Job Description

Inside the Role

This role is responsible for leading supplier capacity analysis and governance activities for the North American supply base supporting global powertrain production. The position ensures suppliers have the capacity, systems, and performance discipline required to meet forecasted demand for manufacturing plants. Based in Detroit, this role operates within the Global Procurement and Supplier Management organization and works closely with cross-functional teams to identify risks, drive corrective actions, and strengthen supplier readiness.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

• Typically requires a Bachelors Degree
• Typically requires 5-7 years of relevant experience or 8 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree
• Requires in-depth knowledge and expertise in job field and working knowledge of related disciplines
• Uses analytical thought to independently solve complex problems with minimal guidance and identify solutions
• May lead team or department projects or work streams within broader projects
• Acts as an advisor to management and key external stakeholders on job field related projects
• Acts as a resource and guide for colleagues with less experience
• Uses experience to contribute to standards in which others will operate

What You Drive at DTNA

1. Capacity Management Systems and Process Ownership

Lead local ownership of supplier capacity management systems and processes to ensure reliable data, clear governance, and consistent supplier participation.

• Manage administrative ownership of the supplier capacity management system, including supplier activation, updates, deactivation, and system maintenance.
• Ensure demand, capacity, and supplier master data are loaded, maintained, and structured accurately to support effective analysis and decision-making.
• Define and maintain system rules, access controls, operating standards, and change management processes.
• Assign and maintain supplier-related coding and data structures in alignment with internal standards.
• Serve as the local subject matter expert by training internal stakeholders and suppliers on system use, data expectations, and capacity management processes.
• Maintain strong understanding of BOM and part number structures to improve traceability and support identification of supplier capacity gaps.

2. Mid- and Long-Term Supplier Capacity Planning

Monitor supplier capacity performance and long-range demand alignment to identify constraints early and support stable production planning.

• Maintain visibility to global multi-product demand, supplier capacity, and forecast trends across the assigned supply base.
• Validate data quality and drive escalation when supplier capacity information is incomplete, inaccurate, or not updated in a timely manner.
• Track forecast history, actual demand, and supplier responses to support transparency, traceability, and informed planning decisions.
• Identify abnormalities through trend analysis, EDI comparisons, and historical performance reviews, and communicate findings through established escalation channels.
• Integrate launches, engineering changes, and other material demand shifts into capacity planning activities.
• Coordinate with procurement, quality, engineering, and logistics teams to support future capacity requirements driven by product changes, regulatory impacts, and technology transitions.
• Develop management reporting that highlights critical suppliers, projected capacity gaps, and risks extending beyond the near term.

3. Cross-Functional Risk Resolution and Escalation Management

Lead structured cross-functional actions to resolve supplier capacity risks, drive accountability, and support timely implementation of corrective measures.

• Create and maintain reporting that tracks SMART plans and corrective actions for critical or at-risk suppliers.
• Facilitate regular reviews with supplier quality engineers and other stakeholders to monitor action plan execution and provide status updates to management.
• Provide structured recommendations to procurement teams to support sourcing decisions, supplier development actions, and risk mitigation planning.
• Identify recurring or systemic capacity risks that may affect commodity strategies, sourcing decisions, or program execution.
• Lead cross-functional review meetings to align stakeholders, confirm ownership, and ensure timely closure of agreed actions.
• Build and maintain strong interfaces with regional and global capacity management teams to strengthen consistency, best-practice sharing, and escalation alignment.

4. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze large and complex data sets to assess supplier capacity performance, business trends, and areas of operational risk.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics that measure supplier compliance, forecast alignment, and capacity-related business performance.
• Interpret data using strong business judgment and translate findings into clear, actionable insights for management and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Create dashboards, visual summaries, and reporting tools that support decision-making and improve visibility to supplier capacity risks and trends.
• Present complex information in a user-friendly format that enables stakeholders to understand issues quickly and make informed business decisions.

5. Supplier Management Governance

Supplier Management Governance provides the framework of processes, controls, accountability, and performance expectations used to manage supplier performance effectively and consistently.

Within this role, governance includes establishing clear responsibilities, monitoring supplier performance, enforcing data and process discipline, driving escalation when needed, and supporting continuous improvement across the supply base.

• Performance Management: Define and monitor key supplier performance indicators related to quality, delivery, capacity, and responsiveness.
• Process Control: Maintain disciplined use of systems, standardized workflows, and data accuracy requirements.
• Escalation Management: Apply structured escalation pathways and follow through on corrective actions, ownership, and timing.
• Decision Support: Provide reliable input to sourcing, supplier development, and business continuity decisions.
• Risk Oversight: Proactively identify capacity gaps and supply risks before they affect production performance.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; alternatively, 10 years of progressive experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment in lieu of a degree.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to leverage data tools and systems to evaluate supplier performance, capacity, and compliance within supplier management governance frameworks
• Demonstrated self-starter with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, including managing competing priorities and navigating complex, high-pressure situations.
• Proven problem-solving skills with a structured, solution-oriented mindset, driving issues to resolution through cross-functional collaboration and governance-based escalation processes.
• Strong team player with the ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment and closure on complex operational and supplier-related topics.
• Experience analyzing economic trends, market conditions, and cost drivers impacting material pricing and long-term sourcing strategies.
• Experience developing, structuring, and negotiating contractual agreements, including the ability to support formal negotiations and legal case preparation where required.
• Prior experience in procurement, supplier management quality/scheduling, or material cost management
• Exposure to supplier governance, performance management, and compliance processes
• German language skills are preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including occasional weekend travel, to support supplier engagements and operational needs.

Typical Minimum Education & Experience:

• Typically requires a Bachelors Degree
• Typically requires 5-7 years of relevant experience or 8 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Detroit, MI US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.