Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with millions of gamers around the globe having enjoyed the company's products over the years. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets.
SOE has developed and/or published a number of ground-breaking and genre-defining games, including EverQuest, EverQuest II, Star Wars Galaxies, PlanetSide, The Matrix Online, EverQuest Online Adventures, Champions of Norrath, Untold Legends, Field Commander, Vanguard, and the newly announced FreeRealms, DC Universe Online and The Agency.
Based in San Diego, California, with development studios in Austin, Seattle, Denver, Tucson and Taiwan, SOE strives to push the envelope of online entertainment quality, innovation and delivery, thus maintaining a leading position on the cutting-edge of technology.
Position Title: Brand Manager Department: Marketing Reports To: Sr. Brand Manager Location: Austin, TX
About Sony Online Entertainment Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games which have entertained millions of players around the globe. SOE creates and delivers compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchise EverQuest®, its successful online trading card game Legends of Norrath®, as well as the recent kids’ phenomenon Free Realms™, SOE continues to raise the bar for online gaming and players worldwide.
Headquartered in San Diego, with additional studios in Austin, Seattle, Denver, Tucson, and Taiwan, SOE has a slate of engaging, high-quality games currently in development across new genres for all platforms and audiences.
The Brand Manager will lead the development of the brand strategy and execute all marketing activities related to assigned brands. This includes, but is not limited to, development of the strategic brand and SKU plans (product positioning, target market, category & competitive analysis, pricing analysis, product lifecycle management, marketing tactics, acquisition and retention goals and allocation of marketing budget).
Additionally, the Brand Manager will lead the development and execution of all consumer communication materials including key art and packaging, TV/Print/Online advertising, Web site creation, email creative/text, in-game item offers, promotional programs, social network strategies, trailers, promotional materials, copy and ancillary creative materials.
The position also entails working with a variety of internal and external cross-functional groups (International Marketing & PR Teams, Product Development, Platform Operations, Creative Agencies, Sales, Channel Marketing, Business Development, Public Relations, Community Relations, Consumer Research, Media Agencies and Marketing Partners) to coordinate brand related activities and maximize the sales potential of each release. The candidate must possess an innate ability to foster teamwork internally across departments to complete projects on time and on budget.
Primary Responsibilities: • Facilitate and manage all processes that successfully bring a product to market, or launch a promotional program • Work with producers on game content to ensure that games developed are appropriate to the market • Develop and execute the marketing plan for assigned products, including management of product marketing budget and delivery of marketing materials within allocated budget and timeframes • Analytical strength in determining marketing strategies and opportunities • Manage information flow between departments to ensure all related materials communicate title and positioning in a consistent fashion • Train and mentor marketing coordinators and specialists as the department grows • Continually monitor interactive entertainment business trends, identify opportunities and risks and make recommendations to drive business to meet objectives • Quantify and track brand “health” and performance and work with cross-functional teams to increase metrics to achieve established goals • Help foster internal passion and excitement for brand tenets and direction • Work with PR department to develop PR strategy, plan and execution • Collaborate with Sales/Channel Marketing to plan and execute retail channel programs • Work with creative services/agencies to develop product packaging (including design and copy), manuals, disc art, channel and sales support materials • Develop and execute appropriate advertising, consumer promotions, trial programs, fan outreach, and online presence for assigned titles • Work with market research to conduct focus groups and other research as necessary • Other responsibilities are performed as assigned or needed
Requirements: • B.A./B.S. degree required • 4+ years of brand management or product marketing experience • Experience with game software essential; experience with online games preferred • Strong analytical and creative skills • Demonstrated skill in managing multiple priorities • Proven ability to develop strong internal and external relationships and excellent collaborative skills • A successful track record of bringing products to market • A “strong passion” for interactive entertainment • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Strong technical skills and a general understanding of technology trends • Significant travel required
Sony Online Entertainment is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to Diversity in the Workplace.
