Localisation Sales Manager, £Excellent + Benefits

Our client is a localization service provider offering translation, testing, dubbing, interpreting, website and software localization as well as layout and desktop publishing services.

From its headquarters in Spain, they operate both locally and internationally with clients from different business sectors, including videogames, IT, Engineering, Medical Devices and Energy sectors.

The ideal person should have a proven history for localization sales as well as an understanding of localization issues and the industry in general. This person will relocate and work from the company headquarters in Andalucía, Spain. Our client’s goal is increased sales and the development of new clients.

The company boasts an in-house staff of translators, project managers, testers, linguists, computer and DTP experts who, along with their extensive professional and cultural experience, have the ability to incorporate today’s market demands of quality, efficiency and flexibility into their work philosophy.

Tasks:

• Developing the business so that it can reach its potential in its market sectors

• Developing a profitable sales team

• Preparing quotes and closing sales

• Achieving a sales target

• Managing all telesales activities

• Establishing a strong portfolio of work

• Maintaining and developing the client database

• Supervising all sales and marketing communications

• Ensuring that customer care is maintained and enhanced

Essential Requirements:

• Proven track record of successful language service sales

• Ability to analyze and identify new business opportunities

• First-class communication and presentation skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

• Extensive knowledge of the translation industry

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport quickly

• Strong ability to develop and manage long-term business relationships

• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks

• Ability to work under pressure and in a target-driven environment

• Competitive drive and determination

• Proactive and self-motivated

If you require further information or would like to apply for this position, please contact Jen Ruston on 01709 876877 or jen@aswift.com

Content Writer, £Excellent + Benefits

My client is a leading developer and operator of online games in China.

They began operations in 2003 before becoming their own independent company in 2007. They now operate one of the most popular MMORPGs in China and have enjoyed strong growth in user data and revenues for their games. In 2009 they opened an office in the UK.

They are looking to appoint a Content Writer to join the team in the UK office.

Key Contribution Areas:

– Create original content across all (UK) games, including website news updates, features and guides, advertising concepts, newsletters and intranet updates.

– Proofreading existing marketing material and ensuring that it is appropriate for consumption for a European audience.

– Create and implement new content ideas for current and potential future titles.

– Working with the Creative Services team to deliver projects in scope, on time and of the highest possible quality.

– Coordinate with internal and external groups to source the assets necessary to complete a project.

– Regularly find and research new developments in web content and web 2.0.

Key Capabilities:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

• 3-5 years experience in the games industry with knowledge of MMO’s an advantage.

• Basic HTML and Internet and computing technologies.

• Excellent writing skills.

• People orientated.

• Flexible but determined.

If you require further information or would like to apply for this position, please contact Jen Ruston at Aardvark Swift on 01709 876877 or Email jen@aswift.com

Prod. Mgr (Gamers), Competitive + benefits

SCEE is the central support organisation for over 100 countries in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Australasia. They market all hardware in the PlayStation portfolio and are one of the market leaders in the publishing of software on PlayStation formats.

The company is now looking to recruit a UK Product Manager (Gamers) to compliment and enhance their existing team.

The role is a permanent position.

The major functions of the role are:

1. Conceiving and implementing marketing plans to build the ‘Gamers’ community via software, hardware & services IP across all media and marketing channels for the PSP, PS3 and PlayStation Network platforms

2. Competitive product and tracking research

3. Liaison internally with PR, Events, Sales, Sponsorship, Finance, Central SCEE depts and externally with media & creative agencies for promotion of specific titles and projects

4. Management of special non-software based projects

5. Development of Management Skills

The successful candidate will have at least 3-4 years experience in the gaming or wider entertainment industry. Candidates will have a proven track record of delivering marketing campaigns to a high standard across multiple touch points and media channels with a keen interest and knowledge of current and emerging digital media.

If you would like to see the full job spec or apply for the role then please contact Ken Edwards on 01709 876877 or send your CV to ken@aswift.com

Marketing Manager - Strategy, £Excellent + Benefits + Bonus

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Devil May Cry.

