Project Manager, Sustaining R&D

Job Description

As part of Olympus’ Sustaining Engineering team within the Surgical & Interventional Solutions division, this role is responsible for the planning and execution of a wide range of sustaining engineering initiatives, including complex quality and compliance activities such as our more complex CAPAs*, remediation of design and development files, and implementing post‑launch design changes that support product performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance, as well as managing functional / organizational initiatives.  In addition this role regularly report on the progress of the various efforts they oversee to ensure current status is aligned with expectations. When required, this position proactively triage issues and resolve roadblocks for the project team.

This role develops clear and actionable project execution plans in collaboration with Sustaining R&D management and cross‑functional partners in design assurance, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, supply chain, and other key functions to ensure adequate staffing, clear objectives and appropriately detailed project plans.

This highly collaborative and dynamic role requires the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with varying levels of technical depth, urgency, and complexity. Strong communication skills are essential for providing recurring project updates, presenting progress to management, and maintaining alignment across stakeholders.

The position calls for an experienced engineer who can effectively lead cross‑functional efforts while also independently driving project deliverables forward.

*Note: CAPA’s are led by an R&D Sust. Engineer, however large / complex CAPA’s benefit from Project Management support.

Job Duties

Project Planning

• Defines and documents clear project objectives, scope, and cross‑functional alignment, negotiating trade‑offs as needed.
• Establishes actionable project plans and schedules that reflect priorities, constraints, and required resources.

Project Execution Management

• Exhibits strong influence, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Develops strong working knowledge of Olympus systems, processes, and tools to drive efficient execution and effective problem‑solving.
• Monitors project progress, anticipates risks and unknowns, and implements mitigation strategies to minimize delays.
• Guides cross‑functional teams toward aligned objectives and decisions, even in environments with diverse perspectives and competing inputs.
• Approaches all engagements with a solutions‑oriented mindset, demonstrating ownership, accountability, and follow‑through.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Communicates complex technical or project challenges clearly and concisely to teams and leadership.
• Delivers effective presentations and status updates to senior management.
• Builds strong, trusting relationships with stakeholders across functions and geographies.

Continuous Improvement

• Identifies and champions enhancements to systems, processes, and practices that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and overall project outcomes.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partners with Sustaining Operations on financial tracking, Offshore Development Center engagements, and other operational support needs.

Team Development

• Participates in interviewing members of the sustaining project management