Director Localization Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Mercedes-Benz: Building Exceptional Vehicles... and Careers!

The best chapters in Alabama's automotive success story are yet to come. The Mercedes-Benz automobile of the future will be different; greener, more efficient, safer, and even more fascinating. 

Only one thing will never change - It will wear a star.

The vehicles we manufacture are the finished results of our skilled workforce, and we're hiring even more. We are looking for Specialists and Team Members to join us in crafting a wide variety of vehicles from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV to our all-electric electric vehicle, the EQS SUV and EQE SUV. Our Tuscaloosa County site is home to the production of Mercedes' luxury SUV models, including electric vehicles. Just down the road in Bibb County, MBUSI has launched the production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Our two campuses are among the most advanced automotive manufacturing facilities in the world, with over 6 million square feet combined. 

MBUSI offers an excellent total rewards package including competitive compensation, health and life insurance, 401(k) matching program and defined contribution retirement plan, annual bonuses, tuition assistance, and paid holidays. Further on-site MBUSI resources such as childcare, medical center and fitness center are available for all to utilize. 

Our Team Members share a common goal to be the best luxury auto manufacturer in North America. MBUSI is committed to excellence and actively promotes positive team culture, teamwork, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. 

Mercedes-Benz, U.S. International, Inc. takes pride in being an Equal Employment Opportunities workplace.  Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, age, ethnic origin, and any other characteristics classified under applicable Local and Federal laws.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to join us in electrifying the future!

Purpose of the Position:

The role "Procurement Localization & Supplier Intelligence" drives the development of a competitive, resilient, and localized supply base within the USMCA region, ensuring long-term supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and sourcing readiness for MercedesBenz.
It leads critical upstream purchasing activities, including market screening, supplier assessment, and the development of nomination-ready suppliers across all tiers. The role builds deep market and technology expertise and ensures alignment between regional execution and central Purchasing Germany requirements.
By identifying supply gaps, advancing localization and TierN build-up, and providing cost transparency and sourcing options, the role directly influences nomination decisions, commodity strategies, and supply chain resilience. It acts as a key integrator of localization, cost, and risk considerations into MSK and global purchasing frameworks.

Key Objectives
- Build a qualified, nomination-ready supplier base (USMCA compliant) and close TierN gaps
- Deliver market intelligence, technology insights, and competitive benchmarks
- Ensure cost transparency and competitiveness (e.g., should-cost, benchmarks)
- Enable sourcing decisions via pre-RFQ strategies, supplier shortlists, and readiness
- Drive localization and resilience strategies and integrate into commodity / MSK frameworks
- Act as interface to central Purchasing Germany ensuring alignment and governance

Essential Functions: 

Supplier Base Development & Localization (30%)
Build and develop a qualified, nomination-ready supplier pool (USMCA compliant)
Identify and close TierN supply gaps to enable deep localization
Drive supplier capability assessments, development, and readiness

Market Intelligence & Supplier Screening (25%)
Conduct market screening and supplier identification aligned with global and regional requirements
Develop technology and supplier landscape transparency (L4L, trends, competitors)
Provide market intelligence reports and benchmarking insights

Sourcing Preparation & Strategy Enablement (20%)
Define pre-RFQ supplier shortlists and sourcing strategies
Ensure supplier readiness for nomination and sourcing processes
Contribute to commodity strategies and MSK frameworks

Cost Analysis & Competitiveness (15%)
Develop cost breakdowns (should-cost) and benchmarks
Identify cost optimization potentials and competitive positioning
Enable fact-based sourcing and negotiation support

Localization & Resilience Strategy Integration (10%)
Define and implement localization / deep-localization concepts
Integrate resilience and risk mitigation measures into supply base strategies
Ensure alignment with central Purchasing Germany and global governance

Number of direct reports - 6