Principal Tech Strategy & Innovation Portfolio Manager

Embedded in a worldwide network Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America continuously strives to remain at the forefront of successful automotive research and development. MBRDNA is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, with key areas of Autonomous Driving, Advanced Interaction Design, Digital User Experience, Machine Learning, Customer Research, and Open Innovation. In Farmington Hills, Michigan, the focus is on Powertrain and eDrive technology as well as in Long Beach, where the teams test durability of the latest driver assistant and telematic systems. The Digital Hub in Seattle focusses on developing a cloud architecture and building out the cloud platform for the next generation of connected car services. The Testing and Regulatory Affairs Division in Ann Arbor and the Advanced Vehicle Design in Carlsbad complete the competence center.
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA) is a place for exceptional people with outstanding ideas and the absolute willingness to bring them to life. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, at the heart of Silicon Valley and with several R&D facilities across the U.S., we bring together engineers, software developers, and designers who are pushing technology boundaries to shape the future.
We are looking for a Principal Tech Strategy & Innovation Portfolio Manager to join us in the office of the CEO. Our teams at MBRDNA are working on many exciting technology areas: Autonomous Driving, Artificial Intelligence, Connectivity, Electric Powertrains, and User Experience along with many others. This new role is responsible for accelerating the innovation agenda of MBRDNA and the global R&D organization by developing, implementing and managing a comprehensive tech strategy and innovation portfolio process spanning across MBRDNA as well as bridging our efforts with partners and executive leadership in Germany. You will scout technology trends and opportunities inside and outside of MBRDNA, establish collaborations, evaluate and communicate their potential, and manage their execution. Opportunities will come from universities, start-ups, corporate partners and our own research & development teams. You will work closely with them and our mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and intellectual property teams through a co-creative process.
Together with subject matter experts at MBRDNA and within the global Mercedes-Benz innovation network, you will evaluate ideas from a desirability, viability and feasibility perspective. You will channel promising projects through our MBRDNA innovation funnel and monitor their progress. As the Principal Tech Strategy & Innovation Portfolio Manager you will report into the Chief of Staff to the CEO and work closely with the CEO as well as business unit leaders at MBRDNA and other executive leadership to develop and drive MBRDNA's innovation strategy. A super-motivated, diverse team is awaiting you. If you are a recognized master in your discipline, curious, hands-on, and agile, you will bring your ideas to life and grow with your responsibilities in this fast-paced environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive tech strategy and innovation portfolio process with the goal to significantly improve on existing practices
• Scout, evaluate and monitor multiple pilot projects from ideation to proof of concept with the goal of identifying, developing, and launching products and services for Mercedes-Benz
• Serve as the innovation portfolio key account and report insights and updates on portfolio progress, learnings, and areas of concerns in an effective and timely manner
• Establish regular communication, information and knowledge exchange, ensuring all relevant teams (e. g. R&D, M&A and Partnerships, IP) have necessary information to support the successful execution of deliverables
• Frequently responsible for providing guidance, coaching and training to other employees across the Company within area of expertise
• Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive tech strategy and innovation portfolio process with the goal to significantly improve on existing practices
• Scout, evaluate and monitor multiple pilot projects from ideation to proof of concept with the goal of identifying, developing, and launching products and services for Mercedes-Benz
• Serve as the innovation portfolio key account and report insights and updates on portfolio progress, learnings, and areas of concerns in an effective and timely manner
• Establish regular communication, information and knowledge exchange, ensuring all relevant teams (e. g. R&D, M&A and Partnerships, IP) have necessary information to support the successful execution of deliverables
• Frequently responsible for providing guidance, coaching and training to other employees across the Company within area of expertise
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