Project Manager Product & Process Improvement

Sonova; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonova Group is seeking a Project Manager for Product & Process Improvement to enhance manufacturing solutions. This role involves leading cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and driving innovation in a collaborative environment. Candidates should possess a degree in engineering and significant experience in regulated industries to support the mission of delivering exceptional products and services.

Benefits

Rich benefits plan including wellness benefits

Flexible hybrid work environment

Mentorship program and career development plans

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience focused on improving complex processes.
• Experience in regulated industries preferred.
• Proven ability to lead projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Act as the subject matter expert for 3D modeling of custom devices.
• Lead cross-functional projects and ensure timely deliverables.
• Analyze product value chain for continuous improvement opportunities.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

3D modeling software

Job description

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You enjoy creating and innovating. You never stop striving for better. You take responsibility and you get results. You love being part of a team. Above all, you want your work to matter: Welcome to our world! At Sonova we create sense by bringing sound to life. Our innovative hearing care solutions help millions of people enjoy life’s unforgettable moments.

We offer exceptional career opportunities through market-leading brands from consumer to medical, products and services that keep pushing hearing care forward, and a culture where you can quickly belong and perform at your best.

If you want the freedom to explore, opportunities to grow, and make positive change on people lives through your work, this is the place for you.

Join Sonova. Create sense.

Project Manager Product & Process Improvement

The Project Manager Product & Process Improvement is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and resolving product and process-related issues to support the Manufacturing Engineering (ME) mission of delivering exceptional process, product, and service solutions to both internal and external customers. This role plays a critical part in advancing ME Pillars, including Environmental, Health & Safety (S), Process Excellence (Q), Delivery (D), Financial Performance (C), and Innovation (I), by driving continuous improvement and ensuring robust, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing solutions.

Responsibilities:

1. Act as the subject matter expert and global process owner for 3D modeling of In-the-Ear (ITE) custom devices and components.
2. Ensure the full modeling process has proper controls, feedback loops, and measures to maintain high quality and service, while optimizing cost.
3. Analyze the product value chain to identify opportunities for continuous improvement across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and innovation.
4. Propose and help implement new manufacturing processes or technologies, including working with vendors on equipment development and deployment.
5. Lead cross-functional projects, ensuring teams meet key deliverables on time.
6. Support or lead product transfer projects, including vendor changes, insourcing/outsourcing, and internal transfers.
7. Collaborate with internal and external software developers to improve 3D modeling tools and workflows.
8. Work closely with New Product Introduction (NPI) and Manufacturing Engineering teams to support smooth product launches.
9. Participate in Kaizen and other continuous improvement activities.
10. Develop, adapt, qualify, and implement manufacturing technologies for platform and product projects.
11. Support “Design for Manufacturing” and “Design for Quality” initiatives during product development.
12. Drive standardization of processes across platforms to reduce variability.
13. Benchmark and optimize existing technologies, including managing obsolescence.
14. Conduct process and failure analysis, and support risk management activities.
15. Collaborate with production sites to define and track KPIs for scanning and modeling performance.
16. Ensure training programs are current and promote best practice sharing across sites.
17. Standardize the Clarification step to reduce customer contacts and improve On-Time-To-Request (OTTR) rates.
18. Define guidelines to balance modeling speed and quality.
19. Develop and implement a strategic roadmap for long-term improvements in modeling, service, and reliability.

More about you:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering; ideally in materials science, process engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering, physics, or microtechnology
• 5+ years of engineering experience, with a focus on improving complex processes
• Experience in regulated industries strongly preferred (e.g., medical device, automotive, pharmaceutical)
• Strong understanding of complex technical concepts with ability to derive effective solutions
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make sound decisions even with limited data
• Independent, precise, and structured working style with a high level of commitment
• Strong interdisciplinary thinking and conceptual problem-solving skills
• Confident, reliable, and approachable personality
• Excellent communication skills; a collaborative team player with integrity
• Experience working in intercultural and cross-functional teams
• Proven ability to lead projects effectively
• Sound knowledge of materials science and materials analysis
• Skilled in applying statistically reliable methods for process analysis and improvement
• Familiarity with 3D modeling software (specific platform not required)
• A minimum of 200Mb/sec download and 10Mb/sec upload speed internet connectivity is required to support any remote/hybrid employee functionality at Sonova

Don't meet all the criteria? If you’re willing to go all-in and learn we'd love to hear from you!

We are looking forward to receiving your application via our online job application platform. For this position only direct applications will be considered. Sonova does not recruit via app, telegram, carrier pigeon or any other format that does not include speaking with an actual human. If you are offered a job without speaking with someone please contact [e-mail]

What we offer:

• Exciting and challenging work environment
• Collaborative culture
• Opportunities for continuous self-improvement
• Opportunities for flexible hybrid model work environment
• A company that values diversity and inclusion
• Rich benefits plan including wellness benefit, paramedical (massage therapist, naturopath, etc.) and competitive compensation including variable component and employer match on pension contributions
• Mentorship program and career development plans
• Sonova Canada is now a certified Great Place to Work May 2024- May 2025.

How we work:

At Sonova, we prioritize the well-being of our employees and foster an inclusive environment that promotes engagement and collaboration. Our team-customized hybrid work model empowers teams to balance individual needs with business goals, offering flexibility and individualized time management. We recognize the importance of life outside of work and strive to create a supportive and motivating workplace where innovation thrives.

Sonova is an equal opportunity employer.

We team up. We grow talent. We collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds to win with the best team in the market place. We guarantee every person equal treatment in regard to employment and opportunity for employment, regardless of a candidate’s ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or marital status, gender, genetic identity, age, disability or any other legally protected status.