Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc. (MBRDNA) is seeking a Staff Program Lead to join the US Experience team and support Infotainment and Mercedes Me Connect topics. This is a full-time, exempt position at the MBRDNA regional office in Long Beach, CA.

The US Experience team drives to establish Mercedes-Benz as a technology leader in the US luxury segment by translating the combined One Voice US strategy to customers in impactful propositions that enhance the customer experience and create market pull. Our goal is to deliver research and broad knowledge that can influence and drive innovation in the US market in terms of improved vehicle features at different touch points throughout the customer journey.

This Staff Program Lead will manage key programs from concept to execution. These programs will focus on the area of in-car Infotainment and mobile applications features and applications. The program goals will be to influence and enhance how our customers experience Mercedes-Benz technologies in the US.

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

• Manage programs that will support Mercedes-Benz’ goal to “lead in software and electric” for customers in the US.

• Drive the following workstreams as they are related to Infotainment and Mobile Applications technologies:
• Work in collaboration with the Sr Manager – US Experience Programs to consolidate the US roadmap based on addressing market requirements and customer pain points.
• Drive execution of specific programs in the area of Infotainment and Mobile Applications, leading cross functional teams through the milestones and achieving of defined parameters.
• Connect market insights with regulatory and technical requirements and relevant data.
• Formulate and drive strategic projects from concept to execution.
• Contribute to the preparation of business cases based on multiple scenarios underpinning assumptions with investments and payback. Clearly demonstrate benefits and trade offs of proposals.
• Utilize program governance and reporting including project charter, risk matrix, communication, budgeting, dashboards and program reviews.
• Participate in technical working groups across different locations and units in the US to align priorities and coordinate efforts.
• Generate regular project reports.

• An ideal candidate for this role with have an understanding of what makes Infotainment and Mobile Applications systems competitive in the US-market and is able to communicate the wants of the US customer, the key competitors in the luxury/EV markets, and features and functions that are class leading.

• Engineering or Technical bachelors degree with hands on experience in automotive and software development.
• PMP highly preferred or equivalent experience in program management.
• 7+ years of relevant work experience.
• At least 5 years of work experience in program management in an innovative technology field, R&D, or related technical development teams.
• Understand the automotive development waterfall process for hardware and agile methodologies for software development.
• Ability to develop project timelines that can drive projects through both paths.
• Experience leading projects from idea inception to launch, including high-level tracking through requirement setting, specification, design, development, test and acceptance.
• Ability to effectively participate in cross functional groups across multiple business units and US entities with limited oversight.
• Strong data management skills, understanding of process, clearly communicate milestones and deliverables to keep the program on track.
• Distill big picture into small tangible steps, focusing on control points that will lead to a successful execution. Identify risks and course correct discrepancies.
• Proven strategic thinking. Analytical skills to support scenario analysis, business cases formulation and long term planning.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact with and understand technical subjects and emerging technologies and their relevance to the marketplace.
• Ability to identify and manage risk.
• Willingness to travel to Mercedes-Benz North American entities and participate in test drives when required.
• Open minded, team player with a sense of humor.
• Frequent use of speech, vision, hearing, use of hands for computer use and presentations. Frequent sitting, standing and reaching with hands.
• Project Management Certification, PMP is preferred.

• Program management experience with budget responsibilities, PMP preferred
• Strategy formulation, development and implementation
• Understands and lives a “customer first” mentality with empathy, pragmatism and a hands-on approach
• Communication skills, oral and written presentation skills
• Champion for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Structured, organized with ability to prioritize

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: $109,100 - $136,300.