Senior Manager, Creative - Global Licensed Merchandise

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PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more.

PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.

The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation.

Position: Sr. Manager, Creative - Global Licensed Merchandise 

Location: San Mateo, CA (HQ) / Hybrid / Remote 

*PlayStation offers a global hybrid office/remote working model — Flex Modes — which aims to combine the flexibility of remote working with the magic of in-person collaboration. The model is built upon the principle of working together in-person as work requires, with the freedom to work remotely otherwise. We will consider fully remote candidates who are able to come in for 'Moments that Matter'.

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Manager, Creative on the Global Licensed Merchandise Team with strong global licensing experience to manage the global creative and product development team.

The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for design, a passion for consumer trends, and the ability to drive creative excellence across various projects.

You have a proven track record for working on large IP projects and culturally relevant programs with partners across hardlines and softlines categories to grow the PlayStation brand and our software IP titles.

You will partner closely with the Licensing leads, licensees and gaming studios, to bring the global vision, strategy, and operational plan to life.

This role will work with executives and stakeholders, internally and externally, to deliver business results. We are seeking an out-of-the-box thinker, who can operate proactively in a fast-paced environment and is able to wear many hats.

Responsibilities: 

• Team management and experience coaching.
• Detailed understanding of the product development processes, production, and manufacturing.
• Lead the planning and development of style guides, creative assets, PD tools, and serving as the primary driver behind the creation process.
•  Collaborate with external agencies to source talent and manage the execution of creative projects, ensuring alignment with brand standards and objectives.
• Generate mock-ups, product applications, and mood boards that effectively communicate key trends and concepts to internal teams and external partners.
• Guide creative collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead all stages of product development across all categories for any licensing deal or collaborations.
• Undertake general design tasks to support Licensing team’s efforts, including but not limited to branding, packaging, promotional and marketing collateral trade show needs, and sales materials.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in a creative leadership role, preferably within the licensing and consumer products industry.
• Exceptional design skills with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design software.
• Strong project management abilities, including the capacity to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage resources effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A strategic mindset with a deep understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and brand positioning.
• Proven experience to manage studios (film, series or game) in the creation of product development
• Gaming experience preferred

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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.