VP, Associate General Counsel - Automotive
About The Position
The VP, Associate General Counsel - Automotive is the lead legal advisor to HARMAN’s global Automotive Division, providing practical counsel on commercial, product, regulatory, dispute, and enterprise-risk matters. Reporting to the SVP, Legal & Compliance, the role serves on the Legal & Compliance Leadership Team, leads a global legal team of 14, and partners across the business. The position is based in Novi, Michigan, and follows a hybrid schedule with regular in-office collaboration alongside engineering, product, and customer program teams. It supports global product launch timelines, so occasional early-morning or evening meetings may be needed to work with teams in Europe and Asia. Occasional domestic and international travel to customer sites, manufacturing locations, or product launch meetings is required. Employment is conditional on successfully completing a post-offer background investigation and drug screen.
Requirements
- JD or equivalent qualification.
- Active license to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction(s).
- At least 15 years of post-admission experience advising a complex global business.
- Strong commercial negotiation, drafting, and dispute-management skills.
- Experience with automotive or technology risks, including product safety, ADAS, cybersecurity, privacy, trade, and regulatory compliance.
- Proven leadership, sound judgment, and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills and experience using technology and AI to improve legal delivery.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in the automotive, technology, or global manufacturing sectors.
- Knowledge of software-defined vehicles, ADAS, AI, cybersecurity, or connected-vehicle data.
- Experience with regulators and multinational or Asian-headquartered organizations.
Responsibilities
- Set and execute the Automotive legal strategy.
- Advise on major commercial matters, negotiations, and disputes.
- Proactively manage significant operational, geopolitical, regulatory, and enterprise risks.
- Lead or support cross-functional initiatives and task forces.
- Provide counsel on product safety, ADAS, connected vehicles, cybersecurity, privacy, AI, trade, and other legal issues.
- Support acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and joint ventures.
- Lead and develop the global Automotive legal team.
- Improve legal operations through technology, AI, KPIs, and disciplined budget and spend management.
- Lead with integrity, clarity, and accountability; develop talent and improve legal support through technology and AI.
- Balance legal risk with business priorities and lead cross-functional initiatives while building trust across HARMAN stakeholders, including shareholders.
- Deliver results and manage resources efficiently.
- Drive Automotive division transformation activities and own integration of acquired businesses.
Benefits
- Employee discounts on HARMAN and Samsung products, including JBL, Harman / Kardon, and AKG.
- Learning and development opportunities through HARMAN University programs.
- Wellness benefits.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Access to the HARMAN campus fitness center and cafeteria, where available.
- Inclusive and diverse work environment supporting professional and personal development.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
