Business Development & Strategic Partnership Lead

Daimler Truck North America • Portland, OR

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Inside the Role Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) continuously strives to remain at the forefront of innovation and to drive the technology revolution shaping the future of transportation. As part of our newly formed Corporate Development department, we are hiring a Business Development & Strategic Partnership Lead to advance our products and joint initiatives with other industry leaders. The Corporate Development organization enhances agility, sharpens strategic focus, and accelerates value creation across DTNA. This group defines DTNA’s strategic direction, leads joint ventures and partnerships, pioneers the development and series readiness of autonomous trucking, and oversees corporate responsibility efforts. This role is a unique opportunity to advance DTNA’s long‑term strategic agenda by driving high‑impact initiatives across business development, strategic partnerships, and AP4 autonomous product strategy. As a key contributor to DTNA’s evolving innovation and growth priorities, you will support and lead cross‑functional projects related to emerging technologies, new market opportunities, and DTNA’s broader corporate development objectives. With the team reporting directly to Rakesh Aneja, VP & Head of Corporate Development, you will collaborate with global stakeholders to ensure alignment on strategic priorities, partnership structures, and long‑range business objectives. Posting Information We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected. We Take Care of Our Team What You Drive at DTNA Lead high‑impact business development initiatives and support autonomous product strategy, including market assessments, customer insights, and commercialization readiness. Drive cross‑functional strategic projects tied to emerging technologies, new growth opportunities, and DTNA’s broader corporate development agenda. Lead AP4 product strategy for PAR AP4 — owning cross functional alignment, target setting, roadmapping participation, product definition, and core team representation. Drive AP4 commercialization readiness — coordinating partner touchpoints and internal workstreams to translate strategy into clear milestones, deliverables, and go to market inputs. Support interactions with autonomous technology partners and internal teams to align product definition, customer journey inputs, and long‑term strategic considerations. Coordinate internal alignment and maintain clear governance and decision‑making processes across strategic initiatives. Represent DTNA’s strategic and commercial interests across active joint ventures and partnership structures. Lead internal alignment and ensure a unified DTNA voice in all JV and partnership discussions. Identify and evaluate new partnership opportunities that reinforce DTNA’s strategic position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Technical , Economic, or Marketing field, with a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• 5+ years of experience in partnership management, business development, M&A, strategy, supplier management, purchasing , or project leadership.
• Strong macro- and microeconomic understanding with the ability to develop business cases and investment recommendations.
• Extensive knowledge of the commercial vehicle industry and ecosystem, including major technology and infrastructure trends.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally within complex organizations , ideally including Engineering, Finance & Controlling, Legal, Compliance, and high-tech partners.
• Exceptional organization and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex topics simultaneously.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills, capable of shaping perspectives and building alignment among executive stakeholders .
• Self-driven, motivated, and passionate about the future of trucking, including zero-emission, autonomous, and software-defined vehicle technologies.
• Willingness to travel domestically (~20%) and internationally (~10%).

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in future‑focused transportation technologies, including autonomous systems, BEVs, and relevant U.S. market trends.
• Strong understanding of commercial vehicle infrastructure and emerging technology ecosystems.
• Experience driving business development initiatives involving complex technologies or new market creation.
• Ability to align senior stakeholders and translate strategy into clear, actionable business outcomes.
• Comfort navigating complex agreements and assessing their strategic and commercial implications.

Responsibilities

• Lead high‑impact business development initiatives and support autonomous product strategy, including market assessments, customer insights, and commercialization readiness.
• Drive cross‑functional strategic projects tied to emerging technologies, new growth opportunities, and DTNA’s broader corporate development agenda.
• Lead AP4 product strategy for PAR AP4 — owning cross functional alignment, target setting, roadmapping participation, product definition, and core team representation.
• Drive AP4 commercialization readiness — coordinating partner touchpoints and internal workstreams to translate strategy into clear milestones, deliverables, and go to market inputs.
• Support interactions with autonomous technology partners and internal teams to align product definition, customer journey inputs, and long‑term strategic considerations.
• Coordinate internal alignment and maintain clear governance and decision‑making processes across strategic initiatives.
• Represent DTNA’s strategic and commercial interests across active joint ventures and partnership structures.
• Lead internal alignment and ensure a unified DTNA voice in all JV and partnership discussions.
• Identify and evaluate new partnership opportunities that reinforce DTNA’s strategic position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level