Leadership Trainee Program

A group of Daimler Truck trainees in a seminar room, listening attentively to a presentation. A smiling woman in the foreground. — Leadership Talent Track

#LeadImpact

The Leadership Talent Track offers you the opportunity to develop your leadership potential with the goal of developing into a leadership role at Daimler Truck.

You want to take on real responsibility and lead the way in the transformation? You want to contribute your visionary ideas and thus set the course for the future of sustainable transportation?

The Leadership Talent Track in the Daimler Truck Trainee Program offers you the opportunity to apply for four different clusters. Within these clusters you can apply for a trainee position and start your career at Daimler Truck. Each cluster offers unique opportunities and challenges aimed at developing and strengthening your leadership skills.

Our focus topics of the Leadership Talent Track

A young woman in a black hoodie from the Daimler Truck Leadership Talent Track trainee programme is concentrating on explaining something on a whiteboard. Two other trainees from the Business, IT and Engineering departments are listening attentively. — Business, Engineering, IT

Two participants in the Daimler Truck Leadership Talent Track trainee programme stand in front of an open truck engine and discuss technical details - part of the “Customer First @ First Retail” module. — Customer First @Own Retail

Business, Engineering or IT

As part of the Cluster Business, Engineering or IT, you will get to know our organization, work intensively on projects (local and abroad), and expand your global network - all with the support of mentors from the top management levels. In total, the program consists of three phases:

The onboarding phase (12 months)

Good preparation is the key to success. That's why your start looks like this:

Initially, you will work in your home area at Daimler Truck
You get to know your mentor and discuss your further career path
You define your future project tasks
You take advantage of the training opportunities, e.g. our leadership culture
At the end of the onboarding phase, you go through a validation of performance & potential

The project phase (12 months)

In the project phase, you will develop your leadership skills through...

... participation in a virtual management qualification to take on a future management function
... innovative project assignments at various locations in Germany and abroad
… insights into everyday work in our production facilities
... participation in global networking and leadership events
... dealing with the focus topics of customer centricity and impact culture

The Alumni phase

After you have successfully completed the program...

... together with your manager, you define your personal development perspective
... you will deepen your professional and leadership skills in your home area
... you are part of our constantly growing international alumni community
... you can integrate the management culture of Daimler Truck into your everyday work
... your mentor will support you in your next steps

Customer First @Own Retail

We - the German Mercedes-Benz and TruckStore commercial vehicle centers of Daimler Truck - always have our customers in focus. We are the experts for sales and service of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Fuso and more brands. With over 2,000 employees at around 25 locations, we share the enthusiasm for our wide variety of vehicles every day; whether light or heavy trucks for long-distance transport, special vehicles and truck rental vehicles. We advise our customers to find the perfect commercial vehicle for their particular challenges. If things stop “rolling”, we can help as a strong partner. Our team of highly competent employees gets our commercial vehicles back on the road quickly.

As part of the Customer First @Own Retail cluster, you will get to know our organization, work passionately with us on the success of our commercial vehicle centers and be prepared for your future role as a manager in Own Retail at Daimler Truck AG in commercial vehicle centers throughout Germany. The program consists of three phases:

The Onboarding Phase & Start of practical use (12 months)

Good preparation is the key to success. That's why your start looks like this:

You will start with individual project assignments in various commercial vehicle centers and at the sales headquarters in Berlin
You will benefit from the opportunity to work abroad in European Own Retail
From day one, you will support our customers in their business together with a team of experts
You get to know your mentor and discuss your further career path
You take advantage of the training opportunities, e.g. our leadership culture
At the end of the onboarding phase, you go through a validation of performance & potential

The Leadership Development Phase (12 months)

In the leadership development phase, you will develop your leadership skills by...

... participation in a virtual management qualification to take on a future management function
... taking on deputy tasks and project management...
... participation in global networking and leadership events
... dealing with the focus topics of customer centricity and impact culture

Target function Own Retail after the Training Phase

After you have successfully completed the program...

... together with your manager, you define your personal development perspective in the direction of taking on a function as service manager (Aftersales)
... you will deepen your professional and leadership skills in your new role
... you are part of our constantly growing international alumni community
... you can integrate the management culture of Daimler Truck into your everyday work
... your mentor will support you in your next steps

More information

What does the application process look like?

The application process consists of four steps: In the first step, you submit your application online. Once you have completed the application phase, the second step is the online assessment, for which you will receive an invitation. If you successfully complete the online assessment, we will invite you to a telephone interview in the third step. The final step is the recruiting day, where we get to know each other in person. If it suits both sides and you are accepted, we will agree an individual start date.
When are new positions published? When should I apply?

The next recruitment phase will take place at the beginning of August 2025. You can find the open positions on our Daimler Truck Career website and apply online.
What requirements do I have to meet to participate in the trainee program?

For the Leadership Talent Track, a Bachelor's degree or a higher academic degree is required. First experience that shows a clear focus on design and responsibility and initial leadership experience, for example in the context of university projects and experience in a start-up environment, would be desirable. You should also have a fluent command of written and spoken English and be willing to travel abroad.
What other personal skills are required for successful participation in the trainee program?

We are looking for visionary thinkers who question the status quo, bring a breath of fresh air to our processes with new ideas and actively drive our transformation forward. This also includes the ability to self-reflect, work in a structured and independent manner, as well as self-confidence and decisiveness. Strong communication skills, empathy and authenticity promote close teamwork. Equally important are a sense of responsibility and the ability to navigate a globally networked and culturally diverse working environment.
How long does the trainee program last and how is it structured?

The Leadership Talent Track lasts 24 months and consists of the onboarding phase (12 months) and the project phase (12 months).
What development and career opportunities will I have after completing the trainee program?

Once you have successfully completed the program, you will work with your manager to define your personal development prospects towards a leadership role. You will be part of our constantly growing international alumni community and benefit from a global network. You will deepen your professional and leadership skills in your home field while your mentor supports you in your next professional steps. You are in control of your own development - take the initiative and actively shape your career path.
Is the trainee program compensated?

Yes, the trainee program is compensated. It is a permanent, full-time position that not only offers you the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience, but also ensures an attractive salary.
Will I get international experience during the program?

You have the opportunity to work abroad for up to 6 months to gain experience.
How is my performance evaluated in the trainee program?

Regular development and feedback meetings with your program and project managers are an important part of the program. There is also an annual evaluation meeting with your direct manager.
What does validation of performance & potential mean?

At the end of the onboarding phase, your performance and leadership skills are reviewed and discussed in a validation conference. After confirmation by the committee, you will start a virtual leadership qualification in the project phase, which will prepare you to take on a future leadership role. This will give you the opportunity to apply for a position as a team leader.
How can I prepare for the selection day?

In order to prepare yourself optimally for the selection day, you should familiarize yourself intensively with the requirements and expectations of the position. It is important to us that you are authentic, show initiative and have a passion for our company and our products.

Two Daimler Truck Trainee employees look at a mobile phone as they walk past Daimler Truck vehicles outside. The picture shows the "ExpertTrack" lettering. — Expert Track

Check out the Expert Track