Sales Manager, Distribution – CEE

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 for the duration of the employment.

Sony Pictures Television is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing, and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. The Distribution arm manages one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows, anime and formats (scripted and unscripted).

The Sales Manager shall perform sales activities in CEE (excluding Poland) within an assigned remit as part of the London-based and the wider CEE & CIS team, reporting directly to SVP, Distribution & Networks, CEE & Russia and holds responsibility over the licensing of the portfolio of SPT content to territory-based clients - broadcasters and platforms alike. This is a key role which is dedicated to sales activities in CEE (excluding Poland) within the assigned territory remit. The role requires great relationship management, ability to work within a team and to support all areas of the CEE distribution business.

What you'll do:

• Sales and Business Development: Work hand in hand with the SVP, Distribution & Networks, CEE & Russia to manage existing deal commitments and partnerships as well as create and initiate new business opportunities. Ensure in-depth product knowledge across all product categories. In coordination with the Director of International Formats, Sales Executive of International Formats and other department collaborators, help to develop and implement the non-scripted and scripted formats strategy in CEE. Be at the forefront of market trends including the evolution of our competition and clients.
• Deal Negotiation and Management: Negotiate and then handle the execution of deals together with legal function and sales planning – from initial planning to signature of the long form agreement.
• Budget Setting: Assist in preparing annual sales budgets as well as mid-range plans. Provide sales estimates and projections on individual deals and/or products, ultimately ensuring that such projections and budgets are met or exceeded.
• Account Management and Relationships: Grow, develop and nurture strong and positive relationships with key clients, partners, managers and internal stakeholders. Ensure that clients are updated on the Company’s product and releases.
• Sales Planning: Understand all aspects of sales planning; collaborate with the sales planning team to optimize product value based on business objectives, market conditions, and standard methodology.
• Marketing, Research & Promotions: Work closely with the CEE Marketing team on presentations and activities sought to improving pre/post-sales processes in order to enhance our content pitches, client relationships and business activities.
• Sony Relationships: Develop relationships with key partners within Sony Pictures Television as well as across other key divisions at SPE, and with other Sony Corp. entities such as Sony Music, Electronics, Sony Mobile and PlayStation.

The individual must have and/or demonstrate:

• Typically 3 – 5 years’ experience and track record of achievements within the TV/film distribution business, with focus on sales.
• Good understanding of all forms of TV/film distribution, including but not limited to Free TV, Pay TV, Basic TV, TVOD, EST, SVOD.
• Proven awareness of market trends and competitor product.
• Experience in successfully supporting complex deal negotiations with the ability to clearly analyze, evaluate and then communicate opportunities, uncertainties and risks to the SVP, Distribution & Networks.
• Confident “self-starter” who is a creative, critical and autonomous thinker; thrives under the pressure of meeting tight deadlines.
• Communicative, proactive problem solver, adaptable, pragmatic and resourceful with good organizational skills.
• Great presentation and sales skills, adept at managing client relationships as well as internal relationships.
• Must be a collaborative team player; with the ability to work hand-in-hand with the Legal and Business Affairs, Technology, Marketing, Publicity, Research, Operations, Analysis and other departments.
• Proficient in Power Point and Word, being able to present information in a concise and effective manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel to individual markets in the territory on an occasional/ad hoc basis.

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.

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 their race, age, creed, sexual orientation, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, religion, gender, marital status or Trade Union membership (if applicable).