Main Purpose of Job:

The role of the Manager, Marketing Strategy is to maximize the potential of clients titles in the market place by driving innovative, consistent and effective marketing campaigns across Europe, working in conjunction with the Tactical teams in Europe and the US, as well as coordinating with the Japan promotional teams.

Main Responsibilities:

• To drive meaningful pan-Western marketing strategies for our clients product line, working in conjunction with the US and European tactical marketing team.

• To work closely with the R&D teams to build effective campaign plans, understand the market potential of the titles, develop forecasts and establish necessary marketing budgets and oversee the implementation of the marketing plans.

• Single point of contact with R&D for West.

• Working from Greenlight through to post launch to optimize commercial success of the title.

• In-depth understanding of product and product vision.

• Face to face kick-off meeting with R&D.

• Carry out necessary research.

• Identify Critical Success Factors and set positioning.

Skills/Experience:

• Degree level candidate preferred with over 5 years of marketing experience, preferably in the video-game industry.

• Experience of creating and executing pan-Western(or International) marketing campaigns preferred.

• Firm understanding of all methods of communicating with target audience.

• Willing to meet internal and external customer expectations.

• Ability to negotiate with all parties to bring about win-win situations.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an award winning AAA studio at a senior level.

This position is exclusive to Aardvark Swift. For further details and the full job specification, please contact Danny Johnson on 01709 876877 or Email danny@aswift.com

Media Relations Mgr, Competitive

Our client is a brand new creative communications agency. Founded in the summer of 2009, they’re growing fast with clients in the video games, publishing and brewing industries. Their goal is to become recognised as a leader in creating distinctive communications solutions for their clients.

They are currently looking for a Media Relations Manager to join their existing team. This will initially be for a short-term contract of 2-3 months with the possibility of being extended at the end of that period.

Working with existing clients, the successful candidate will play a leading role in promoting the company’s consumer and brand clients in the media. You will have existing experience of working with consumer & trade media and key bloggers.

The successful candidate will be creative, smart and tenacious with a nose for news. You will be a consummate professional who demonstrates grace under pressure. Well connected and familiar with both traditional and new media, you will have a strong record of generating positive coverage.

Main responsibilities of the position include:

• Monitor media and liaise with traditional and new media contacts on a daily basis

• Craft excellent written materials on behalf of our clients including campaign documents, press

• releases, presentations, status reports, evaluation reports.

• Write comprehensive briefing documents for agency suppliers

• Lead event planning and management i.e. press conferences, corporate events, launches, photo

• calls

• Play a key role in contributing to the agency’s new business pitches

• Commission and analyse research including surveys and focus groups

• Develop and implement PR programmes in line with agreed client objectives and strategy, and

• develop contingency plans

• Work in collaboration with senior agency staff to maintain excellent levels of client management and

• relationships

• Manage all financial aspects of your client, including fees, budget management, invoicing

• Organise and chair internal, client and supplier meetings

• Present effectively in a variety of situations

In return the company offers a competitive salary pro-rota

If this all sounds of interest please contact Ken Edwards and send a copy of your current CV together with a covering letter to Ken@aswift.com

Snr. Account Executive, Competitive

Launched in 1995, my client is a leading PR and strategic brand consultancy offering a unique mix of media relations, sponsorship and marketing skills.

My client has quickly gained a reputation for creating intelligent campaigns for brands looking for a high return on their PR investment. Everything they do for their clients contributes to their bottom line and is underpinned by a thorough grasp of what shapes the markets they operate in and make the media and consumer audiences tick.

They are now looking for a Senior Account Executive to compliment and enhance their Videogames team.

The successful applicant will possess a sound knowledge of consumer entertainment and/or consumer gaming sectors. They will need to hit the ground running and have a passion for creative media relations, a desire to deliver outstanding coverage to their clients, be able to think on their feet and live one step ahead of the rest in this fast paced agency.

