Investment & Partnership Manager

Mercedes-Benz R&D North America; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with employer match

Up to 15 holidays

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Wellness reimbursement

Job summary

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America (MBRDNA) is seeking a strategic Partnerships Lead to shape digitization and electrification initiatives in North America. You will identify, assess, and manage external partnerships and investment opportunities, collaborate with global teams in Germany, and drive cross-functional programs from concept to execution.

The role emphasizes high visibility, analytics, due diligence, and deal execution, with opportunities to influence short- and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required with strong academic record.
• 3+ years of relevant work experience in strategy, investment banking, VC, or consulting.
• Fluent in English with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Master’s Degree preferred for enhanced qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Partner with business unit leaders on strategy development and target criteria.
• Collaborate with development teams to productize innovations with external partners.
• Develop engagement models for early to late stage tech companies for Mercedes-Benz.
• Screen, select, and evaluate potential external cooperation partners in North America.
• Coordinate due diligence and deal execution including M&A and venture investments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

English fluency

Strategy experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree preferred

Job description

At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world‑class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting‑edge software and technology, to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact.

Do you want to drive the digitization and electrification of Mercedes-Benz? Are you a networker with an aptitude for execution? We are looking for an individual who will support Mercedes-Benz’s venture investment and strategic partnerships efforts in North America. You will be working closely with the global tech, venture and partnerships teams in Germany and support a high‑impact local team. Your scope will include identifying, selecting, and managing external partnerships and investment opportunities, primarily in the areas of digitization and electrification, while driving cross‑functional teams. This is a high‑visibility, high potential role that will help define short, mid‑term and long‑term roadmaps by leveraging the North America ecosystem.

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

Job Responsibilities:

• Partner with business unit leaders on strategy development, including identifying product gaps, evaluating cooperation options, and collaborating on target selection criteria.
• Work alongside development teams to productize innovations in partnership with early to late stage high‑tech companies.
• Develop engagement models for early to late stage high‑tech companies for Mercedes-Benz
• Assess product and company fitness for long‑term strategic partnership.
• Ideate, Plan and Execute proof of concepts with internal and external engineering and design teams.
• Develop network of industry contacts, venture capital firms, and advisory executives to bring knowledge of market trends and opportunities to bear on strategic discussions.
• Responsibilities include screening, selection and evaluation of possible external cooperation partners located in North America leading to proof of concept (POC) and cooperation agreements.
• Identifying technology and innovation trends, seek and negotiate future cooperation projects with partners and start‑ups. Moreover, execute, integrate and evaluate strategic, commercial and technical due diligence work streams together with the technical specialty units.
• Deal execution including conducting due diligence on M&A and venture investment/divestment, market research, financial modeling, preparation of investment memos.
• Support the coordination, implementation and tracking of current and future portfolio of investments and collaboration activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong academic record/degree
• 3+ years of relevant work experience
• Experience working in strategy consulting, investment banking, or venture capital
• Passion in automotive technology and innovation a plus
• Strong analytical skills, positive attitude and work ethic
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Fluent in English

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree preferred

The 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: $107,400 - $134,300.

This position may involve access to export‑controlled technology, hardware, or software under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774 and possibly technical data, defense articles and defense services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130. As such, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America may be required to obtain an export license or authorization in accordance with United States law.

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. MBRDNA was honored as one of the "Best Places to Work" by BuiltIn in January 2024, a testament to our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment. At each of our offices, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring every team member can thrive and innovate.

Benefits for Full‑Time

Employees Include:

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

Internships & Contractors excluded from Full‑Time Employee benefits

MBRDNA 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.

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