Nadine Müller. Foto: MAN/LIsa Hantke

eMove360° Women in Technology – Interview: Nadine Müller, Head of Engineering Strategy & Steering MAN Truck & Buses

In our Women in Tech series, we present inspiring women who have gained a foothold in the automotive industry. After Clotilde Delbros, CEO Mobilize, Silja Pieh, Head of Corporate Strategy at AUDI, Dr Johanna Henrich ESG Manager at Porsche and Prof. Dr Helena Wisbert, Director of CAR – Center Automotive Research, among others, this time the focus is on Nadine Müller. As Head of Engineering Strategy & Steering at MAN Truck & Bus, Nadine Müller is working in a key position to drive forward the transformation of the transport industry. In an interview for the current issue of eMove360° magazine in german language, the engineer explains what role the human factor plays in the upcoming changes in the TRATON GROUP – and why it is so important to think outside the box.

Mrs Müller, nice of you to take the time. You have worked for MAN Truck & Bus since 2005, including as a purchaser and product and project manager, and are now Head of Engineering Strategy & Steering, responsible for all functional-strategic topics within engineering. Is such a multifaceted career the basic prerequisite for being able to actively shape the future of MAN and the TRATON GROUP?

Nadine Müller: Many engineers only look for jobs in development. I was also drawn to other areas of the company. With my different areas of work, I am more of an exception. Thanks to this diverse experience, I am able to look at things from different angles. I also have a broad knowledge of the company and a good, wide-ranging network thanks to my various roles in the past. This helps me to exchange ideas with colleagues and obtain other perspectives in addition to my own. During my various positions, I have repeatedly experienced different forms of change – and learnt how important communication with and between employees and the leadership team is during a transformation.

In addition to developing MAN Engineering’s functional strategy, your key tasks also include driving forward the R&D transformation, product cost optimisation (PKO) and benchmarking. How do you and your team manage all this? And what qualifications and skills do you need for this?

Müller: Our team is made up of highly motivated and highly qualified men and women with different academic and professional backgrounds who maintain an overview of the transformation, initiate many processes and give our company and the TRATON GROUP an even better and sustainable structure. This is a very challenging task that requires expertise in change, a willingness to change and a great deal of understanding for other points of view. It is therefore important that the members of my team are above all good listeners; they must be empathetic and have a good understanding of human nature. Not to forget – we have to be spontaneous and flexible in our work. As well as being in charge of our thematic focus, we are also mediators, coaches and motivational trainers.

And how do you manage this on a daily basis in cooperation with the three other TRATON GROUP brands?

Müller: This is also very much about the human factor. I can’t demand trust, trust has to grow. This happens through communication and transparency as well as open and constructive dialogue. Of course, there can be heated discussions from time to time – but always on the subject matter, never personally. It’s about working together to find the best solution and a good compromise. Achieving this requires perseverance and the will to change. It is also important to have common goals.

So it’s all about finding compromises?

Müller: Right! Compromises on equal terms are crucial. They create the trust necessary to implement such a task. And once that trust is established, a solid foundation is formed for further tasks and new forms of cooperation.

As Head of Engineering Strategy & Steering, your primary focus is on MAN’s strategic direction – as a mechanical engineer, don’t you sometimes itch to get back to the factory floor?

Müller: Sure. When it comes to cost optimization, I can still work on a product-related basis. And I won’t hide the fact that our products inspire me. That’s also the reason why I chose the commercial vehicle industry. Because trucks and buses inspire me. But the strategic tasks are also extremely exciting and bring new experiences every day.

What skills, values, or characteristics are crucial for mastering the challenges of the future in the transport industry?

Müller: A willingness to change is definitely part of it. Everything is becoming faster-paced, more international, more global, more diverse. Against this backdrop, if I don’t have a good grasp of change for myself and my goals, it will be extremely difficult. That’s why it’s very important for me to respond to change with curiosity and not fear. Teamwork is also a crucial factor: If someone is alone—no matter how smart they are—it’s hard to get things moving and move things forward. Change can only be successfully implemented if the right people work together in the background and the task is shared across many shoulders. Precisely because things are becoming more fast-paced, the goal must be clearly defined. This also includes a healthy culture of error. It’s important to see mistakes as an opportunity to learn something and do better next time.

What does it mean to you to be part of something bigger—the transformation of the entire TRATON GROUP?

Müller: I’m aware that with my work, my input, and my ideas, I influence the future daily work of thousands of colleagues and am therefore responsible for the long-term success or failure of the TRATON GROUP. That’s quite a significant responsibility. As part of this community, I have the unique opportunity to contribute to the future of the transportation industry.

What drives you to give your best every day?

Müller: It’s the joy of solving complex problems that shapes my strong will. As an engineer, I always say: There’s no such thing as can’t be done. And this motto applies to almost all problems.

Read this interview and other articles on electromobility and autonomous driving in the current eMove360° magazine in german language. Download the free PDF or order the print version at sabine.metzger@emove360.com.