The successful applicant with have excellent media contacts (across men’s and woman’s lifestyle press and preferably consumer games/technology contacts), will have strong organisational skills and preferably have some man-management skills as you will be responsible for a Junior Account Executive.

Preferably the successful applicant will already be working for a PR agency and have experience of working for games clients.

In return you will receive a competitive salary and various benefits including a company bonus (discretionary).

If you are interested please contact Ken Edwards or email your CV to ken@aswift.com

Data Analyst, Competitive + benefits

SCEE is the central support organisation for over 100 countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia, marketing the world’s most popular computer games platforms – PS one®, PlayStation®2, PlayStation®Portable and PLAYSTATION®3.

They are currently looking for a Data Analyst for their WWS Finance department who will play a key role in the sourcing, consolidation and management of global 1st party product and financial information relevant to World Wide Studios on order to support decision making at senior management level.

All applicants MUST HAVE a minimum undergraduate degree in an analytic, technical or business field. They will have general technical knowledge with the ability to learn new technologies quickly. They will also have very strong MS office skills, particularly MS Excel.

Applicants will preferably have prior work experience in video games or media.

Main responsibilities of the role include:

• Oversee and maintain the WWS product catalogue and associated product metadata using an internally developed product management application.

• Suggest, gather and prioritise requirements for further enhancement of the product management application. Then liaise with internal development team to enhance the application based on prioritised requirements.

• Develop deep understanding of Cognos reporting environment and tool capabilities to assist with training and support for business users.

• Maintain, develop and support Cognos reports for distribution to global and regional personnel and perform ad hoc analyses to support queries from management and producers

The role is based in London.

In return the company offers a competitive salary plus benefits.

If you are interested in this role and would like to see the full job spec please either contact Ken Edwards or send a copy of your CV to ken@aswift.com

Senior Brand Manager, £ Competitive

My Client are one of the leading specialists in developing lifestyle brands through licensing.
They understand the uniqueness of each brand and enrich it by carefully creating and managing partnerships between brand owners, manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
They work with some of the world’s best-known international lifestyle brands – from fashion and interior design, to chefs and rock royalty; from heritage and art, to charity and sports.

They are now looking for a Senior Brand Manager to join their team.

This challenging role includes the opportunity to develop new business and influence strategy for one of the UK’s leading lifestyle brand licensing agencies, as well as manage and build an international cause-related artwork licensing campaign, and manage other agency brands.

The Senior Brand Manager will:

• Develop new business opportunities for the agency.

• Advise the agency director on strategy and development.

• Manage and coordinate a network of sub-agents, and a rapidly expanding portfolio of

international licensees across a wide range of product
categories.

• Co-ordinate range development and manage the product approval process.

• Facilitate ethical and sustainable product development, with the support of specialist consultants.

• Work with lawyers to protect trademark registration and intellectual property rights.

• Co-ordinate marketing activity between clients, partner agencies and manufacturers.

• Manage other brands within the agency’s portfolio.

The successful candidate will:

• Have at least five years’ experience in international brand licensing.

• Have a successful track record in rights and contract negotiation.

• Demonstrate a genuine interest in cause-related or charitable activity.

• Be experienced in management of online approvals systems.

• Have proven ability in royalty management and forecasting.

• Write accurately, fluently and persuasively.

• Be educated to University degree level or above in a relevant discipline.

• Be goal-driven, determined, and work well under pressure.

• Able to multi-task and prioritise effectively.

• Have a flexible, creative, problem-solving attitude.

• Have good client/people-handling skills.

For further details or to apply for this role please contact Danny Johnson on 01709 876877 or danny@aswift.com.

Senior Web Developer, £Competitive + Benefits

This is an independent game development company producing highly playable, imaginative games across virtually all platforms. They have developed over 50 successful titles and are recognised as one of the major players in the industry.

The company are now looking for a Senior Web Developer to join their team.

