Brand Director, Sonic

Industry:

Company: SEGA OF AMERICA INC

Job Details

Job Location
Burbank Office – Burbank, CA

Position Type
Full Time

Salary Range
$180,000.00 – $215,000.00 Salary

Description

Hybrid Work Model

SEGA. . . What do you think of when you hear that word? Do you think of the console with the iconic, harmonized voice fire ups or do you think of the countless gaming hits from Sonic the Hedgehog, Golden Axe, or the Persona series? . . .

When we think of SEGA, we think of its evolution as a pioneer in the video game market to one of the most prominent video game developers and publishers ever! Globally, SEGA has over 5,000 employees passionately working to bring the best gaming entertainment to players around the planet. We have one of, if not the richest, portfolio of original IPs something we are very proud of and excited about as the market continues to change.

New streaming technologies and shifts in the retail landscape are well poised for what will be the most disruptive and innovative time in our industry. Our IP strategy positions us well for this, and we are enthusiastic about the future!

There’s never been a more exciting time in the company’s history to join SEGA!

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Brand Marketing, the Brand Director is charged with driving world class innovative brand marketing strategy and plans to promote Sonic global brand, licensing, partnerships, events, animated content, games and emerging opportunities. Responsibilities will include development of global brand marketing strategies, brand positioning, budgeting, development of global creative assets, external partner and agency relationships, and oversight on global marketing campaigns. This role will work closely with other teams working on the brand globally and focus on brand-building for the overall Sonic IP. The role will require experience in creative strategy, global ‘halo-brand development’, digital consumer marketing, franchise management and gaming (or other global Entertainment brands similar to Sonic in size/scale) is ideal As an accomplished marketer and team leader this person will manage and grow their team, develop strong planning processes, and play a pivotal role as part of the marketing leadership team that will continue to drive innovation and constantly advance Sonic marketing capability and performance.

This role will interface closely with teams in Orange County (CA), England and in Japan.
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be the brand owner for all aspects of Sonic marketing strategy and planning. This includes long-range portfolio planning to foundational marketing strategy to go-to market execution and postmortem.
• Champion and evolve the voice of the Sonic the Hedgehog brand for our core audience and the next generation of fans.
• Develop cutting-edge brand plans that will surprise and delight our fans and keep existing fans engaged.
• Partner closely with the cross functional and international teams to ensure global brand initiatives are integrated and aligned with the project’s strategic and financial goals.
• Ensure business plan goals are met and budget management is achieved while maximizing global campaign effectiveness.
• Serve as the point person for marketing strategy and plan development to support the overall brand, and various internal Sonic teams including film, licensing, animation, and emerging opportunities.
• Drive the timely planning and execution of brand market plans across all marketing channels.
• Lead creative on marketing campaigns, creative strategy/asset production, digital content,, promotions and events.
• Lead brand consumer research and business data analysis projects to intelligently develop and inform marketing strategies & franchise planning.
• Lead event strategy and provide full support to both large and small scale events alongside Sonic mascot tour. Work cross departmentally to develop objectives for teams to inform event strategy.
• Identify areas of concern in the execution of all brand plans and course correct to maximize the success of the product.
• Lead and manage creative agencies, media agencies, event agencies, and promotional partnerships.
• Optimize processes to ensure brand team is working efficiently and communication is strong cross functionally and with our global counterparts.
• Mentor and develop a team of brand and event marketers. Assist in developing goals and objectives to support team members and improve worker efficiency and motivation.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum of 10 years experience in a marketing role within entertainment, consumer products, gaming and or relevant agencies.
• Proven track record of highly creative and imaginative campaigns showing strong results.
• Creative agency and media agency background is a plus.
• Experience with both domestic and international marketing campaigns.
• Experience working on major global gaming and/or entertainment brands with proven track record to achieve business goals
• Experience creating and owning global marketing campaigns from the research and positioning stage through go-to-market and post-launch management
• Knowledge of the Sonic brand along with games/entertainment industries
• Ability to budget, and analyze global budgets w/ some P&L experience
• Ability to leverage quantitative analytic measures, build business cases to support initiatives and focus on KPI / ROI metrics.
• Experience in project management, analysis, and the ability to work with multiple teams.
• Must provide evidence of ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, attention to detail and presentation skills to executive level team members.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in the field, MBA a bonus.
• Japanese language skills and experience working with Japanese corporations are a plus but are not required.
• Positive, professional, collaborative and flexible attitude.
• Self starter with little supervision required and willingness to navigate areas of unfamiliarity.
• Ability to coordinate execution of plans within budget, set timelines, and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop, pitch, and execute a marketing plan, working with cross functional teams to ensure the vision is executed effectively.
• Ability to manage a team, delegate tasks, and set clear goals to improve the workplace.
• Experience working in a global environment.
• Willing to conduct meetings with Europe and Japan at off hours.
• Moderate travel is required.