Global Business Development Manager – Entertainment Lighting

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.

• Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like JBL, Mark Levinson, Revel, Denon, and Bowers & Wilkins
• Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development
• Create pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience

About the Role

The Global Business Development Manager – Entertainment Lighting will be responsible for driving global business growth and market adoption of Martin Entertainment Lighting solutions across 3 key vertical markets: Concert, Touring, and Event within the Professional Solutions business.

This role focuses on creating preference for the company’s Entertainment lighting portfolio by primarily influencing/engaging Lighting Designers, secondary consultants, system integrators, dealers, distributors, rental customers, and end users involved in the specification and procurement of professional lighting systems. The primary mission is to build, drive, and convert a strong global specification/opportunity pipeline, expand strategic relationships, and support revenue growth by aligning market/designer needs with the company’s lighting strategy and roadmap. 

The Global Business Development Manager will be key in building, driving, and tightening our global relationships with key lighting designers to our brand by assuring frequent touchpoints and unfiltered engagement/feedback directly between key lighting designers and product management, R&D, application engineering, and marketing.

This role will report to the Director, Global Lighting and work closely with regional lighting sales teams, product management, R&D, application engineering, and marketing across the globe.  

What You Will Do

• Develop and manage strategic global relationships with (primary) Lighting Designers (min. 75-80% of time/efforts) plus (secondary) consultants, system integrators, distributors, rental customers, and key end users within the professional Entertainment lighting ecosystem.
• Drive demand creation and specification for professional lighting solutions through education, demonstrations, and consultative engagement.
• Seek, identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities to build a sustainable global specification pipeline aligned with business objectives.
• Manage frequent touchpoints and unfiltered engagement/feedback directly between key lighting designers and product management, R&D, application engineering, and marketing.
• Support regional sales teams with pre‑sales and post‑sales technical and market expertise, including project pursuit strategy and key account engagement.
• Monitor global market trends, competitive activity, and customer feedback to identify growth opportunities and potential gaps in the lighting portfolio.
• Provide structured input into product management, product strategy, and roadmap development by translating market requirements and customer insights into actionable recommendations.
• Ensure sales objectives, forecasts, and business development activities align with long‑term strategic goals.
• Collaborate with marketing on go‑to‑market initiatives, industry events, and thought‑leadership activities to strengthen brand presence in professional lighting.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in the professional Entertainment lighting industry.
• Demonstrated success in business development, specification sales, and entertainment lighting designer relationships at a regional or global level.
• Strong understanding of professional Entertainment lighting systems, controls, and integration within commercial, architectural, entertainment, or specialty environments.
• Knowledge of competitive lighting brands, market dynamics, and global channel structures.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with sales, product management, and marketing teams.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and standard business tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Global market experience and comfort working across cultures and regions.
• Background with a lighting manufacturer, system integrator, design firm, or consultant community.
• Strong technical understanding of lighting controls, networking, and system design.
• Professional industry presence, including participation in trade shows, panels, or industry associations.
• Informal or formal leadership experience

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 80-100 days annually.
• Ability to work remotely or from a company office as required.
• Successful completion of background investigation and drug screening where applicable.

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.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.