Investment & Partnership Manager

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America • San Jose, CA

5d • $130,000 - $162,500

About The Position

The Investment and Partnerships Manager is a seasoned individual contributor who independently advances Mercedes-Benz's venture investment and strategic partnership activities in North America. The role identifies, evaluates, and executes investment and collaboration opportunities across digitization, electrification, and other priority technology areas. With limited supervision, the manager oversees defined projects and processes, coordinates cross-functional due diligence and proof-of-concept activities, and influences internal and external stakeholders on operational approaches and decisions. The position applies advanced investment, partnership, and market knowledge to resolve difficult and sometimes complex issues and deliver outcomes with significant impact on departmental results.

The role involves working with business-unit and technical stakeholders to identify capability gaps and assess build, buy, invest, or partner options. It coordinates investment and partnership evaluations, due diligence, financial analysis, pilot activity, negotiations, portfolio tracking, and process improvements. It may also provide guidance and coaching to less-experienced professionals or project contributors when assigned.

Relocation assistance, domestic or international, is not provided. The position may involve access to export-controlled technology, hardware, software, or technical data and may require export authorization under applicable U.S. regulations. The salary range is $130,000–$162,500; starting pay depends on factors including job-related education, skills, experience, location, and market conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in corporate development, venture capital, investment banking, strategy consulting, strategic partnerships, or a related field.
• Advanced analytical, financial modeling, valuation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience independently managing projects or processes involving multiple functions and external parties.
• Ability to evaluate difficult and sometimes complex business, technology, and investment issues using structured analysis and sound judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders within and outside the function at an operational level.
• Ability to prepare clear investment, partnership, and executive decision materials.
• Strong work ethic, collaborative approach, and ability to work effectively with limited supervision.
• Fluent in English.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.
• Knowledge of automotive technology, digitization, electrification, or adjacent technology sectors.
• Prior experience in automotive, mobility, industrial technology, venture investing, or strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Manage defined investment and strategic partnership projects from opportunity identification through evaluation, execution, and ongoing tracking.
• Work with business-unit and technical stakeholders to identify product or capability gaps, assess build, buy, invest, or partner options, and define target-selection criteria.
• Screen and assess companies, technologies, and potential cooperation partners for strategic fit, commercial viability, and readiness for long-term collaboration.
• Lead or coordinate commercial, financial, strategic, and technical due diligence with relevant internal subject-matter experts.
• Conduct venture investment, M&A, and divestment analyses, including market research, financial modeling, valuation support, and preparation of investment or decision memoranda.
• Plan and manage proof-of-concept and pilot activities with internal engineering, product, procurement, legal, and finance teams and external partners; review progress, risks, and work products.
• Develop and negotiate engagement and cooperation structures with start-ups, technology companies, venture capital firms, and other ecosystem partners.
• Monitor technology, market, and investment trends and turn findings into practical recommendations for internal stakeholders.
• Build relationships with founders, investors, advisors, and industry participants, and influence internal and external stakeholders on project practices, priorities, and next steps.
• Improve investment and partnership processes, tools, and reporting to increase effectiveness and consistency.
• Coordinate implementation and tracking of portfolio investments and collaboration activities, escalating complex issues and recommending solutions as appropriate.
• Provide guidance, review, and coaching to less-experienced professionals or project contributors when assigned.

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, including flexible time off for salaried employees, sick time, and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Wellness/fitness reimbursement programs.

What This Job Offers

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