Global Business Development Manager, Entertainment Lighting

HARMAN Professional Solutions, a global leader in the design and manufacture of leading‑edge audio, video, control, and lighting systems. Our solutions cater to a wide range of markets, including live performance, audio production, large venues, cinema, retail, corporate, education, government, hospitality, and broadcast. At HARMAN Professional, we’re committed to delivering powerful, innovative, and reliable solutions designed for world‑class performance.

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

About The Role

The role focuses on creating preference for the company’s Entertainment lighting portfolio by primarily influencing and 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. 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) and 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

• At least 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 for 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

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full‑time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location.
• Access to employee discounts on world‑class products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, and more).
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

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.