Description & Requirements
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 University
- Competitive wellness benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria
- An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development
#Hybrid
#LI-MM1
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.