Director Customer Application Engineering

Inside the Role
The Custom Application Engineering team is an integral link between our Operations & Sales teams. This team facilitates the efficient process of converting the Customer's desire into a buildable spec then scheduled to meet our volume plans.

This position will direct the Truck Sales Order (TSO) development from pre-sale dealer and direct account quoting activity through order release. Direct the TSO development process to include timely and accurate quote and order evaluation and application engineering activities. Direct the production planning, strategic forecasting and scheduling activities and ensure timely distribution of information to key departments (Sales, Corporate Planning and Controlling, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Supplier Management). The position also directs the Custom Truck Service (CTS) teams.

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

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience

Benefits include annual variable pay bonus program; company paid company vehicle with insurance and fuel card; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; non-qualified deferred compensation plan with company contribution of 7% of variable pay; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ holidays per calendar year; Paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive health care plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance program; volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.

What You Drive at DTNA

• Resolve dealer and customer problems of a high-level nature, including approving/facilitating production schedule changes, maintaining price levels in special situations, and initiating unique vehicle configurations/special options development. Serve as liaison between dealer body/customer base and senior DTNA management.
• Present production schedule changes at weekly meetings with the Chief Operating Officer, SVP Sales, and other top management personnel. Recommend production mix changes and alert Material Planning, Purchasing, and plant management of special procurement challenges.
• Improve dealer-corporate relations. Serve as "dealer advocate," pursuing new policies, clarifications, and revisions to existing policies and procedures in the effort to streamline the field order development and change process. Work with corporate management to achieve dealer objectives agreed to at dealer council meetings. Visit dealerships to assess corporate service levels and initial remedial action where justified.
• Manage the order development process; streamline quote and order flow both within the Customer Application Engineering department and outside by working with managements of Engineering, Marketing, Manufacturing, Material Planning, and Purchasing to simplify and accelerate the Quote/TSO receipt to release process.
• Work to improve the quote and order development-related databases by dedicating personnel with the skills and high-level support to effect improvements within the responsible departments. Establish criteria for data base maintenance ensuring changeovers address product data base requirements prior to full implementation. Present system improvements to IT PSR Steering Committee.
• Attend pilot model inspections, spec reviews, company meetings with customers and manage internal order development for direct accounts.
• Work closely with the sales teams to establish and maintain group-working relationships that encourage workflow improvements.
• Utilize TOS principles and the Great Leadership Behaviors to lead, motivate, and direct assigned staff. Comply with all company and location wide regulations and guidelines valid for the area of responsibility (e.g. safety and environmental-protection regulations, working time regulations, etc.). Inform assigned staff about the appropriate regulations and instruct observance.
• Hire, lead and develop a diverse high performing team through proven talent management and exceptional leadership skills
• Daimler Vision and Values: Demonstrates and communicates clear understanding of Daimler philosophy and company policies to staff members in order to reach company objectives.
• Lead by example following the DTNA Bluesky principles and strict adherence to Daimler integrity code

Knowledge You Should Bring

• BS Engineering or BS/BA Business Administration or Marketing
• At least 8 years of progressive experience, including 4 years at the management/supervisory level.
• Experience working directly with customers/dealers and key company departments including Corporate and Regional Sales, Manufacturing, Material Planning, Supplier Management, Engineering, Marketing and Customer Support

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• MBA preferred

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-
Fort Mill, SC US. Relocation assistance for this position is available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

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.

U.S. Visa sponsorship available if you qualify under the following:

• Hold a valid existing Visa (L1A, L1B, L2, TN, H1B, H4 EAD, OPT EAD, CPT)
• Daimler Truck North America employees working under an existing U.S. Daimler Truck North America Visa
• Those eligible for a TN Visa (Canadian or Mexican National working in an Engineering, Accounting or Scientific Technologist capacity with an aligning degree)
• Those eligible for an L-1 (inter-company) Daimler Truck visa under the Corporate Blanket L-1 program would require at least one-year of qualifying experience in the last three years

Additional Information

• 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/Minorities/Females/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.