Principal Tech Strategy & Innovation Portfolio Manager

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive tech strategy and innovation portfolio process with the goal to significantly improve on existing practices
• 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 the 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
• Frequently responsible for providing guidance, coaching and training to other employees across the Company within area of expertise
• Collaborate with internal experts and assess the startup, accelerator, university and partner landscapes to identify trends relevant to Mercedes-Benz
• Responsible for improving upon existing processes and systems using significant conceptualizing, reasoning and interpretation
• 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
• Communicate with executive leadership regarding matters of significant importance to the organization
• Coordinate and lead meetings on a regular and as-needed basis, fostering an inclusive environment of sharing and collective learning
• Establish operational plans for job area with short-to mid-term impact on results
• Implement strategic goals and establish global transparency and visibility of opportunities and initiatives in the US
• Work to influence others to accept job function’s view/practices and agree/accept new concepts, practices, and approaches
• Support in the coordination, implementation and tracking of current and future investments along with collaboration activities within MBRDNA together with our M&A and Partnerships team

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in engineering, computer science, economics or comparable qualification
• At least 10 years of work experience in the automotive or tech industry
• At least 5 years of professional experience in Silicon Valley
• Ability to manage large, complex project initiatives of strategic importance to the organization, involving large cross-functional teams
• Deep knowledge of project management and attention to detail
• Excellent strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, track record of field research and data analysis as well as customer orientation
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to communicate with and to brief executive leadership
• 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
• May conduct briefings with senior leaders within the job function
• Valid US Driver's License


Will accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education
• Bachelors + 10 yrs / Masters + 8 yrs / PhD + 5 yrs

Preferred Qualifications:

• German language skills are a plus