing the full process through production and asset distribution
✅ Engage, inspire, and galvanize the organization around the brand expression, strategy, and purpose
✅ Lead and manage advertising budgets, ensuring strong ROI through impactful global creative, effective media, and activations
✅ Build and execute Global Go-To-Market team strategies and plans to ensure all launches are consistent with the aligned portfolio role, global brand positioning, core brand idea, and executional guardrails
✅ Own and manage digital marketing and brand storytelling across all consumer touchpoints
✅ Support and inform marketing activities in the Automotive space to ensure compliance with portfolio role and strategy and consistency with business goals
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to drive brand growth and success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 15+ years of similar or related work experience within consumer electronics or a related industry
Required Skills:
- Proven track record in brand management and marketing strategy
- Strong leadership and influencing skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills
- Global marketing experience, with a deep understanding of brand licensing
- Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external agencies
- Fluency in English, with proficiency in additional languages a plus
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with automotive brands or in the automotive industry
- Familiarity with the HARMAN brand and product portfolio
- Experience working with a global team and managing remote employees
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong personal interest in technology and a broad marketing background that includes B2B and B2C product launch experiences.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $180,000 - $264,000 per year
Benefits:
- 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
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and HARMAN's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Consumer Electronics and Automotive Technology
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (HARMAN International)
Founded: 1980
Company Description:
- HARMAN International is a global leader in automotive technology, lifestyle innovations, design, and analytics
- The company designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide
- HARMAN's portfolio includes leading brands such as AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, and Revel
- The company offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation
Company Specialties:
- Audio and visual products
- Enterprise automation solutions
- Software services for the Internet of Things
- Automotive technology, including connected car systems
Company Website: www.harman.com
ASSUMPTION: HARMAN International is a large, global organization with a diverse product portfolio and a strong focus on innovation and technology.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior leadership role, reporting directly to the HARMAN Lifestyle President
Reporting Structure: 1 direct HARMAN report (Brand Manager) and various 3rd party agencies
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site), with flexibility for remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow the Harman Kardon brand globally and drive business growth
- Opportunity to work with a diverse, global team and gain exposure to various aspects of the business
- Potential to advance within the organization as the brand and business grow
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a lasting impact on the Harman Kardon brand and business.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site), with flexibility for remote work
Office Location(s): Stamford, Connecticut, United States and Northridge, California, United States
Geographic Context:
- Stamford, Connecticut: A city in Fairfield County, with a population of approximately 135,000
- Northridge, California: A neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, with a population of approximately 67,000
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: Both office locations offer a dynamic work environment, with access to various amenities and resources.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- In-depth behavioral and technical interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interview with the HARMAN Lifestyle President
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand management and marketing strategy skills
- Leadership and influencing skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills
- Global marketing experience and understanding of brand licensing
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and achievements
- Research the Harman Kardon brand and HARMAN International to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Marketing Strategy, Leadership, Global Marketing, Brand Licensing, Consumer Electronics, Automotive Industry, Data Analysis, Cross-Functional Collaboration
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and qualifications throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- CRM and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Marketo)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using various tools and technologies to manage projects, analyze data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Diversity
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Cross-functional and collaborative
- Data-driven and results-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with HARMAN's company values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
- How do you approach working with cross-functional teams, and how have you driven collaboration and success in previous roles?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and adapt your strategies to changing market conditions?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong cultural fit with HARMAN's values and work style, with a clear understanding of the company's mission and vision.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a global brand with diverse stakeholders and regional teams
- Balancing the needs of both the Lifestyle and Automotive divisions
- Driving brand growth and equity in a competitive market
- Working with external agencies and managing resources effectively
- Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to face these challenges and demonstrate their ability to navigate complex, global brand management roles.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on global brand management for a premium audio brand within a large, global technology company
- Similar roles may include Global Brand Director, Senior Brand Manager, or Head of Marketing for a consumer electronics or automotive brand
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to Vice President or Chief Marketing Officer within HARMAN or other global organizations
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a clear understanding of the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to similar positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a global marketing campaign for a new Harman Kardon product launch
- Conducting a brand audit and redefining the brand positioning and strategy for Harman Kardon
- Managing a team to create and implement a global brand guidelines document
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to provide specific examples of their brand management and marketing strategy skills, with a focus on global campaigns and brand redefinition projects.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall brand strategy for Harman Kardon and HARMAN International?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does the HARMAN Lifestyle team collaborate with other divisions, such as Automotive?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Harman Kardon brand, and how can this role address them?
- How does HARMAN support the growth and development of its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their commitment to driving brand success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and achievements
- Research the Harman Kardon brand and HARMAN International to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
