Role overview:

As the Software Forecasting & Planning Finance Director will lead the Software Centre of Excellence/ Planning team. You will be accountable for Software forecast across PlayStation Global software business covering Digital and Physical sales for Third Party and First Party content.

The team works closely with the Direct to Consumer (D2C), Third Party and First Party teams to support the business with short- and long-term planning activities. It also collaborates with the ML/Data Science, Data & Analytics teams to ensure our forecasting models are robust and optimised.  Operating as a single global function, the role drives a unified forecasting approach, leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning models, and will be responsible to continue to evolve the function focusing on automation and AI to ensure we are fit for the future.

What you will be doing

• Develop and evolve scalable forecasting frameworks, incorporating ML-driven models. Drives adoption and effectiveness of recently adopted ML models
• Lead planning processes and outputs, including automated dashboards, through planning tool
• Identify opportunities to improve forecast accuracy, automation, and efficiency
• Own the bottom-up global software forecasting across 1 Party, 2 Party and 3 Party for full game and add-on sales as well as the top-down global consumer model for Store sales
• Works closely with other Finance teams (i.e., 1P investments) to provide forecasts and revenue scenarios that help influence commercial strategy and investment decisions
• Work closely with marketing and commercial stakeholders helping influence GTM strategies (launch timing, pricing) and influencing GTM investments (marketing budgets)
• Works closely with IT and other Finance areas to define the long-term forecasting vision, including tools, data, and modelling capabilities required
• Collaborate with data science and engineering teams to continue to build, optimise , enhance and productionise models
• Business partners Store Leadership team on forecasting matters, including weekly outlooks, quarterly forecasts and budget. Support Monthly/ quarterly business reviews
• Translate complex data and model outputs into clear, actionable business insights
• Build and lead a high-performing global forecasting team, setting standards for analytical rigour and stakeholder influence
• Develop future talent and capability in advanced analytics and forecasting

What we're looking for:

• 10+ years of relevant experience working in forecasting function, ideally digital-focused environment with proven experience building and managing forecasts
• Experience leading enterprise-level forecasting function
• Experience working with advanced analytics/ machine learning models (hands-on and / or in partnership with ML/analytics teams)
• Ability to operate both at strategic and technical levels and experience managing and influencing Senior Stakeholders
• Experience with off-the-shelf planning tools i.e., Anaplan
• Experience of working in global, mulit-matrixed organisations

Preferred Qualities:

• Background in gaming, entertainment or digital platforms
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships
• Proactive and driven individual that can push forecasting agenda forward
• Innovation
• Attention to detail, commitment to accuracy & adherence to deadlines
• Able to identify and develop opportunities to improve, innovate and/or pioneer new ways of working through continuous process improvement practices

Success Measures

• Forecast accuracy (controllable forecast by 5%) and predictability
• Adoption of forecasting outputs in commercial decisions
• Speed and quality of scenario-based decision support
• Reduction in manual processes / increased automation
• Stakeholder confidence in forecasting outputs

Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus opportunity
• Hybrid Working Model (Flexmodes)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• 25 days holiday per year
• On Site Gym
• Subsidised Café
• Free soft drinks
• On site bar
• Access to cycle garage and showers

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

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