PVE Continuous Improvement Project Manager

Inside the Role

The department of Product Validation Engineering is recruiting for a Continuous Improvement Project Manager. The role will lead strategic initiatives, anticipate and avoid problems, and assist with the day-to-day operation of the organization. An ideal candidate will have high organizational awareness, be independent and able to exercise good judgement while working in a fast-paced environment. The role directly supports the strategic direction of the department, so you must possess an ability to engage in discussions, facilitate, and drive change. This person must be able to communicate effectively with Executives and adjust messaging to fit the audience.

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

What You Drive at DTNA

• Lead the DVPR project by facilitating cross‑functional collaboration between Engineering, Operations, and Quality to resolve audit findings and streamline DVPR workflows.
• Develop and report on department KPIs to track progress related to post‑ORCA organizational changes.
• Implement and maintain a department‑wide strategy deployment process to support planning, tracking, reporting, and prioritization of activities.
• Coordinate strategic and tactical projects across the department, including initial planning, target setting, execution, and performance tracking.
• Lead projects independently on behalf of the department head.
• Support and implement the Chief’s Envisioned Future and departmental strategy.
• Organize and facilitate workshops and events (e.g., strategy workshops, town halls, project‑specific workshops).
• Lead the Testing Head Group (THG) for PVE by facilitating global collaboration and knowledge‑sharing, strengthening cross‑regional alignment on validation efforts, test planning, and execution standards.
• Support organizational development activities (e.g., core/non‑core analysis, staffing analysis).
• Organize and facilitate staff meetings.
• Track and support follow‑up on action items assigned across the department.
• Represent PVE in committees and various DTNA‑wide initiatives.
• Conduct data analysis and gather insights to enable informed decision‑making.
• Prepare executive‑level presentations that are clear, visual, and audience‑appropriate.
• Build and broaden networks and cooperation with other areas within DTNA and across Daimler Truck global functions.
• Champion Employee Survey results review, drive initiative generation, and hold the organization accountable for improvement actions.
• Lead and develop the PVE Culture Team.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 5+ years of related experience required.
• Engineering technical competencies and strong product knowledge.
• Exceptional communication skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and diverse topics quickly and independently.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Strong analytical skills and data‑driven thinking.
• Project management experience required.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve issues quickly across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency in preparing clear, visual, and audience‑tailored executive presentations (primarily PowerPoint).

• An attached resume is required.

Where We Work

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

Portland, OR 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.