Summary

Design, construction and maintenance of a large range of company web sites and Intranet web applications, focussing on back-end extensibility, robustness and security.

Directly reporting to:

Head of IT / Business Development Director

Duties:

• You will be responsible for managing the delivery of back end development components for the Company's websites and web applications

• Ensuring that the back-end implementations are robust, extensible and scalable.

• Monitoring, administering and reporting on online activity and statistics

• The right applicant will play a key role in the evolution of the Company's sites and web applications

Essentials:

• Advanced knowledge of OOPHP, MySQL and database design

• Strong experience with X/HTML, CSS and JavaScript/AJAX

• A thorough understanding and proven implementations of the LAMP stack, security issues, threats and preventative measures and web standards

• Deep and up to date knowledge of current CRM/CMS packages and other off-the-shelf components that could be integrated where appropriate

• Proven experience working with cloud services

• Strong understanding of web standards, accessibility and usability

• Experienced in working with a variety of web APIs and able to bring components together rapidly

• Knowledge of SEO/SEM practices in order to improve site optimisation and performance

• Ensure coding standards and development processes are adhered to

• Ensure unit testing is executed successfully and to an adequate level before releasing code to QA

• Excellent knowledge of relational databases

• A knowledge of Linux scripting would be useful

• 5+ years experience preferred

• Enthusiasm for video games in general.

• Extensive knowledge of the web environment.

• An awareness of the importance of a strong corporate image.

• A high standard of spelling and grammar plus attention to detail.

• Good personal organisational skills.

Beneficial Qualities:

• Experience of creating community-driven web applications would be beneficial

• The successful candidate should have excellent proven experience of building websites on both the

front and back end

• Professional attitude and work ethic

• Thorough approach to problem solving and able to function independently when required

• Needs to be comfortable working to deadlines

• Attention to detail is essential and all tasks must be carried out to the highest standard

• A willingness and ability to learn is essential

If interested in this vacancy, please send an up to date CV to Danny Johnson on danny@aswift.com or call 01709 876877 to discuss further.

Digital Marketing Mgr, Competitive Package

Our client is the UK office of a company founded in 2008. Led by an experienced management team they are currently looking to appoint a new Digital Marketing Manager to help drive the commercial success of their new release that is set to revolutionise the music/gaming genre.

The position of Digital Marketing Manager represents a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious marketing professional keen to develop their career with an exciting dynamic and innovative business.

Please note: All applicants must have 3 -5 years experience within the digital marketing space (online and mobile) in the entertainment business covering all aspects of the digital marketing mix.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Work with the European Marketing Director to develop all aspects of the European Digital (online & mobile) Marketing Strategy and community engagement

• Manage and develop these strategies ensuring consideration of the latest technologies and trends

• Manage the daily execution of all plans across Europe

o Oversee the co-ordination and execution of CRM campaigns

o Brief and manage pan-European video and viral asset seeding campaigns. Ensure paid activity is integrated with natural seeding plans

o Manage the production and delivery of online display adverts including asset collation, scheduling, trafficking, optimisation and post campaign analytics

o Work on paid search campaigns: consider ad copy, carry out keyword research and optimise campaigns

o Drive integrated database recruitment

o Work with Community Managers, create plans that promote 4mm products online and create dialogue with consumers

o Devise and implement cross-brand sampling opportunities via print, online and outdoor promotion

o Create and manage asset calendar to meet all Digital Marketing milestones.

o Drive the organization and distribution of assets to Digital marketing team

The successful candidate will have a very strong understanding of online communities, web 2.0, social media and experience in engaging those communities.

They will understand the online creative production and delivery process.

They will be ambitious and proactive and because of the current product will also have a passion for and understanding of hip hop culture.

They will also live within easily commutable distance to Central London or be prepared to relocate.

For a full job spec please send your up to date CV to ken@aswift.com or contact Ken Edwards on 01709 876877.

Copywriter, Competitive

My client is one of the world’s leading independent publishers of desktop publishing, design and graphics software with an award winning range including Pageplus, Photoplus etc.

