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Sonos

New Product Operations Leader

Posted 3 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
3 Locations
113K-141K Annually
Mid level
In-Office
3 Locations
113K-141K Annually
Mid level
The New Product Operations Leader at Sonos oversees the development of consumer electronics from ideation to mass production, managing cross-functional teams, budgets, and operational schedules while ensuring quality and timely product delivery.
The summary above was generated by AI

At Sonos we want to create the ultimate listening experience for our customers and know that it starts by listening to each other. As part of the Sonos team, you’ll collaborate with people of all styles, skill sets, and backgrounds to realize our vision while fostering a community where everyone feels included and empowered to do the best work of their lives.

As the New Product Operations Leader (what we call internally as Product Realization 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 DoProgram 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 labor 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 program 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 [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Top Skills

Design For Cost
Design For Manufacturing
Manufacturing Engineering
Process Engineering
Program Management

Sonos Santa Barbara, California, USA Office

Santa Barbara, CA, United States

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