TRATON is a group of strong brands with a shared mission: transforming transportation together to create the future of sustainable transport solutions. Within TRATON, we include MAN, Scania, Volkswagen Truck & Bus, and International. As part of a global team of industry experts, you get to think bigger, experience more, and reach further. Together, we have the power to transform transportation - Let´s make a difference together. Find out more: www.traton.com
Our values – customer first, respect, team spirit, responsibility, and elimination of waste – are at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for a new colleague within VP Domain Head, AI Scaling Hub - Operational Excellence who wants to join the Group R&D change journey.
The role offers the flexibility to be based in any of the locations where the Group HR R&D organization operates (Nürnberg, Germany; Södertälje, Sweden; Lisle, USA or Resende, Brasil), depending on the candidate’s preference and location.
Applications submitted through this platform will not be processed. Please submit your application to this global position using the link below: International Motor- Careers - VP Domain Head, AI Scaling Hub - Operational Excellence, TRATON R&D US, LLC in Lisle, Illinois | Careers at International WHQ (Lisle)
Role Summary
TRATON Group R&D is going through a major transformation to become an even stronger global R&D organization, capable of delivering on a time-critical Group R&D roadmap while driving competitiveness and customer value across the TRATON brands.
As VP Domain Head, AI Scaling Hub - Operational Excellence, you will lead the operational excellence agenda for the AI Scaling Hub, working across Group R&D, the brands, and central functions. Your mission is to help turn AI ambition into practical, scalable, and value-creating ways of working. This role requires someone who can create clarity, build trust, connect strategy with execution, and drive transformation in a complex international environment.
Internal applicants from TRATON Group R&D are prioritized for this position. Candidates from the broader TRATON Group (including brands) are welcome to apply and may be reviewed based on business needs.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
• Lead and further develop the operating model for the AI Scaling Hub, ensuring clear priorities, governance, and performance follow-up.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across Group R&D, brands, and central functions to align priorities, remove obstacles, and accelerate progress.
• Identify opportunities where AI can create measurable business value and support the transformation of ways of working across the organization.
• Establish pragmatic governance structures, portfolio steering mechanisms, and value-tracking frameworks that enable execution without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Support and guide strategic initiatives related to AI adoption, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness.
• Foster a culture characterized by curiosity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, balancing Group-wide objectives with local business realities and needs.
As our AI Scaling Hub is part of TRATON Group R&D, we are closely collaborating with all brands in the Group. In your role it’s therefore important to have a Group perspective while taking all brands into consideration.
Who You Are
We believe you bring many of the following:
• Extensive experience in operational excellence, transformation management, business operations, strategy execution, program leadership, or related areas within a complex international environment.
• Proven success in leading cross-functional transformation initiatives and creating clarity in organizations with multiple stakeholders and dependencies.
• Strong understanding of AI, data, analytics, and digital transformation, enabling you to effectively bridge business and technical perspectives.
• Experience designing or improving operating models, governance frameworks, portfolio management processes, and performance management structures.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead through influence and collaboration.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with a pragmatic, execution-oriented mindset.
Experience from R&D, advanced engineering, analytics, technology, or other innovation-driven environments will be considered an advantage.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds – your unique experience and perspectives are valuable to us.
This Is Us
Within Operational Excellence, we combine ambition with humility. We believe meaningful progress happens when capable people listen well, work together, and turn complexity into something others can act on. That is the spirit we hope this role will bring.
Within TRATON Group R&D, you are an important part of something bigger. Joining us means gaining access to the ins and outs of the entire transportation industry. As part of a global team of industry experts, you get to think bigger, experience more, and reach further. Being bigger also means being stronger. Together with our brands, we have the collective power to transform transportation.
Application
We look forward to receiving your application, consisting of your CV and kindly ask you not to share a cover letter to ensure an efficient and unbiased recruitment process for all parties.
Apply as soon as possible, no later than 20.10.2026. Don't apply directly here, follow this link International Motor- Careers - VP Domain Head, AI Scaling Hub - Operational Excellence, TRATON R&D US, LLC in Lisle, Illinois | Careers at International WHQ (Lisle) to apply. Applications directly on this site will not be handled.
Screening will take place on an ongoing basis during the application period. Logical and personality tests may be used as part of the selection process, and a background check may be required for this role.
Cross-Brand Recruiting
By applying for this position, please be aware that we will share your application details and documents within TRATON GROUP brands and entities to be able to ensure a group-wide recruiting process.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:
Hiring Manager: Tony Heard, [email protected]
Lead Recruiter: Tess Cochrane, [email protected]
We look forward to your application
