Manager, Sales Planning & Operations CEEMA - Part time FTC

Job Description

Please note that this role is based in the United Kingdom. In order to enable us to meet statutory and regulatory obligations of the United Kingdom immigration system you must have the appropriate immigration permission needed to work and reside in the United Kingdom.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is one of the industry’s leading content providers, producing and distributing worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPE is home to a thriving global content business, operating a robust portfolio of wholly owned and joint-venture production companies across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, as well as linear and digital channels around the world.

The TV Distribution Sales Planning team is responsible for setting and delivering our product distribution strategy, supporting negotiations and delivering the end-to-end sales process. This includes franchise planning, managing product availabilities and rights, negotiation and pricing support, contract review and execution, and budget and forecasting.

This part time (3 days a week) role is a 12 month fixed term contract to join the Sales Planning and Operations team in TV Distribution, supporting the CEEMA region whilst key members of the team are working on a global strategic windowing and avails project, but will be required to assist where required in the CEEMA region. The role in Sales Planning & Operations covers three key areas: Deal Management & Administration, Sales Analysis & Title Inventory Management, Forecasting & Planning.

This position will primarily be supporting the Sales Planning team in CEE & CIS and will need to ensure regular communications and provide expertise on the clients, deals, sales history, current forecasts. They will also support projects, approvals and best practice initiatives, with potential for line management.

The candidate will have a passion for content and a broad understanding of the distribution business necessary to support the sales process. They will be a highly motivated individual able to communicate important market and client development to the relevant audience and be confident in working with Senior Executives within the group.

What you'll do:

The job’s most important functions and responsibilities include:

Deal Management & Administration

• Set up & maintain deals in Sales & Rights Management systems (RPM & S2F) for own deal responsibility
• Manage contractual obligations and meet all deadlines as detailed in the contracts
• Draft simple contract drafts and amendments using standard templates, working with Legal team when necessary
• Assist and track progress of deal execution working closely with Sales and Legal on contract drafting, documentation and execution
• Client Support: Liaise with clients on queries relating to deals e.g. billing discrepancies, servicing issues, US Network scheduling changes.
• Client Support: Develop an excellent working relationship with clients and attend external meetings as required to support Sales process
• Internal Relationships:
  • Finance - to ensure customer checks are carried out, resolving invoicing/payment issue, and responding to audit queries
  • DCS (Materials Fulfilment team) to ensure we can plan and provide assets on time for new and existing deals.
  • Global Deals Management team - to ensure global deals and avails are accurate
• Ensure all Sales Planning Procedures are upheld by seeking appropriate reviews, and Approvals
• Actively support system UAT and engage in the process of system development and enhancements

Sales Analysis & Title Inventory Management

• Support negotiations of new deals and renegotiations with analysis, working with the Sales team, Exec Director, Sales Planning and the Central Analysis team based in London
• Analyse reports for available products and identify appropriate titles that meet client and sales criteria, and maximise the sales potential
• Window Management - Maximise window opportunities for all product
• Establish Window Strategy for Franchise titles for local and Global Deals
• Utilise and engage in the development of new software tools e.g. Tableau

Forecasting & Planning

• Take ownership for ensuring all deals and data in RPM /S2F is accurate and up to date
• Maintain/update the annual and MRP (Mid Range Plan) forecasts in RPM, process changes in a timely manner and keep Executive Director Sales Planning and Sales Teams informed of updates regularly
• Provide variance analysis on product, deals and/or market assumptions to support Sales in preparing the forecast
• Create summaries and commentary to Sales & Finance within prescribed deadlines
• Attend and contribute to regular forecast review meetings with Sales, Planning and Finance teams

What you have:

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to minimum undergraduate degree level
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a Content Distribution Sales planning role
• Experience using content licensing and rights management systems a must (RPM, S2F)
• Strong IT skills, in particular Excel (pivot tables, formulae), PowerPoint and must be confident learning new systems
• Experience training other team members a plus
• Fluency in English is essential

Competencies

• Highly numerate with excellent attention to all details – accuracy, presentation and completeness
• Problem Solving & Decision making – demonstrates an ability to address root causes of problems, identify alternatives and propose solutions
• Excellent communication skills: Clear and articulate when speaking with an individual or before a group; confident in voicing their opinion, express ideas, thoughts and concepts and influencing within the Sales and Sales Planning group
• Able to provide information and reports in appropriate format and on a timely basis to key stakeholders to support decision making
• Proactive and adaptable – anticipate needs in different situations and takes appropriate action with guidance and on own initiative
• Able to work effectively on their own as well as being a strong team player, willing to step in and assist colleagues when necessary

How we take care of you:

• Competitive salary, with annual bonus eligibility.
• A choice of comprehensive health plan options that fit your lifestyle including private medical insurance.
• Rest and recharge during a week off during the winter holidays, in addition to the 25 days of paid annual leave.
• Participate in extensive learning & development opportunities at all levels, including curated instructor-led classes and high impact online resources.
• Build your community by joining our Employee Business Resource Groups, and/or Sony Pictures Action – our racial equity and inclusion strategy.
• Access to an employee online store filled with a variety of discounted Sony products.
• Watch the newest movies and TV shows at our exclusive employee screenings at work.
• Entitlement to apply for an interest-free season ticket loan.
• Automatic enrolment in the Company’s Pension Plan
• Free counselling and advisory service.
• You will be automatically enrolled in the Company’s Life Insurance and Group Income Protection Plans subject to any applicable service requirements.
• The opportunity to attend various social events in our state-of-the-art offices in Paddington.
• In addition to the above we have a range of other optional discounted benefits that are reviewed regularly (e.g., gym memberships, travel insurance, activity passes, car leasing, experience days and many more!)

Please note that this role is based in the United Kingdom. In order to enable us to meet statutory and regulatory obligations of the United Kingdom immigration system you must have the appropriate immigration permission needed to work and reside in the United Kingdom.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is committed to equal opportunity in all its employment practices, policies and procedures. No worker or potential worker will therefore receive less favourable treatment due to his or her race, age, creed, sexual orientation, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, religion, gender, marital status or Trade Union membership (if applicable).