The Role
As the Senior Director, Hearing Functions, you will set the strategic direction for a broad and critical domain: Enhancement Functions, Acoustic Stability, Active Control, Classification & Steering, Acoustic Modeling & Sound Acquisition, and Objective Metrics & Models. Your leadership ensures that Sonova's solutions deliver a consistently exceptional hearing experience and remain ahead of market expectations.
You will translate business goals into clear functional strategies, build alignment across R&D, Technology Leadership, Product Management, Clinical and Marketing, and foster deep domain expertise within our teams. Your influence will shape architecture decisions, innovation pipelines, and long-term product performance.
This is a role for a collaborative technology strategist who thrives at the intersection of science, innovation, and organizational leadership.
What You Will Lead & Deliver
Strategic & Functional Leadership
* Define and own the functional strategy, ensuring alignment with technology roadmaps, product priorities, and business objectives.
* Assess market evidence and "Jobs to Be Done" to identify impactful opportunities.
* Act as the primary ambassador for the Hearing Functions domain, enabling data-driven decisions across the organization.
* Resolve cross-team dependencies and drive system-wide coherence in functional design.
* Influence architecture choices in collaboration with Technology Leaders, ensuring that functional benefits are fully realized.
Innovation, Scouting & External Engagement
* Drive exploration of emerging methods, concepts, and technologies relevant to the Hearing Functions domain.
* Link early-stage exploration to strategic value, clinical validation, and long-term functional development.
* Represent Sonova within scientific communities, industry bodies, and research associations, strengthening our external presence.
Organizational & Capability Development
* Develop domain expertise and future-ready skills across teams and leaders.
* Assign functional leaders and experts to key innovation streams and projects (ILSP).
* Ensure compliance, guide implementation, and support intellectual property generation.
* Foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and technical excellence.
What You Bring
Experience & Knowledge
* 10+ years in a relevant domain (incl. PhD years), with a strong scientific background; PhD preferred.
* Proven track record in strategic leadership within a complex technology environment.
* Experience in innovation management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership.
* Business acumen including budgeting and resource planning.
* Deep understanding of the hearing solutions domain or closely related fields.