Investment & Partnership Manager

About the role

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. This role supports Mercedes‑Benz’s venture investment and strategic partnerships efforts in North America, working closely with global tech, venture and partnerships teams in Germany and a high‑impact local team. You will identify, select, and manage external partnerships and investment opportunities—primarily in digitization and electrification—while driving cross‑functional teams. The position is high‑visibility and high‑potential, helping to define short‑, mid‑ and long‑term roadmaps by leveraging the North America ecosystem. MBRDNA was honored as one of the "Best Places to Work" by BuiltIn in January 2024, reflecting a culture of collaboration and continuous learning where every team member can thrive and innovate.

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 a 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.
• Identify technology and innovation trends, seek and negotiate future cooperation projects with partners and start‑ups.
• 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.

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
• Master’s Degree preferred

Pay

The current salary range for this position is $107,400 - $134,300.

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 (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