A digital driver for the perfect customer experience.

What do you like most about your job in the US?

At Mercedes-Benz, we want to build the most desirable cars. Therefore, we depend on growth, innovation and a focus on the customer experience. I was able to support this goal only from a distance in India, but now I am experiencing this first hand. So, while working in the US, I think there's a great opportunity to help steer the customer experience in particular.

Your department assists IT for vehicle sales, parts logistics, production, warehouse, retail, finance and controlling for the entire NAFTA region. What are your tasks specifically?

I work specifically for the parts logistics department, where I am in charge of parts management for Mercedes-Benz dealer partners. We're not only in charge of dealer orders; we also support logistics in terms of warehousing and planning so that the parts are available. You could say we are responsible for a seamless process, from order placement to billing. For instance, we are a key hub for delivering parts from the Mercedes-Benz Global Logistics Center in Germersheim in Germany to the parts distribution centres for the NAFTA region.

Your team uses IT applications, such as open-source tools or the Internet of Things applications, as an extended centre of expertise for six different areas. How would you summarise your function in the company?

We handle end-to-end support for the infrastructure and vehicle sales between Mercedes-Benz dealers and customers. As IT experts, our team supports the entire supply chain for Mercedes-Benz in the NAFTA region. This requires us to communicate each day with many stakeholders. Sometimes there are more than 35 contacts in one day.

What do you love most about your job?

With its after-sales business, Mercedes-Benz bundles its worldwide activities, after vehicle sales, for example when it comes to performing repairs or services. I am proud that we can get a requested part to the right place at a certain time. I am happy about the added value, which we provide our customer – the dealer – with the right parts on time so that they can help the end customer.

How can we picture your team?

We have an international team of colleagues from Türkiye, India and Morocco and USA who have different experiences and IT expertise. Each of us is responsible for a certain area such as vehicle sales, customer service, or finance and controlling. What unites our team is the wish of always evolving and going the extra mile. We not only work together on delivery, but also on innovation. For instance, if someone manages to automate a certain step or process for their area, that information is shared with everyone on the team to streamline the overall process.

What is most important for you when working with others?

The willingness to collaborate and to communicate openly – in my opinion, those are the two things that each team must have and that matter most.

Did you always know you wanted to work in the automotive industry?

Oh yes. Mercedes-Benz was my dream company from the beginning. Initially, I imagined working in direct contact with dealers at the dealership at an early stage, but when I was offered a management traineeship with R&D in 2013, I took the chance and did not regret it. I went from one position to the next and now I am working where I had originally hoped. The first step is what counts. The rest will follow.

So the traineeship was the first step into your career with Mercedes-Benz?

Absolutely. When I started at Mercedes-Benz for the trainee programme, I was in Corporate Communications for a while and I met many people. It helped me understand the big picture of the company. After-sales seemed more creative and interesting to me, so I transferred there after my traineeship. At first, I was in charge of service and contract management but my goal was to work with Dealers and parts distribution center in the NAFTA region that supports various markets. Bit by bit, I got closer to my goal – with patience and ambition.

How is Mercedes-Benz as an employer in your opinion?

Mercedes-Benz is amazing. As a global employer, the company offers me so many new experiences with markets like Poland, Japan and NAFTA. The international presence, which it gives me as an IT expert, is incredible. I also appreciate the corporate culture and the opportunity to be close to our products. In India, for instance, I got to test drive a G-Class, an off-road vehicle icon. Moreover, here in the USA, I took part in a product experience with an EQS SUV and I had goosebumps. I also got to host the Annual Days for Mercedes-Benz R&D India in Bangalore. These are the times when the company provides opportunities beyond my job and allows me to progress.