New Product Operations Leader

New Product Operations Leader

Full-Time 113000 - 140700 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Sonos LLC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cross-functional teams to launch innovative consumer electronics products from concept to market.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company dedicated to creating exceptional audio experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible time off, and comprehensive health benefits from day one.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the tech world while developing your leadership and project management skills.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and experience in manufacturing or program management required.

The predicted salary is between 113000 - 140700 € per year.

As the New Product Operations Leader, you are accountable for successfully bringing new consumer electronics products to market, overseeing the entire manufacturing development of a new product from ideation through to mass production. You will lead a cross-functional Product Operations team and be the primary bridge between Operations and Product Development. Your focus is on achieving product cost targets, time-to-market, quality, capacity, and program budget. The product scope this role is concerned with includes smart speakers, sound bars, wearables, amplifiers, new hardware categories, and various accessories.

What You'll Do

  • Program Leadership & Execution: Lead the cross-functional Product Operations team, which includes Sourcing, Manufacturing Engineering, Process/Tooling Engineering, Quality, Material Planning, Logistics, and Factory Program Management. Tightly integrate Operations work streams with the Product Development team to drive NPI program success. Manage and drive all aspects of the operations program schedule and budget. Organize and drive the resolution of major operations decisions and issues identified during development. Motivate, energize, and lead the team with optimism while instilling a strong quality mindset. Capture and manage all Operations Lessons Learned for each product development cycle.
  • Manufacturing and Supply Chain Oversight: Collaborate closely with the factory project managers to plan and execute all NPI builds (Proto, EVT, DVT, PVT) at the component, sub-assembly, and final assembly levels. Accountable for managing the Bill of Materials (BOM) and managing the Engineering Change Order (ECO) release process starting at the EVT build. Develop, manage, and report the Cost of Goods Manufactured (COGM) to the broader program team. Identify and resolve major operations/sourcing/manufacturing risks for a program.
  • Communication & Program Health: Ensure consistent and proper communication regarding program status, highlighting critical issues, risks, and proposed mitigation plans to all stakeholders.
  • Continuous Improvement: Identify organizational process gaps within the product development engine and drive systemic changes to improve overall effectiveness at Sonos.

What You’ll Need:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline, manufacturing, or program management.
  • At least four years of experience working in manufacturing, including leading New Product Introduction (NPI) programs within consumer electronics or a closely related industry.
  • Demonstrated project management experience, with the ability to drive complex programs from concept through ramp and into sustained production.
  • Experience managing program budgets, including cost tracking, forecasting, and trade-off decision-making.
  • Strong working knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Cost (DFC), and the ability to partner effectively with design, engineering, and operations teams to influence outcomes early.
  • Proven leadership skills, with experience driving alignment and execution across cross-functional teams including hardware, operations, quality, and supply chain.
  • Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess risk, balance competing priorities, and make informed decisions in ambiguous situations.
  • Experience navigating conflict and mediating trade-offs in a constructive, respectful way that keeps teams moving forward.
  • Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
  • A team-first mindset, with the ability to motivate, support, and energize teams through challenging phases of development.
  • A hands-on problem solver who is comfortable diving into details, identifying root causes, and driving practical solutions.

Key Skill Set

  • Leadership & Program Ownership: Drives a strong sense of program ownership, leads cross-functional teams, and consistently models Sonos Behaviors while mentoring teammates.
  • Technical & Manufacturing Expertise: Leads the team in implementing manufacturing principles, best practices, and Sonos' end-of-line testing standards, with the ability to clearly explain them. Possesses a fundamental understanding of Product Development functions to support Operations activities.
  • Operations Acumen: Possesses a deep understanding of manufacturing, quality, supply chain, logistics, and general business operations functions, actively ensuring their appropriate involvement in every program.
  • Soft Skills: Proactively identifies and communicates clearly with all cross-functional stakeholders impacted by program or process changes. Mentors junior teammates, continuously seeks opportunities for learning, and actively solicits cross-discipline and cross-team feedback.

Your profile will be reviewed and you'll hear from us once we have an update. At Sonos we take the time to hire right and appreciate your patience.

The base pay range for this role based off geographic location is: $113,000 and $140,700. The specific pay offered will depend on the candidate’s geographic location, as well as qualifications and experience. We apply geographic pay differentials based on the cost of labour in the market. Employees in high-cost locations may be compensated at the upper end of the range, while those in medium or low cost markets may be compensated at the lower end of the range. Your recruiter can provide more details about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Please note that compensation details listed in US job postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package with choice and flexibility in mind to help support the health, wealth, and overall well-being of our employees. Regular full-time employees in the US are eligible for benefits on day one, including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • A 401(k) plan with company matching and immediate vesting
  • An Open Time Off policy (OTO) so you have maximum opportunity to disconnect and recharge, with no tenure-based vacation accruals required
  • 80 hours of sick time upon hire, refreshed annually
  • Up to 12 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Sonos offers a generous paid leave program for new parents or to care for a family member with a serious health condition, as well as short- and long-term disability for your own medical condition
  • Company-paid Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
  • Voluntary benefits, including Voluntary Life, AD&D, Accident, and Pet Insurance
  • Mental health benefits to support your holistic well-being
  • A generous employee discount program & Sonos Radio HD - on us!

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Notice to U.S. Job Applicants: Sonos is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Sonos is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to accommodations@sonos.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

At Sonos we want to create the ultimate listening experience for our customers and know that it starts by listening to each other.

New Product Operations Leader employer: Sonos LLC

At Sonos, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a New Product Operations Leader, you will have the opportunity to lead cross-functional teams in a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and well-being, with comprehensive benefits including flexible time off, robust health plans, and a commitment to mental health support. Our location not only provides a vibrant community but also positions you at the forefront of cutting-edge consumer electronics development, making your role both meaningful and rewarding.

Sonos LLC

Contact Detail:

Sonos LLC Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land New Product Operations Leader

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the New Product Operations Leader role. Keep it concise and focus on what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Sonos.

We think you need these skills to ace New Product Operations Leader

Program Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Manufacturing Engineering
Process/Tooling Engineering
Quality Management
Material Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the New Product Operations Leader role. Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing NPI programs, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've motivated and energised teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've driven alignment across different departments and tackled challenges head-on. This will help us gauge your fit for our team-first mindset.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot!

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to get your foot in the door with us at StudySmarter.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sonos LLC

Know Your Product Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the consumer electronics products relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with smart speakers, sound bars, and wearables. This knowledge will help you discuss how your experience aligns with the company's product goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams. Think of specific instances where you motivated a team or resolved conflicts. Highlighting these experiences will show that you can energise and guide teams effectively.

Be Ready to Discuss Budgets and Costs

Since managing program budgets is crucial for this role, come prepared to discuss your experience with cost tracking and forecasting. Be ready to share how you've made trade-off decisions in past projects to meet budget constraints.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Effective communication is key in this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like manufacturing processes or project timelines. This will demonstrate your ability to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.