Distinguished Strategy & Innovation Portfolio Manager

Company: Mercedes Benz R&D North America
Location: Sunnyvale
Posted on: May 25, 2023

Job Description:

Embedded in a worldwide network Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America continuously strives to remain at the forefront of successful automotive research and development. MBRDNA is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, with key areas of Autonomous Driving, Advanced Interaction Design, Digital User Experience, Machine Learning, Customer Research, and Open Innovation. In Farmington Hills, Michigan, the focus is on Powertrain and eDrive technology as well as in Long Beach, where the teams test durability of the latest driver assistant and telematic systems. The Digital Hub in Seattle focusses on developing a cloud architecture and building out the cloud platform for the next generation of connected car services. The Testing and Regulatory Affairs Division in Ann Arbor and the Advanced Vehicle Design in Carlsbad complete the competence center.We are looking for a Distinguished Tech Strategy & Innovation Portfolio Manager to join us in the office of the CEO. Our teams at MBRDNA are working on many exciting technology areas including Autonomous Driving, Artificial Intelligence, Connectivity, Electric Powertrains, and User Experience along with many others. This new role is responsible for accelerating the innovation agenda of MBRDNA and the global R&D organization by creating and managing a comprehensive innovation portfolio process spanning across MBRDNA and bridging our efforts with partners in Germany. You will scout technology trends and opportunities inside and outside of MBRDNA, establish collaborations, evaluate and communicate their potential, and manage their execution. Opportunities will come from universities, start-ups, corporate partners and our own research & development teams. You will work closely with them as well as our mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and intellectual property teams through a co-creative process.Together with subject matter experts at MBRDNA and within the global Mercedes-Benz innovation network, you will evaluate ideas from a desirability, viability and feasibility perspective. You will channel promising projects through our MBRDNA innovation funnel and monitor their progress. As the Distinguished Tech Strategy & Innovation Portfolio Manager, you will report into the Chief of Staff to the CEO and work closely with the CEO as well as business unit leaders to develop and drive MBRDNA's innovation strategy. A super-motivated, diverse team is awaiting you. If you are curious, hands-on, and agile, you will bring your ideas to life and grow with your responsibilities in this fast-paced environment.Job Responsibilities:

• Scout, evaluate and monitor multiple pilot projects from ideation to proof of concept with the goal of identifying, developing, and launching products and services for Mercedes-Benz
• Serve as innovation portfolio key account and report insights and updates on portfolio progress, learnings, and areas of concerns in an effective and timely manner
• Establish regular communication, information and knowledge exchange, ensuring all relevant teams (e. g. R&D, M&A and Partnerships, IP) have necessary information to support the successful execution of deliverables
• Collaborate with internal experts and assess the startup, accelerator, university and partner landscapes to identify trends relevant to Mercedes-Benz
• Streamline project portfolios, maximize return on investment, and optimize governance
• Build up collaboration models and strong relationships especially with R&D in Germany and leaders across MBRDNA to ensure early identification of innovation, trends and talents for Mercedes-Benz AG
• Coordinate and lead meetings on a regular and as-needed basis, fostering an environment of sharing and collective learning
• Establish global transparency and visibility of opportunities and initiatives in the US by developing a comprehensive tech portfolio process for MBRDNA together with our M&A and Partnerships team
• Support in the coordination, implementation and tracking of current and future investments along with collaboration activities within MBRDNAMinimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in engineering, computer science, economics or comparable qualification
  • At least 10 years of work experience in the automotive and/or tech industry
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in Silicon Valley
  • Excellent project management skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, track record of field research and data analysis as well as customer orientation
  • High level of resilience and passion for new technologies as well as startups and young companies
  • Strong ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with various priorities
  • Valid US Driver's License
  • Internal applicants must be Potential Validation for Level 4 (PV44) confirmedPreferred Qualifications:
    • German language skills are a plusThe successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on a wide range of factors, including, but not limited to, job-related education, skills, and experience, geographic location, and market conditions. The current salary range for this position is as follows and may be modified in the future: $201,400 - $256,800.Why should you apply?Here at MBRDNA, you create digital ecosystems around cars, you design a language between humans and machines, you make a car even more intelligent - you make the new reality for cars. We have an open and flexible environment to allow you to push boundaries, join MBRDNA and design your future.Benefits for Full-Time* Employees Include: --- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families --- 401(k) with employer match --- Up to 18 company-paid holidays --- Paid time off (unlimited for salaried employees), sick time, and parental leave --- Tuition assistance program --- Wellness/Fitness reimbursement programs --- Vehicle lease subsidy or company car (for eligible employees only) * Internships excluded from Full-Time Employee benefitsMBRDNA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workforce. MBRDNA only accepts resumes from approved agencies who have a valid Agency Agreement on file. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, MBRDNA employees, or send to any MBRDNA location. MBRDNA is not responsible for any fees or claims related to receipt of unsolicited resumes.Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc.PRIVACY NOTICE FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS

Keywords: Mercedes Benz R&D North America, Sunnyvale , Distinguished Strategy & Innovation Portfolio Manager, Executive , Sunnyvale, California