Inspire Trainee-Program Planning & Production Control

Mercedes-Benz Group•Vance, AL

About The Position

Mercedes-Benz: Building Exceptional Vehicles… and Careers! The best chapters in Alabama's automotive success story are yet to come. The Mercedes-Benz automobile of the future will be different; greener, more efficient, safer, and even more fascinating. Only one thing will never change - It will wear a star. The vehicles we manufacture are the finished results of our skilled workforce, and we're hiring even more. We are looking for Specialists and Team Members to join us in crafting a wide variety of vehicles from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV to our all-electric electric vehicle, the EQS SUV and EQE SUV. Our Tuscaloosa County site is home to the production of Mercedes' luxury SUV models, including electric vehicles. Just down the road in Bibb County, MBUSI has launched the production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Our two campuses are among the most advanced automotive manufacturing facilities in the world, with over 6 million square feet combined. MBUSI offers an excellent total rewards package including competitive compensation, health and life insurance, 401(k) matching program and defined contribution retirement plan, annual bonuses, tuition assistance, and paid holidays. Further on-site MBUSI resources such as childcare, medical center and fitness center are available for all to utilize. Our Team Members share a common goal to be the best luxury auto manufacturer in North America. MBUSI is committed to excellence and actively promotes positive team culture, teamwork, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Mercedes-Benz, U.S. International, Inc. takes pride in being an Equal Employment Opportunities workplace. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, age, ethnic origin, and any other characteristics classified under applicable Local and Federal laws. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to join us in electrifying the future! Purpose of the Position: As part of our highly motivated program planning & production control team, you help drive the success of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. by shaping data-driven and AI-enabled processes, escalation models and reporting landscapes for the production of our premium SUVs. As an Inspire trainee and future specialist in program planning & production control, you operate at the digital interface between Operations, Supply Chain Management, and Marketing & Sales, contributing directly to the delivery of the world's most desirable vehicles. You actively support and implement large-scale digitalization, data analytics, and AI-driven initiatives in production control and plant steering. By transforming operational, efficiency, and quality-related KPIs into intelligent dashboards, automated solutions, and predictive decision-support tools, you enable transparent, efficient, and forward-looking plant steering. In this role, you connect operational business requirements with analytics, automation, and modern business intelligence technologies while contributing to international project teams and developing solutions hands-on. The 14-month trainee program, starting on July 1st, 2026, offers a tailored journey of professional growth through impactful projects in the U.S. and abroad. Supported by a top-level mentor and dedicated training camps, you strengthen your technical, analytical, and leadership skills, expand your global network, and bring your pioneering mindset into real business challenges, helping shape the digital and AI-driven future of Mercedes-Benz premium SUV production. After successful completion of the program, you will become a Full Time Team Member of Mercedes Benz, U.S. International.

Requirements

M.B.A., Master's, or Doctorate degree in Data Science, Engineering, Economics, Information Technology, or in a related area.
A maximum of three (3) years' of relevant professional experience in the following area(s): Logistics / Supply Chain Management, data analytics, data science, production / assembly planning, project management, preferably with OEM, tier-1 supplier, consulting or other multinational company with focus on digitalization and business intelligence.
Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at both peer and top management levels
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Power BI, AI-relevant applications & prompts, Microsoft Azure, Python (of advantage)
Strong affinity for digital technologies and enthusiasm for future trends in digitalization, process automation & AI
We value applicants who show a strong sense of social responsibility
Excellent English skills (C1), proficiency in German (A2) is of advantage
You are eager to shape the transformation at Mercedes-Benz and take responsibility
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, coupled with exceptional analytical abilities
You demonstrate strong teamwork skills who motivates others to achieve their goals

Nice To Haves

At least 3 months of experience abroad (study, international internship, work and travel

Responsibilities

Support the Production Control & Steering (PCS) team in developing, maintaining, and analyzing operational production plans aligned with plant programs.
Contribute to ensuring efficient production flows across body, paint, assembly, and automated storage systems, including inventory and model mix considerations.
Lead in monitoring production performance, identifying deviations, and supporting root-cause analyses and improvement initiatives in close collaboration with operations, engineering, maintenance, IT, and planning teams.
Actively drive to digitalization, data analytics, and AI-driven initiatives within production control and plant steering.
Foster the development and enhancement of business intelligence dashboards, automation solutions, and data-driven decision-support tools based on operational, efficiency, and quality-related KPIs.
Analyze large datasets from manufacturing and supply chain processes to improve transparency, predict risks, and support proactive plant steering.
Work closely with cross-functional and international stakeholders from Operations, Supply Chain Management, IT, and Marketing & Sales.
Support international project teams in coordinating activities, preparing analyses, and documenting processes and results.
Contribute to structured project execution, including task tracking, milestone follow-up, and preparation of management-ready presentations and reports.
Continuously build in-depth knowledge of Mercedes-Benz manufacturing, program planning, and supply chain processes.
Proactively identify opportunities for process improvements, digital solutions, and automation use cases, and contribute innovative ideas to ongoing business challenges.
Actively engage in training measures, mentoring sessions, and international assignments to support personal and professional development throughout the trainee program.
Coordinate future projects and new processes at Plant Tuscaloosa to ensure the alignment with PCS standards during phase roll-outs and optimizations.
Engage with central supply chain groups for simulations that drive optimization in production strategies and model year transitions.
Enhance operational planning, inventory management, and systemic integration for clean and efficient process continuity.
Support cross-functional roles in improving PCS functionalities, foster digitalization and develop new digital dashboards and KPIs.