Senior Manager Plant Strategy & Logistics

Strategic Logistics Manager

Shape the future today.

The world is changing. The question is, what will be our contribution to the outcome? We have set the pace in the field of mobility from the very beginning, and we will continue to do so. At Mercedes-Benz Vans, interdisciplinary teams are developing the mobility of tomorrow. Our goal is to make mobility safer, simpler, and more sustainable for people across the globe. Put your pioneering spirit to good use: This is your opportunity to make a contribution that extends far beyond your job title.

At Mercedes-Benz Vans, we offer you the perfect environment for your professional and personal growth. Cutting-edge training and promising career opportunities will help you to foster and expand your professional skill set as well as your individual strengths. Think, try, and thrive with us in collaborative work environments that spark game-changing concepts.

Job Overview:

Serves as the strategic anchor for the plant, combining long-term vision with operational execution. There are two main objectives: First to lead, structure and optimize plant logistics processes from program planning, production steering, disposition, intralogistics planning to material provision. Second to drive alignment, coordination, and implement all major strategic topics, including IRA compliance, tariff mitigation, VAN.EA readiness, CKD localization, volume planning and plant's overall business plan. Simultaneously, the role ensures operational readiness through logistics, planning and supply chain alignment - ensuring quality, material availability and quantify for production program targets.

Acting as the plant's "strategic mind". this position ensure that strategic ideas are turned into actionable initiatives, involving all internal departments and engaging external stakeholders to secure successful outcomes aligned with the plant's Future Target Picture.

Responsibilities:

Manage, motivate and develop team using target agreements & performance appraisals

Oversee development and implementation of necessary training appropriate to the needs of individual employees and the tasks assigned to them is provided.

Assist with developing a strategy for overarching the organizational unit and, building on this, develop and agree strategies for implementation, ensuring execution.

Plan, agree and manage departmental budget and headcount in accordance with key performance indicators. Monitor compliance with budget targets, introduce and supervise cost-cutting measures where necessary, in liaison with the line manager, and develop an awareness of costs among staff.

Lead the development, coordination, and execution of all major strategic topics for the plant, including the Future Target Picture, IRA requirements, tariff impact strategies, CKD logistics planning, and VAN.EA program readiness.

Act as the central cross-functional lead for aligning all departments (Production, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, etc.) around plant strategy. Ensure communication flow and milestone tracking for multi-department initiatives.

Oversee logistics planning activities, including supplier readiness, part availability, and escalation processes. Ensure end-to-end visibility and control over inbound and outbound material flows

Represents the plant in discussions with corporate strategy, supply chain, and external stakeholders and is empowered to escalate issues, propose countermeasures, and coordinate resolution across functions

Leads governance bodies and steering forums related to transformation topics

Safeguarding of inventory transparency in supply chain and permanent stocktaking pursuit. Optimization of warehouse organization and technology and the use of resources.

Responsible for the implementation and improvement of all logistic plans including, but not limited to the following: material flow and carrier planning, packaging design, workforce planning and employment calculation, building and area planning, capacity planning for all existing resources such as staff, equipment and facilities, areas etc., production layouts/Create work statement/specifications for the allocation of external services.

Leads regularly scheduled area of responsibility team & department meetings

Will perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Responsible for Logistics Specialists and Managers;

Leads employees in line with organizational culture, values and guidelines; defines performance goals, conducts performance reviews; effectively communicates and engages employees to meet objectives; Responsible for employee development and qualification.

Financial Responsibilities:

Manages budget and personnel allocation efficiently for the department. Conveys budget distribution and cost saving processes to colleagues.

Qualifications:

Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Business Administration or related field and/or the equivalent combination of education and experience

Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in managing Production, Strategy, and/or Legal teams in an automotive manufacturing environment

Preferred Skills:

Extensive experience in project management, particularly in working with cooperations/joint ventures

In-depth knowledge and extensive experience in contract management, particularly with cooperations/joint ventures

Experience in managing and conducting negotiations in an assertive, professional manner

Strong persuasion skills

Highly flexible with the ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

If you have experience in the above and are interested in joining an outstanding company we welcome you to apply. The division Mercedes-Benz Vans is world renowned for quality and innovative products.

Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC ("MBV Charleston") is a Ladson, South Carolina–based production entity that manufactures Sprinter vans for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

The Sprinter plant officially opened in 2018 and serves as a key part of the Mercedes-Benz Vans global production network. MBV Charleston was selected as the first plant in this network to produce the all-new eSprinter, beginning in 2024. The company also continues to invest in the local community through donations to non-profits and schools, as well as active support of STEM education initiatives and volunteer programs.

Since 2006, Sprinter and Metris vans have been assembled in North Charleston and delivered to destinations across the United States. In 2025, the plant celebrated the assembly of the 5,000,000th Sprinter in the Mercedes-Benz global production network. The U.S. remains the second largest market for Sprinter vans after Germany.

Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that appreciates and leverages the diversity of our team. We provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age, national origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, physical or other disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.