Director, Strategic M&A, Finance

Harman
life insurance, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, California, Northridge
Oct 28, 2025
Description & Requirements About the Role HARMAN drives growth through organic development, strategic partnerships, and targeted acquisitions in adjacent markets and emerging technologies. In this role, you will lead and advance strategic projects that support the long-term growth and evolution of the Lifestyle business. You will identify and develop new business opportunities and models through comprehensive market and investment analyses. Additionally, you will manage financial due diligence, evaluate potential transactions, and ensure seamless post-close financial integration for large-scale M&A activities within a global organization. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in corporate finance, financial analysis, and project management to successfully drive strategic initiatives and create long-term organizational value. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Finance, HR, Digital, Legal, and Business Operations, to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and realize financial synergies across the organization. What You Will Do Strategic Analysis, M&A & Due Diligence Partner with Lifestyle division business leaders to develop the current and future business portfolio strategy that drives an above-market rate of growth. Lead & coordinate the financial evaluation of potential strategic opportunities in collaboration with HARMAN's M&A / Strategy group, including financial modeling, valuation analysis, and synergy assessments based on a comprehensive analysis of market data. Oversee and manage financial due diligence processes, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders for Lifestyle. Analyze financial statements, identify key risks, and assess the financial health of target companies. Focus on synergy realization opportunities for Lifestyle and risk mitigation between potential targets and HARMAN Lifestyle. Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership on deal structures and financial terms. Transaction Execution & Post-Merger Integration Partner with cross-functional teams (legal, tax, operations, etc.) to drive end-to-end transaction execution. Develop integration concepts together with Division/ Strategic Business Units and central functions. Support in developing and managing comprehensive financial models to support deal negotiations and decision-making in collaboration with HARMAN's M&A / Strategy group. Assist in structuring transactions and ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations. Support the preparation of investment memos and presentations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors. Execute large and medium-sized Post Merger Integration programs. Partner with finance leadership to integrate financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and internal controls across acquired entities. Drive alignment of accounting policies, financial systems, and compliance frameworks in coordination with internal and external stakeholders. Work closely with tax and treasury teams to optimize legal entity structures, intercompany transactions, and cash management post-acquisition. Lead strategy consultant engagements supporting PMOs. Monitor and track synergy realization, providing regular updates to executive leadership and key stakeholders. Develop a playbook, best practices, and lessons learned to enhance the finance team's PMO capabilities for future transactions. Leadership and Stakeholder Management: Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals supporting M&A initiatives. Foster strong relationships with external advisors, investment banks, and internal business leaders. Communicate complex financial concepts and strategies to senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Drive continuous improvement in M&A processes, PMO processes, and integration frameworks for the Lifestyle Division. Demonstrate strong leadership in stakeholder engagement and strategy, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Lead the execution of strategic resource planning activities, optimizing project resources, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation to drive project success. What You Need to Be Successful Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field 10+ years' experience in finance, accounting, or M&A integration with a global scope Proven track record in leading financial integration of large complex M&A transactions or large transformational projects within and across multiple functions Proficient in market data analysis and competitive intelligence, including hands-on experience in leveraging analytical tools and methods Strong understanding of financial reporting, internal controls, tax, treasury, and accounting principles. Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage multiple integration or transformational workstreams. Strong stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to influence across different levels. Experienced in legal entity structure optimization, including elimination, mergers, and carve-outs, considering legal, financial, HR, and tax considerations. Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making. Proficient in financial systems (i.e. SAP) and data analytics tools. Bonus Points if You Have MBA or CPA What Makes You Eligible You are willing to travel, if necessary, 25% domestic and/or international travel. Be open to working in the Northridge, CA office (hybrid option available; flexibility to come into the office on short notice when needed is appreciated). Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment What We Offer Competitive wellness benefits and 401K Retirement Savings plan. An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities. Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work-life integration and collaboration in a global environment. Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University's business and leadership academies and extensive course catalog. Tuition Reimbursement. Access to employee discounts on world-class HARMAN products (JBL, Harman/Kardon, etc.). "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program. #LI-EC1 #LI-Hybrid Pay Transparency $ 173,250 - $ 254,100 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. You Belong Here HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you - all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want. About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology Ever since the 1920s, we've been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected. Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today's most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world's ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other. If you're ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today! Important Notice: Recruitment Scams Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com' email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview, or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in '@harman.com' about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: harmancareers@harman.com. HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. 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.HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications and job-related performance.(www.harman.com) Apply