Senior Manager, Automotive Partnerships EU

Position summary / Main purpose of the role: 

Join us at an exciting time and be an important part of the growth of the Automotive Partnerships team at Sound United.

In this role, you will be a key figure in establishing performance branded audio partnerships for Marantz, Polk, Definitive Technology, Classé, Boston Acoustics and Denon in Europe. You will also be called on to support existing Bowers & Wilkins programs. 

You will be skilled in connecting efforts between tier one integration and supply partners, OEM customers, technology partners and internal specialists. 

You thrive working across a wide range of subjects. You bring a strong track record of managing commercial, project, product, engineering and marketing aspects. You have an in depth understanding of the automotive industry with a direct network of OEMs and suppliers. 

This position can be remote, but the successful candidate will need to be located in Central Europe. 

Essential Responsibilities:

Working closely with the Senior Director for Automotive Partnerships, the primary role is to develop from scratch an Automotive OEM customer base for the Sound United brands. 

This will include early and speculative networking engagement through to pitch preparation, proposal creation, negotiation to nomination and development to Start of Production with OEMs. In addition, supporting the definition and implementation of a suitable Supplier Strategy. 

For the established Bowers & Wilkins Sound Systems, you will support current and new programs, working with the integration partner Harman. For other brands, your experience of the supplier eco-system will be key to help build a new route to market.

You will link together a wide range of people and teams, internal and external, at a board to working level covering various disciplines to deliver new business based on authentic, brand led values.

The role will require effective management of;

Business Development, initiating connections with potential new OEMs and integration partners to outline the proposition from Sound United through to confirming new car lines and other business opportunities. Your technical sales experience, existing network and relationships will help you to initiate this to a successful outcome.

Commercial Management, developing business cases by opportunity, negotiation of agreements, reporting on a long-term sale and forecast income from various programs. 

Product Management, working with development and engineering stakeholders to ensure new systems are aligned with the appropriate and innovative features, and overall brand DNA for application on various car lines. You are well versed in the automotive product development process. 

Program Management, seeking to understand the metrics for success and stakeholder involvement you will ensure the work required from various teams in multiple organisations is joined up and resolved in a timely manner, and to a high standard. 

Brand Management, understanding and applying brand requirements in all decisions, seeking internal signoffs as necessary, protecting and building on existing brand equity. You are a guardian of the brands.  

Sales Marketing, working closely with external counterparts to support sales growth of audio systems post launch, maximising option purchases.

PR & Marketing, alongside the existing Marketing team, supporting a strong public launch for new systems and managing subsequent on-going promotion, working closely with internal teams and external agencies. 

Engineering Management, facilitating the collaboration of internal and external specialist teams to set out and deliver early engineering development and industrialisation of key new technologies to production ramp-up. 

Customer Relationship Management, as a key regional representative for Sound United brands you will support the efforts of primary stakeholders with our OEM customers to develop best in class branded systems of the future. 

Industrial Design Management, working with OEM and external partner design teams to understand requirements and support the process of developing solutions that follow brand guidelines.  

Travel - as restrictions allow, there will be a requirement for frequent travel in region.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’ degree in related areas.
• 7 years’ experience in a business management role of technical products, engineering management in the automotive audio space.

About Sound United

Sound United was founded in 2012 with a simple mission – to bring joy to the world through sound. Today, we’re one of the world’s largest portfolio audio companies and home to several legendary audio brands—Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Classé, Definitive Technology.  Each brand boasts its own philosophy and unique approach to bringing home entertainment to life.

With centuries of collective experience, Sound United oversees the design and manufacture of a diverse array of premium audio products, including loudspeakers, sound bars, AV receivers, wireless speakers, amplifiers, turntables, and headphones. We create distinct and memorable listening experiences for a wide range of consumers in more than 130 countries. For more information on Sound United and our mission, please visit www.soundunited.com.

Why Sound United:

We employ more than 1,700 employees in 18 countries, empowering us to take our premium brands to new heights. With manufacturing, supply chains, distribution channels and employees in Japan, the United States, Europe and other parts of Asia, Sound United has a global face and a sales presence in over 130 countries. 

High visibility, broad impact. This is a high growth, changing environment, and you will have the opportunity to really make an impact on our systems and processes and how we enhance them. In addition to being exposed to new projects and learning new skills, this role also positions you to interact with a variety of departments, teams and leadership groups on a global basis.
 
Great time to join. We are proud to provide premium audio/video experiences to both commercial and consumer markets and, we're experiencing healthy growth. When you've proved yourself a star and are ready for the next career step, the opportunities will be there.
 
Cultural experience. You will have regular exposure to many cultures. We're in over 130 countries, so you're not just focused on one culture, but will enjoy working with many.
 
Building on success. Our growing portfolio of premium audio and video products delivers the best in design, technology, innovation and performance to a variety of customers who seek to enrich the moment with pure sound and vision. Our well-respected products continuously win industry awards and accolades. We are investing in growth and expanding our product lines, distribution channels and markets, and our teams, making this an exciting time to be part of Sound United.
 
Excellent compensation, benefits and work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, attractive incentive program, we offer a collaborative, open, and hybrid work environment and professional development opportunities. Join SOUND UNITED and let’s build an even greater company together!