At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business planning and forecasting for innovative products at Sony.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Sony, a leader in technology and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and wellness programs.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product market share and profitability.
- Qualifications: Experience in business planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Business Planning Manager to join our Professional Displays & Solutions (PD&S) business, working with all internal teams including Product Marketing, B2B channel sales, business development, trade & segment marketing, Marcoms, and Tokyo HQ. You will enable Sony to maximise the B2B BRAVIA, LED, Projectors product market share and profit in Europe, by driving accurate planning, forecasting, collaboration, and reporting across internal and external partners. This role will have high visibility across the business, with a high demand from internal teams, so you should be someone who can manage communication and expectations accordingly, while focusing on critical actions and outcomes.
We’re always open to new ways of working, and want your fresh ideas and energy to continuously improve our business.
You will:
- Planning & Forecasting: Analyze market data, competitor trends, and forecast accuracy to support strategic planning and inventory optimization across product categories. Develop and maintain rolling forecasts at product level, aligned with distributor requirements and internal supply chain capabilities. Monitor and manage inventory performance indicators to balance availability, minimize overstock, and control costs while meeting service levels.
- Financial Accountability: Lead financial planning and reporting on net sales and profit contribution, with oversight of pricing strategy, costs, and profitability targets. Monitor material costs and key cost drivers (exchange rates, components, freight) to identify variances and inform business decisions. Ensure pricing recommendations support target profitability while aligning with marketing objectives and internal inventory constraints.
- Reporting: Prepare and deliver regular reports for senior management at both regional and headquarters levels, including category business reviews and ad hoc analysis. Maintain effective communication and reporting relationships with headquarters and regional leadership to support decision-making. Consolidate and present key business metrics and insights to support management visibility and strategic alignment.
You will bring:
- Business planning, forecasting, and budgeting experience.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of KPI tracking and performance analysis.
Your new office: Based at the Weybridge office, you will enjoy a vibrant and friendly working environment. We have an onsite canteen with a wide range of options available, and a barista style coffee shop. There is a well-provisioned onsite gym run by our own Sony Wellbeing Coordinator, with classes on set days in the mornings, at lunch and after work hours. We have a staff car park which includes electric charging points, an undercover and secure bike rack, or if you will use public transport we have a shuttle bus service that regularly runs between train station and the office at peak times.
Life at Sony: We ensure competitive salaries and benefits by using established benchmarking. We encourage healthy work-life balance supported by hybrid and flexible working policies. We are a positive community who dream big together, respect each other, and enjoy a collaborative culture. We like to celebrate our colleagues who make a real difference using our recognition platform. We also provide access to numerous services and platforms for all aspects of wellbeing. We listen to our people through conversations and surveys, respect their suggestions, then act on them. We also provide allowances for volunteering days so that our staff can support the causes they are most passionate about.
Bring your uniqueness to Sony: We are passionate about creating a culture that promotes equity and cultivates inclusion, diversity, and belonging. We want employees with diverse backgrounds and perspectives that will stimulate innovation and have a direct impact on our creation of social value to fulfil Sony’s purpose – ‘to fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology’. We want you to bring your unique self to work and help shape our culture.
We are Sony Europe: Our people collaborate in an environment of respect, integrity, and open-mindedness. Diverse teams from all over Europe are the driving force for our business, and we embrace the differences that make each of us original and unique. With offices in 28 European countries, Sony Europe caters to consumer, professional, semiconductor and healthcare markets with innovative electronics products and solutions. Our European laboratories research and develop new technologies and capabilities that contribute to the Sony Group and important issues on a planetary scale.
Bring your passion, creativity and ambitions to Sony Europe. Apply now, and let’s create the future together.
Equal Opportunity: Sony Europe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, or any other protected characteristics.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Europe: Sony Europe will provide reasonable accommodation for any qualified individuals with disabilities in the application process. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at AccommodationRequest@eu.sony.com or by mail to: Sony Europe Limited, Human Resources Department, the Heights, Brooklands, Surrey, KT13 0XW, UK. When contacting us please indicate the position you are applying for, and the accommodation required.
Recruitment Fraud Notice: Please be aware that unauthorised individuals or organisations may attempt to solicit personal information or payments from job applicants by impersonating our company through fraudulent job postings. While we take these matters seriously, we cannot control third-party websites. To protect your personal information, please verify that any job posting you respond to also appears on our official Sony Europe Career Portal. Please also be advised that we never request payment or personal financial information.
Business Planning Manager in Weybridge employer: Sony Corporation
At Sony, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and friendly working environment at our Weybridge office. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, competitive salaries, and a culture that promotes collaboration and innovation, we provide ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, including access to learning programmes and the chance to explore roles across various countries. Join us to be part of a diverse community that values your unique contributions and supports your ambitions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Planning Manager in Weybridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Sony through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Sony’s products, especially in the B2B space, and be ready to discuss how your skills in planning and forecasting can help them maximise their market share.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills during the interview! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. This will demonstrate that you can handle the financial accountability aspect of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Sony team!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Planning Manager in Weybridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in planning, forecasting, and budgeting, and show how your skills align with what we're looking for at Sony.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, don’t shy away from showcasing your data analysis skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully used data to drive decisions or improve processes.
Communicate Clearly:Effective communication is key in this position. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. This will help us see how you can manage expectations and communicate with various teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sony Corporation
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to market data, competitor trends, and financial performance. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive planning and forecasting.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working with various internal teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different departments in the past. Highlight your communication strategies and how you managed expectations to achieve critical outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to balance inventory performance with cost control. Prepare to explain your thought process and the actions you took to resolve these challenges.
✨Bring Fresh Ideas
Sony values innovation and fresh perspectives. Come prepared with ideas on how to improve business processes or enhance product market share. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to contributing positively to the team.