Based in Nottingham they are now looking to appoint a Copywriter to enhance and compliment their existing team and who will report to the Senior Copywriter.

The purpose of this role is to prepare and proof copy for online and offline, internal and external marketing communication materials. To ensure that these materials are written to a high standard, convey true understanding of the products and services on offer, or the subject matter being covered. To create copy that will enhance the reader’s experience and positively impact their perception of the company’s brand and ultimately maximise sales of their product range.

The tasks and responsibilities include:

1. Email Copywriting
2. Website Copywriting
3. Direct Marketing Copywriting
4. Newsletter Copy
5. Press Release Copywriting
6. SEO Gizoo Article Copywriting
7. Writing other General Copy
8. Proofreading
9. Marketing and communications guidelines

To be considered for this position you must live or be prepared to relocate to within easy reach of the office in Nottingham. You will have excellent written and communication skills and a very high attention to detail with the ability to proofread your own work. You will have a proven ability to work to deadlines and a good understanding of Microsoft Word.

In return the company offers a competitive salary plus 20 days holiday and the right to join the contributory pension scheme on completion of your first year with the company

If you have at least one years Copywriting experience and this sounds of interest please contact Ken Edwards or email your CV to ken@aswift.com

Territory Sales Manager, Attractive Salary

My client specialises in online advertising campaigns for heavyweight games publishers such as Activision/Blizzard, Capcom and Namco Bandai, as well as film, entertainment and youth focused brands including McDonalds, Coca Cola and 7-11. The company was built serving performance based campaigns including CPA and CPC models, but with the release of new inventory types such as dynamic site skinning and pre-roll Flash a huge opportunity exists to build and grow the premium advertiser business.

They are just launching a UK office and this is a great opportunity to join this company at this exciting time.

Their ideal candidate will have many years experience selling digital inventory via agencies and directly to clients (They consider online or retail games media experience an advantage).

You will have worked in senior ad sales roles and will be looking for that big break into a world when you control your own destiny and directly reap the rewards of your hard work.

The role will be supported by management on the ground in London, the US sales team (Los Angeles and New York City) and by an US operations team in Boston.

The position will require a great deal of self-support as you will be responsible for sales, management, and trafficking of your own campaigns.

The role will be based in Covent Garden London.
In return they offer a highly attractive salary commensurate with experience.

My client is hoping to interview w/c Monday 9th August 2010 so if you are interested and your experience matches the above then please contact Ken on 01709 876877 & send your CV with details of your salary expectations to Ken@aswift.com

Product Manager, Competitive

Our client is the UK office of a company founded in 2008. Led by an experienced management team they are currently looking to appoint a new Product/Brand Manager to help drive the commercial success of their new release that is set to revolutionise the music/gaming genre.

The position of Product Manager represents a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious marketing professional keen to develop their career with an exciting dynamic and innovative business.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Work with the European Marketing Director & line manager to develop and execute all aspects of the European Product Management Strategy / Plan.

• Work with external licensees, brand owners and international team to create and implement activities relating to the product marketing plans.

• Liaise and manage key third party agencies; creative, media and PR

• Create and manage asset calendar to meet all Marketing and PR milestones.

• Drive the development of key assets marketing and advertising assets such as screen shots, game footage, visual renders, sizzle videos, and b-roll including locally specific assets (Events/ Retail/ PR etc)

• Drive the organization and distribution of assets to International marketing and PR partners in good time

To apply for this role it is essential that you have a minimum of 3 years experience as either a Product Manager or Brand Manager within the video games industry covering all aspects of product management both online and off.

You will have strong proven organization skills with good communication and written skills and strong campaign launch execution experience.

In return the company offers a competitive salary.

If this sounds of interest and you would like to see a full job description then please contact Ken Edwards or send your CV to Ken@aswift.com

Senior Licensing Manager, £Excellent + Bens

General Description
The Licensing Senior Manager/ Associate Director will be responsible for driving licensing revenue from the International Licensing portfolio of properties within my client for the Soft Good/Home products as well as gifts and novelties categories.

