Product Comms Creative Specialist - 12m FTC

Sony Playstation; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 60,000

Job description

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 PlayStation5, PlayStation4, PlayStationVR, PlayStationPlus, 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.

Department Overview:

This role is based within the Product Comms team, part of the Platform Experience Group (PEG) division of Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Our goal is to maximise the impact of launch and in-life performance of our products and services, through timely, relevant, compelling and detailed Product Communications. The core audience is comprised of senior internal stakeholders across the global business, at both executive and working level.

The team’s output most commonly takes the form of written PowerPoint documents, but may also include video, web, Word, Excel etc., depending on the needs of the specific project. We also design and deliver product demonstrations for stakeholders across the business, as products get nearer to launch.

Projects include new product launches, the introduction of changes and updates to products in the market (e.g. console/peripheral/application software updates), and the delivery of other key strategic projects.

More recently, our remit has begun to expand; certain projects will include the creation of communications for SIE’s external partners. As a result, we’re now looking to grow our creative production resource within the team!

Role Overview:

This role is focused on providing creative production support across the full range of projects that the Product Comms team works on.

You’ll support the Creative Lead with all aspects of the team’s creative output – copywriting and proofreading support, design and layout. In other words, it will draw upon your skills in both copywriting and visual layout/design.

We also produce video on occasion; familiarity with video production and/or editing would be a bonus.

The role will also require you to work with Microsoft SharePoint, as the team actively maintains a SharePoint comms site, through which its audience can self-serve materials as required. Given the sensitive nature of the information we manage, recognition of the importance of information security and careful handling of all material is critical. Guidance for this aspect of the role will be provided, but any prior experience would be a bonus.

What you’ll do:

• Work with information provided by our Product Management colleagues in Japan, the US and the UK to craft precise, detailed, succinct communication materials. Includes analysing/questioning the materials to ensure all pertinent info is extracted during our info-gathering process.
• Designing and creating materials that elegantly communicate product information in a format that is accessible, easy to digest and navigate.
• Although there is a clear emphasis on creative production, you’ll be asked to assist the team throughout the lifecycle of a project – info-gathering, creative production, review, publication (via SharePoint), version updates etc.

What we’re looking for:

This role requires a creative all-rounder; someone with excellent written skills, plus an appreciation for visual communication. While not a design role specifically, our documents are always highly visual – so you should have a keen sense of what looks good, what the right amount of content is for a given deliverable/page etc.

Beyond the immediate focus on creative skills, the role will draw on a diverse range of abilities – we’re open to hearing from candidates who are keen to grow their experience in one or more of these areas.

The role is initially for a 1-year contract.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what and who we’re looking for:

• Ideally, 2-5 years professional writing experience, preferably in some combination of interactive, marketing, and technical venues. Those with lower amounts of professional experience will still be considered, if these skills can be well demonstrated.
• Solid knowledge of design and layout principles, and accessibility.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a proven history of meeting deadlines.
• Enthusiastic, organized approach to multi-tasking, with a command of current projects and their statuses.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 suite is required – particularly PowerPoint, Word, Excel
• Able to quickly learn and comfortably work with multiple tools as required (e.g. project tracking tools, video editing, internal communication tools etc.).
• Able to become an expert on your assigned products, gauge new products and features, and make constructive suggestions that aid in their ideation and development.
• Able to be a strong brand advocate who works with diverse teams to achieve business objectives.
• Able to demonstrate clear understanding of UX in tech products.
• Willing to enjoy a relaxed office with co-workers who truly enjoy what they do! The team works flexibly, spending some time at home and some time in the London office.
• Strong interpersonal, client, and team relational skills with the ability to collaborate with many stakeholders.
• Some degree of flexibility; we work closely with teams in Japan and the US, and it may be necessary to attend meetings outside of core UK working hours on occasion.
• A positive, collaborative approach, with a view to completing the team’s objectives with high levels of quality and enjoyment.

The following experience would be desirable (but please don’t feel it’s essential to tick every box in this list!):

• Knowledge of cloud-based project management/tracking tools and Digital Asset Management tools.
• Experience and knowledge of working with design/layout software.
• Experience of working with video editing.
• Prior working experience in a relevant field – e.g. creative agency, or toy, gaming, entertainment or electronics industry.
• Experience working in a B2B environment.
• Interest and enthusiasm for new technologies and gaming.
• Familiarity with the agile software development process.

Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus opportunity
• Hybrid Working (within 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

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.