Investment & Partnership Manager

Position Overview

The Investment and Partnerships Manager is a seasoned professional individual contributor responsible for independently advancing Mercedes-Benz's venture investment and strategic partnership activities in North America. The role identifies, evaluates and executes investment and collaboration opportunities across digitization, electrification and other priority technology areas.

Working with limited supervision, this position manages defined projects and processes, coordinates cross-functional diligence and proof-of-concept activities, and influences internal and external stakeholders on operational approaches, practices and decisions. The role applies advanced investment, partnership and market knowledge to resolve difficult and sometimes complex issues and deliver outcomes with significant impact on departmental results.

Relocation assistance, domestic or international, is not provided for this position.

Job Responsibilities

• Independently manage defined investment and strategic partnership projects from opportunity identification through evaluation, execution and ongoing tracking.
• Partner with business-unit and technical stakeholders to identify product or capability gaps, evaluate build, buy, invest or partner options, and define target-selection criteria.
• Screen and assess companies, technologies and potential cooperation partners for strategic fit, commercial viability and readiness for long-term collaboration.
• Lead or coordinate commercial, financial, strategic and technical due diligence workstreams with relevant internal subject-matter experts.
• Execute venture investment, M&A and divestment analyses, including market research, financial modeling, valuation support and preparation of investment or decision memoranda.
• Plan and manage proof-of-concept and pilot activities with internal engineering, product, procurement, legal and finance teams and external partners.
• Develop and negotiate appropriate engagement and cooperation structures with start-ups, technology companies, venture capital firms and other ecosystem partners.
• Monitor technology, market and investment trends and translate findings into practical recommendations for internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with founders, investors, advisors and industry participants.
• Improve investment and partnership processes, tools and reporting.
• Coordinate the implementation and tracking of portfolio investments and collaboration activities.
• Provide guidance, review and coaching to less-experienced professionals or project contributors when assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, engineering or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Advanced analytical, financial modeling, valuation and problem-solving skills.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in corporate development, venture capital, investment banking, strategy consulting, strategic partnerships or a related field.
• Experience independently managing projects or processes involving multiple functions and external parties.
• Ability to evaluate difficult and complex business, technology and investment issues using structured analysis and sound judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare clear investment, partnership and executive decision materials.
• Knowledge of automotive technology, digitization, electrification or adjacent technology sectors preferred.
• Strong work ethic, collaborative approach and ability to operate effectively with limited supervision.
• Fluent in English.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree; prior experience in automotive, mobility, industrial technology, venture investing or strategic partnerships.

Compensation

The current salary range for this position is $130,000 - $162,500. Starting pay will be determined based on factors including job-related education, skills, experience, geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Up to 15 company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off, sick time and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Wellness and fitness reimbursement programs.

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and strongly supports diversity in the workforce.