Role Purpose

The Vice President – Body E/E will head the Body Electrical & Electronics department and be accountable for end-to-end operations across product development, people leadership, process excellence, and business outcomes. The role ensures strategic alignment with MBRDI and global Mercedes-Benz R&D objectives, while positioning the department as a center of competence in Body & Comfort E/E systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Department Leadership & Governance

• Head the Body E/E department operations across product, process, people, and business.
• Demonstrate full ownership of departmental topics and execute sign-off responsibilities (e.g., R3 model) for identified components, systems, and field quality topics (PF teams).
• Ensure smooth functioning, delivery excellence, and compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.

2. Product & Technology Leadership

• Lead MB.OS in-house software development for Body E/E applications including Thermal Comfort, Entry & Go, and interior/exterior E/E systems.
• Steer product development and lifecycle management including verification, validation, industrialisation, and quality management (QSV).
• Define strategic directions for new technology adoption including AI/GenAI, new product development, and modern ways of working.
• Ensure proactive participation in product steering committees and technical decision forums.

3. Business & Strategy

• Define and align departmental strategy with MBRDI and global Mercedes-Benz R&D strategy.
• Translate Voice of Customer into viable business opportunities and value creation.
• Maximize efficiency and business value through innovation and process improvement.
• Align and implement RD/K, MB.OS Body & Comfort E/E, RD/ID, and MBRDI strategies.
• Develop the organization further to sustain MBRDI’s position as a center of competence.

4. Budget & Financial Stewardship

• Lead financial planning and effective budget steering for the department.
• Ensure optimal utilization of resources and budgets to meet business unit expectations.
• Review and maintain published project pricing and cost commitments.

5. People Leadership & Capability Building

• Act as a coach and mentor; shape people development and engagement strategy with the leadership team.
• Evaluate and continuously improve team engagement and leadership effectiveness.
• Identify current and future skill needs; drive upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
• Lead transformation in ways of working, leadership behavior, and agile mindset.
• Maintain attrition below defined thresholds and ensure strong succession planning.

6. Network, Partnerships & Ecosystem

• Build and maintain strong networks with RD/K centers, internal BUs, suppliers, and external partners.
• Strengthen MBRDI’s brand within the global R&D network and external ecosystem.
• Develop collaboration with universities and external institutions.
• Ensure close cooperation across cross-cultural and international teams.

7. Culture, Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Drive cultural transformation initiatives with a strong “can-do” and ownership mindset.
• Scale agile transformation initiatives (e.g., SAFe) and value-stream based organization.
• Encourage innovation across product, process, and people practices.
• Ensure engineering excellence, quality management, technical compliance, and integrity.
• Identify and drive Kaizen, continuous improvement, and value-delivery initiatives.

Key Result Areas (KRAs)

Area

Focus

Time Allocation

Business

Strategy, customer satisfaction, innovation, technical forums

30%

People

Engagement, leadership development, capability building, attrition

25%

Budget

Financial planning, budget steering, pricing governance

20%

Network

Internal & external partnerships, brand building, academia collaboration

15%

Culture

Agile mindset, ownership culture, collaboration, accountability

10%

Qualifications

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechatronics, Electrical, or Electronics)
• Specialization in Product Development and Engineering preferred

Experience

• 18+ years in automotive E/E product development
• Strong experience in E/E components, systems, integration, and validation
• Proven leadership experience in large, complex engineering organizations

Special Knowledge & Skills

• Hands-on experience in development of automotive E/E components, systems, and software
• Expertise in project steering, supplier management, budget control, and field quality
• Strong understanding of E/E processes, methods, tools, Body & Comfort systems, and data platforms
• Knowledge of automotive regulations, testing standards, and test equipment
• Strong business acumen, leadership presence, communication, and collaboration skills
• Experience working in cross-cultural, international environments
• German language skills preferred

Leadership Expectations

• Visionary, people-centric leader with strong execution capability
• Promotes thought leadership, engineering excellence, and innovation
• Builds high-performing, engaged teams with a strong ownership mindset
• Drives accountability, transparency, and stakeholder satisfaction