Finance Director, Software Forecasting & Planning

Why PlayStation?

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 Group Corporation.

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.

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. 

 

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.