Investment & Partnership Manager

Mercedes-Benz Group AG; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Up to 15 company-paid holidays

Paid time off

Tuition assistance program

Wellness/reimbursement programs

Job summary

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc. is seeking an Investment and Partnerships Manager in California to independently advance venture investment and strategic partnerships in North America.

You will work across digitization, electrification and priority technologies, coordinating diligence and pilot activities with engineering, product, procurement, legal and finance teams. The role requires leadership in evaluating investment opportunities, negotiating structures, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in corporate development, venture capital, investment banking, strategy consulting, strategic partnerships or related field.
• Experience independently managing projects involving multiple functions and external parties.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage defined investment and strategic partnership projects from opportunity identification through evaluation, execution and ongoing tracking.
• Partner with business units to identify gaps, evaluate build/buy/invest/partner options, and define criteria.
• Screen and assess companies and partners for strategic fit and viability.
• Lead or coordinate due diligence workstreams with internal experts.
• Prepare investment or partnership materials and memoranda.
• Plan and manage proof-of-concept and pilot activities with internal and external teams.
• Develop engagement structures with startups and venture partners.
• Monitor trends and translate findings into recommendations.
• Build relationships with founders, investors and industry participants.
• Improve investment and partnership processes and reporting.

Skills

Financial modeling

Due diligence

Strategic partnerships

Stakeholder influence

Communication

English fluency

Cross-functional work

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/economics/engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Aufgaben

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.

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, with significant impact on departmental objectives.
• 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; review progress, risks and work products.
• 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, and influence stakeholders within and outside the function regarding project practices, priorities and next steps.
• Improve investment and partnership processes, tools and reporting to increase the effectiveness and consistency of the job area.
• Coordinate the implementation and tracking of portfolio investments and collaboration activities, escalating complex issues and recommending solutions as appropriate.
• Provide guidance, review and coaching to less-experienced professionals or project contributors when assigned.

Qualifikationen

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 sometimes complex business, technology and investment issues using structured analysis and sound judgment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders within and outside the function at an operational level
• Demonstrated 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

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: $130,000 - $162,500.

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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https://mbrdna.com/california-employee-privacy-notice/