Manager – Non-Theatrical Localization

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 Entertainment (SPE) is a leading producer and distributor of entertainment products, services, and technology. Our global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home video acquisitions and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment technologies and distribution of filmed entertainment in over 67 countries.

The Manager, Non-Theatrical Localization position supervises a team within Localization, a sub-division of SPE’s Distribution and Content Services (DCS) operations group, responsible for foreign language dubbing and subtitling of TV episodic and feature product for all SPE business streams post-Theatrical in EMEA, in addition to supporting similar activities in LATAM and APAC.

Overseeing a team of coordinators and managing their adherence to SPE policies, procedures, workflows, and performance standards to maintain timely delivery of the highest quality language assets within budget, whilst anticipating workflow deviations for accelerated deadlines, troubleshooting and exception management, with escalation to senior management where required.

Work with globally situated DCS teams on availability of OV and localised assets, delivery timelines and contractual fulfilment requirements. Anticipate business needs through frequent collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including the Theatrical Localization team, to ensure all language assets are available in time for all downstream requirements. Proactively plan resources to support marketing initiatives and objectives.

Oversee the development and implementation of workflow SOP’s, systems, and technologies to standardise and enhance localisation operations globally.

Maintain staff training and development, guiding team to learn new technologies, identify operational efficiencies and recognise personal development opportunities.

Manage vendors including system and operational implementation, rejection reviews and performance management as required.

Participate in planning, forecasting and strategy meetings. Perform regular metric evaluations, participate in RFP’s and manufacturing cost analysis for specific projects or as required by senior management.

What you’ll do:

LOCALISATION – 30%

• Oversee and provide managerial support to EMEA team for all localisation projects.
• Ensure accurate and punctual project administration.
• Handle relationships with localisation vendors related to quality, costs, and timely delivery.
• Build, develop, and improve DCS global localisation workflows, processes, and best practices.
• Review and resolve issues ensuring commitment to SPE policies and specifications.
• Collaborate with OV and language version mastering and authoring teams on asset availability.
• Maintain clear lines of communication with up-stream and down-stream groups.

STAFF ADMINISTRATION – 20%

• Lead and motivate the team through regular performance reviews in compliance with company guidelines, conducting staff training and development planning and support employee morale and communication goals and objectives.
• Conduct/attend departmental and divisional staff meetings; participate in recommended seminars and occasional travel to address customer servicing & operational issues.
• Disseminate, uphold, and adhere to corporate strategies; administer policies and procedures for staff including employee development, disciplinary actions, and attendance.

LOB SUPPORT AND CONSULTATION – 20%

• Participate with SPE sales groups in new deal development strategies, client launches, contract amendments, with emphasis on supporting SPE digital fulfilment strategy.
• Anticipate new strategies and workflow efficiencies for new service launches, often with very tight turnaround times, new technology requirements and materials delivery challenges.
• Working in collaboration with TV Distribution Sales Planning and Sales teams, proactively identify upcoming localisation requirements. Implement and improve order-to-delivery localisation timelines with a view to supporting and growing day-and-date license requirements.
• Ongoing, advise SPE sales groups, clients, vendors, and internal business partners of any issues related to the fulfilment of contracts.

AI, SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY – 10%

• Working with senior management and global localisation stakeholders, identify, develop, and implement new systems and workflows to enhance and supplement localization activity, including and not limited to project management toolsets, language asset review tools and KNP/glossary management.
• Specific focus on the use of AI to enhance workflows supporting localisation activities, with emphasis on its role in translation, voice synthesis and mixing. Navigate complex political, cultural, and ethical challenges whilst progressing targeted application of AI to support SPE business needs.

EXCEPTION MANAGEMENT – 10%

• Management of accelerated delivery workflows, contingency plans, and non-standard requests. Ensure that there is clear communication with LOB on requirements and delivery timelines. Conduct order prioritisation and provide local support for Home Office for accelerated delivery.
• Provide local support for home office for on time delivery and rejection management.
• Manage, maintain, review, and analyse regular performance metric reports, including volume trends, delivery performance, reasons for late delivery, rejection rates, and specific rejection issues, in order to support project planning and placement.

DCS LOCAL SUPPORT – 10%

• Represent DCS to other SPE groups who also support SPE business initiatives and objectives to streamline policies and procedures to reduce SLA’s, ensure compliance with client requirements and reduce costs.
• Lead communication with DCS internal manufacturing departments and external vendors to ensure delivery of materials, assist in solving material issues and provide guidance on client material and timeline requirements.
• Share, problem solve and discuss processes, ideas, workflows with regional teams to promote inclusion, collaboration, and synergy within the global Localisation team.

What you have:

Knowledge of:

• Dubbing (Lip sync and Voice Over) for Theatrical, Home Entertainment, Television and VOD platforms.
• Legacy, current, and future dubbing technology
• OV Post-production workflow for feature films and episodic television shows.
• Studio distribution business (sales, territory release windows, release strategies, revenue streams)
• Post-production for picture and audio.
• Picture and audio formats.
• Digital file transfer methods.
• Cloud-based workflows.
• Microsoft Office
• Manufacturing budgeting and forecasting processes

Skilled In:

• Communication - Written and verbal with clients and colleagues worldwide
• Administration and organization
• Account management
• Employee, client, and vendor relations
• Setting goals, communicating expectations, measuring performance, and adjusting process or performance as required
• Project management – visualise, plan, implement, close

Ability To:

• Successfully manage deadlines
• Maintain positive relationships with clients & vendors across different cultures and nationalities
• Motivate and develop team of staff
• Diagnose staff development needs and implement training/coaching as required
• Manage process improvement
• Analyse and manage costs within budgetary constraints
• Multi-task
• Adapt to constant technology changes within the industry

How we take care of you:

• 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.

In addition to the above we have a range of other optional discounted benefits that are reviewed regularly (e.g., gym memberships, travel insurance, activity passes, car leasing, experience days and many more!) If you require any reasonable adjustments with any part of the recruitment process, including the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please put Reasonable Adjustment Request in the subject line of the email.

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).

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