Director, Performance Management and Capabilities Building (Academies)

Define, develop, and oversee the global Academies framework and its implementation to build critical capabilities across Sonova. Design and deliver coaching and mentoring programmes, incorporating AI-enabled tools and approaches to enhance learning effectiveness. Manage graduate programmes and scalable learning offerings to support talent development at all organisational levels. Own and continuously evolve Sonova’s performance management framework, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and leadership expectations. Lead goal-setting processes for the Top 200 leaders, fostering accountability and clear performance expectations. Partner with HR and business leaders to embed performance management practices that drive high performance and development. Lead the design and execution of individual career journeys for Sonova’s Top 200 talent, supporting personalised growth and succession planning. Oversee flagship talent development programmes, including approach design, assessment methodologies, and delivery. Develop and implement people leadership standards and related development programmes to strengthen leadership capabilities across the organisation. Manage the talent review approach and processes, ensuring robust assessment and calibration of talent across business units. Collaborate with HR Strategy and Org E&E team to align talent development efforts with organisational capability needs and succession plans. Partner with HR Strategy to develop, maintain, and evolve a comprehensive skills architecture and taxonomy that supports workforce planning and capability building. Ensure skills frameworks are integrated into learning, performance management, and talent development initiatives. Work closely with business leaders, HR Business Partners, and the Talent Centre of Excellence to ensure learning and performance strategies are aligned with business priorities. Collaborate with external partners, including business schools and learning providers, to enhance programme quality and innovation. Manage vendor relationships and oversee quality management systems for external learning and assessment providers. Champion a culture of continuous learning and development, leveraging digital and multimedia solutions to maximise reach and impact. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness, adoption, and compliance of learning and performance programmes, using data to drive improvements. Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to ensure Sonova remains a leader in leadership development and talent management.

At Sonova, we envision a world where everyone can enjoy the delight of hearing. This vision inspires us and fuels our commitment to developing innovative solutions that improve hearing health and human connection - from personal audio devices and wireless communication systems to hearing aids and cochlear implants. We're dedicated to providing outstanding customer experiences through our global audiological care services, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage fully with the world around them. Guided by a culture of continuous improvement that fosters resilience and self-motivation, our team is united by a shared commitment to excellence and a deep sense of pride in our work, each of us playing a vital role in creating meaningful change. Here you’ll find a diverse range of opportunities that span both consumer and medical solutions and the freedom to shape your career while making an impact on the lives of others. Join us in our mission to create a more connected world, where every voice is heard and every story matters.

• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in global learning, leadership development, and performance management, with a proven track record of designing and scaling high-impact talent development programmes in complex, matrixed organisations.

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Human Resources, Business, or a related field; formal training or qualification in talent development or coaching is highly desirable.

• Ability to develop and execute integrated learning and performance strategies that align with business objectives, drive organisational transformation, and foster a culture of continuous development and high performance.

• Deep knowledge of leadership models, coaching methodologies (including AI-enabled coaching), and talent development frameworks, with experience leading flagship programmes for senior and emerging leaders.

• Strong analytical skills with expertise in leveraging learning analytics, programme evaluation, and performance data to inform strategy, optimise learning experiences, and demonstrate measurable business impact.

• Exceptional stakeholder management and internal consulting skills, with a proven ability to influence senior executives and cross-functional leaders, champion change initiatives, and navigate organisational complexity with agility and resilience.

• Skilled in designing blended learning solutions that incorporate digital, experiential, and social learning modalities at scale, utilising cutting-edge technologies and platforms to enhance engagement and accessibility.

• Experience leading diverse, geographically dispersed teams and programmes across multiple regions (EMEA, Americas, APAC), with sensitivity to cultural nuances and local market dynamics.

• Proven capability in managing budgets, vendor relationships, and quality assurance processes to deliver cost-effective, scalable, and compliant learning and performance management solutions.

• Expertise in learning management systems (e.g., SuccessFactors) and other digital tools that support learning analytics and talent development.

• Outstanding communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, capable of engaging and inspiring audiences at all organisational levels, from store sales employees to C-suite executives.

• Proven experience designing and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within learning and talent development strategies to build inclusive leadership capabilities.

• Experience working within a corporate headquarters environment, collaborating closely with HR Centres of Excellence, business leaders, and external partners such as business schools and learning providers.

• English is a must; proficiency in multiple languages is an asset.