Procurement Manager NPI

Purpose of the Job

The Procurement Project Manager NPI/R&D is responsible for leading the procurement activities associated with new product design and development projects at Sonova AG globally. The position focuses on New Product Introduction (NPI) and Research & Development (R&D).

This role requires a strategic leader with extensive knowledge and operational expertise in Project Procurement, ensuring alignment with the Procurement Policy (POL-61) and Corporate Procurement Procedures (SOP-271). The PPM NPI/R&D will bring a modern approach to the Sonova team and drives projects forward while supporting various procurement functions to create value and enhance the organization’s competitive advantage.

This position presents an excellent opportunity within a fast-paced growth company to deliver significant value in both Concept and Project phases. The successful candidate will demonstrate previous value-add ownership of projects in a global environment, with the ability to interact cross-functionally and externally to achieve real progress for NPI Procurement in line with Sonova's values and business plans.

The Manager must either possess a comprehensive understanding of all Direct Procurement Categories or establish a plan to gain deep insights into all Categories within one year from position assignment. Furthermore, the candidate is expected to develop a thorough understanding of the HI BU Innovation process to effectively contribute to project success.

Additionally, it is expected that the position owner will implement those procurement milestones in Desing and Development process as a minimum:

• Procurement KO: Launch procurement activities 1 month after project kick-off.
• Sourcing KO: Initiate sourcing 2 weeks after design input review/specifications.
• Tool KO: Confirm supplier tool kick-off cca 2 weeks after technical design review.
• Tool Trial: Conduct tool trials cca 3 weeks before prototype or first-off-tool samples.
• Supplier OQ: Ensure performing operational qualification cca 3 weeks before Sonova OQ trial.
• Supplier PQ: Ensure conduct performance qualification cca 3 weeks before Sonova OQ trial.
• Launch Readiness: Confirm preparation for ramp-up 16 weeks before launch.
• Launch Handover: Handover procurement activities to mass production team 3 months after launch.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Procurement of goods and services in economic terms and with minimal risk, focusing on technical material and services
• Optimal use of procurement potential for the benefit of the whole supply chain
• Main aspect is targeting costing (R&D support), bundling of demand, supplier management, commodity management across all direct Categories in Design & Development phases, stepping also in Concept phases
• Ensuring compliance with the material and supplier strategies defined by Corporate Procurement in product design and development
• Active participation in product development projects (close exchange with project managers, sparring for all procurement issues)
• Safe process and support to product quality in Design and Development including follow-up
• Conducting negotiation with Suppliers within scope of new product introduction
• Actively support product adaptations to reduce costs and/or improve quality
• Collecting, controlling, and analyzing key figures
• Maintenance of material data in SAP until the launch of the product.
• Deputy function on NPI procurement colleague
• Close collaboration with the Corporate Category Leaders/Managers
• Support VAVE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) Projects to drive down costs
• Bring knowledge of sustainable sourcing practices and opportunities for innovation
• Understand the sourcing demand across the sub-category and sign a contract Statement of Work and new projects pipelines
• Engage with technical and financial stakeholders to generate procurement phase plans that are aligned to strategy and process
• Deliver on planned objectives, e.g., savings and time to source
• Operate compliantly and in accordance with Sonova processes and ways of working
• Understand Design to Cost principles
• Understand and be able to implement negotiation and influencing techniques
• Manage supplier relationships, built on maintaining accurate and current supplier segmentation data and a clear view on supplier preferencing
• Support business process improvement initiatives

Requirements

• Master’s degree in technical or commercial area
• 7+ years of procurement experience in the Directs area with specific knowledge of Project Leads
• Worked experience of owning procurement activities in a global organization
• Ownership of the Procurement processes in line with policy, procedures and sourcing targets
• Fit for purpose contract development
• Adept at supporting the business to resolve supply chain disturbance and supplier performance issues
• Successful commercial experience (pre and post sourcing)
• Able to collaborate with and influence external Suppliers and internal stakeholder groups linked to the relevant sub-category
• Self-starter, self-motivated and ready to play a visible role in procurement
• A value creator, adept at impacting the bottom line through tangible commercial results
• Solutions-focused, able to work with leadership and teammates to deliver the required outcomes
• experience of cost modelling / interacting with cost models and or Should Cost Analysis
• Automotive/Medical/Food sector experience