Finance Director, Software Forecasting & Planning in London

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As the Software Forecasting & Planning Finance Director, you 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.
• Drive 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.
• Work 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).
• Work 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 partner with 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, multi-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.
• 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. Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.