Sr. Director Site Development & Strategic Partnerships - Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging

Tasks
Position Title: Sr. Director Site Development & Strategic Partnerships
Company: Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging NA
Location: New York, NY/ San Francisco Bay Area / Remote
Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging:
Shifting from electric-first to electric-only, the world’s pre-eminent luxury car company is accelerating toward an emissions-free and software-driven future. Mercedes-Benz is leading the charge by introducing a sophisticated electric vehicle charging network in North America – the first of its kind. This is your opportunity to be part of something that will have a lasting, positive impact on our planet.
As highly desirable as our Mercedes-Benz cars are today, they will be different going forward: greener, more efficient, and fully electric, making them even more desirable than they are today. But one thing will never change – the star. And the new star of the driving show is “Charging”. With the transition to an electric-only mobility future, a seamless charging experience is essential for the overall EV driving experience and necessary for accelerating the overall industry’s transition to electric mobility.
Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging aims to redefine the electric vehicle charging experience. With over a century of luxury design and engineering, Mercedes is building on the Company’s strong brand promise by leveraging the renowned quality, reputation, and customer focus for which Mercedes-Benz has been known for well over a century, imbuing those qualities into its Charging efforts not only for its customers, but also for those customers driving other brands of vehicles.
As we embrace the future of sustainable transportation, we are committed to shaping the EV charging landscape and promoting a cleaner, greener future. We are seeking an accomplished Director of Network Operations to join the team and play a critical role in shaping the success of our EV charging initiatives.
Press release: Mercedes-Benz to launch global branded high-power charging network, starting in North America
What You Will Do
The Sr. Director/ VP Site Development & Strategic Partnerships will be a key member of the High Power Charging NA leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. In this pivotal role, you will help lead the expansion of our EV charging network by representing Mercedes-Benz in site selection, development, and the cultivation of key strategic relationships with real estate, retail and other strategic site partners. This senior leadership role will collaborate with the Mercedes-Benz’s development partner (MN8) to help drive the execution of the sales funnel, negotiate strategic partnerships, and manage the end-to-end site development process. Leveraging a proven track record in the electric vehicle or clean energy industry, the Sr. Director/ VP will collaborate cross-functionally within the Company and between partners, as well as represent the Company as a brand ambassador externally contributing to our mission of accelerating the transition towards sustainable electric transportation for both Mercedes-Benz customers as well as for the larger North-American industry.
Key Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including consumer offerings, product and technology, marketing, operations, and finance teams, to ensure alignment of objectives and seamless execution of sales and partnership initiatives.
• Investment Proposals and Financial Management: Develop and manage capital investment proposals, adhering to Mercedes-Benz’s capital investment process, including presenting both quantitative and qualitative metrics associated with proposed investment opportunities. Develop budgets, forecasts, and financial performance metrics related to sales and partnerships activities. Monitor and report on key performance indicators, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve objectives.
• Negotiation Strategy and Contract Structuring: Develop and implement negotiation strategies that prioritize win-win outcomes, taking into consideration partner needs, industry standards, and company objectives. Leverage market insights and competitive intelligence to inform negotiation approaches. Collaborate with legal and finance teams to structure contracts that encompass pricing models, terms, service level agreements, performance metrics, and other key provisions.
• Sales Strategy and Execution: In collaboration with the Company’s development partner (MN8), represent Mercedes-Benz and lead the development and execution of a comprehensive site sales strategy to drive revenue growth and market share in the EV charging sector. Serve as the Mercedes-Benz point of contact for the development partner’s sales team to meet and exceed targets while maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction.
• Business Development: Identify new market opportunities and innovative business models to enhance the company's competitive positioning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement tailored solutions that align with partner needs and objectives. Sales Execution and Funnel Management: In collaboration with the Company’s development partner (MN8) represent Mercedes-Benz in leading the sales execution process, from opportunity identification through to contract signing. Develop and manage a structured sales funnel, ensuring efficient progression of opportunities and timely follow-up. Collaborate closely with the partner’s sales team to drive successful contract negotiations and signings.
• Brand Ambassador: Serve as a Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to enhance the company's reputation and visibility within the EV charging sector.
• Market Intelligence: Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer preferences to inform strategic decisions and product offerings. Utilize market insights to develop compelling value propositions and differentiate Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging solutions in the marketplace.
• Strategic Partnerships: Identify, negotiate, and establish strategic partnerships with real estate developers, property management firms, commercial landlords, key strategic and brand congruent retail partners, and other relevant stakeholders. Leverage these partnerships to expand the presence of Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging stations across high-traffic and strategically located sites, always with a differentiated driver experience in mind. Maintain these relationships over the life of the project to ensure optimal execution, attainment of goals, as well as future relationship opportunities.

Qualifications
Qualifications:

• Willingness to travel as needed to engage with partners, visit site locations, and represent the company at industry events.
• Passion for sustainability and advancing clean energy initiatives through innovative products, technologies, and services.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Engineering, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and project finances.
• Deep understanding of EV charging infrastructure, the EV driver customer journey, and market dynamics, including the site partner value proposition and how to create compelling offerings for a diverse set of constituents.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven track record of at least 10+ years in site development and sales, real estate, business development, or related roles, preferably within the electric vehicle or clean energy industry.
• Presence to interface with external stakeholders and customers alike, articulating ideas clearly and compellingly for those with less market background.
• In-depth knowledge of site selection, permitting, and construction processes, with an understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Strong experience in negotiating and cultivating strategic partnerships with real estate and other site partners, including a track record of negotiating and executing on high-value, complex, contract negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and market conditions.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align site development initiatives with company vision and market trends.

Personality and Cultural Fit:
At Mercedes High Power Charging, we are not just an automotive industry leader; we are also trailblazing the future of electric mobility with the agility and spirit of a startup. As a startup within a renowned global brand, we embrace innovation, scrappiness, and a builder's mindset to revolutionize the electric vehicle charging landscape. We are looking for someone who can thrive in our dynamic and entrepreneurial environment, contributing their passion, adaptability, and comfort with ambiguity to drive our success.
Our fast-growing startup division within Mercedes requires employees who embody the following traits:

• Passion for Sustainability: Share our commitment to a greener future and advancing clean energy initiatives.
• Collaborative Spirit: Foster a culture of teamwork and work seamlessly with global teams.
• Comfort in Ambiguity: Adapt and strategize effectively in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Scrappiness: Thrive in resource-constrained situations and find creative solutions.
• Builder's Mindset: Envision the big picture and lead the team in creating world-class EV charging solutions.
• Startup Mentality: Embrace innovation, take calculated risks, and move swiftly to achieve breakthroughs.

Join Mercedes in pioneering the electric vehicle charging landscape and shaping the future of sustainable transportation. If you possess the skills, expertise, and ambition to lead product excellence, drive technological innovation, and coordinate with global teams effectively, we eagerly await your application.
Posting Statement:
Disclaimer: This position is for Sr. Director Site Development & Strategic Partnerships of a new Mercedes-Benz entity known as “Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging NA”. Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging NA is currently being established as an employer. Since Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging NA is not yet able to hire employees, this position will temporarily be on the payroll of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC. Once Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging NA is able to hire employees, this position will be transferred to Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging NA’s payroll.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
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