This will require presenting, negotiating and closing licensing deals with licensees and retailers with overall responsibility for a group of brands. In addition, the person will be responsible for the consumer products programme including agent management (where applicable), key licensee partners and retail development.

This role is an important and challenging one in which demanding financial targets need to be met.

The business model is ear marked for expansion over the coming months and the individual will need to not only continue to manage existing business but also work with the team to drive new business as additional programme brands roll out.

The individual will also be expected to work closely with the marketing and communication teams to ensure creative standards are met wherever brands are being represented and exploited.


Key accountabilities

• Negotiate and close licensing direct deals (inc. DTR programmes) to deliver against forecast and brand objectives

• Ensure potential in all relevant product categories is being explored, exploited and delivered on

• Prepare, monitor and manage financial forecasts and budgets specific for the region

• Advise and implement new business across relevant categories and brands

• Hands-on strategic relationships with licensees and retailers in order to drive sales and distribution

• In conjunction with the marketing team produce commercial plans for all properties by country for the Region

• Manage sub-agents where applicable in multiple countries across the Region

• Feedback market information to the brand and licensing teams in order to ensure we are market oriented

• Deliver against challenging financial targets for specific areas of business and ensure money is invoiced, received and reported

• Keep up to date and be conversant with key competitive brands, retail and product trends

• Work with marketing department to develop marketing initiatives with international retailers, licensees and agents

• Liaise and maintain relationships with US Sales and Marketing teams

Work experience requirements:

• Candidates will be able to clearly demonstrate successful sales track record gained in a consumer product licensing (6 years or more) within European markets. This should include a detailed understanding of retailer buying processes.

• A proven track record in brand and sales team management

• An excellent network of contacts and personal contact with key licensees and retailers.

• The dynamic ability to trade and negotiate licensing deals across product categories

• Strong communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues across Europe and globally. A multi-cultural orientation is required.

• Solid brand based consumer product understanding, preferably with some working knowledge of the consumer product business – licensing, promotions, fashion/home products, retail stores and catalogue marketing.

• Excellent commercial acumen, selling ability and negotiation skills

• An excellent understanding of creativity and the programme production process

• Excellent presentation and communication skills

Skills and Knowledge

• Outstanding interpersonal skills (ability to manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders) with excellent commercial acumen, negotiation and selling ability.

• Strategic and proactive thinker; ability to present creative ideas – Think outside the box

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills

• Demonstrates high energy and enthusiasm.

• Strong communication skills – both verbal and written

• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.

• Flexible attitude and able to work as part of a team

• Reactive – deal with issues quickly and competently

• The desire and ability to work in a relatively small and entrepreneurial environment with well established and emerging brands is necessary and be able to be a self/starter.

Computer Software Application Requirements

• Microsoft Word and Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook required.

Language requirements

• Must be fluent in English

• Good written and spoken competence in one foreign language would be a bonus.

About the company
With U.S. headquarters in New York City, regional offices in other major US cities, and international offices in London, our client is a global organization devoted to the creation, development, production, broadcasting, distribution, licensing and manufacturing of children’s entertainment products.

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, the company produces and distributes animated television series and films for the domestic and international television and home video markets, licenses merchandising rights worldwide to owned or represented properties and operates websites in support of owned and represented properties. Additionally, the Company programs and sells the national advertising time on Saturday morning block on a children’s Television Network.

A subsidiary of the company is a global provider of children’s entertainment and merchandise licensing. It specialises in the marketing and licensing of brands geared primarily to adults, teens and “tweens.” Currently, it represents considerable high profile targeted properties and corporate brands.

Please contact Danny Johnson on 01709 876877 or send your CV to danny@aswift.com

Senior / Product Mgr, Competive D.O.E.

My client is a video games publisher whose mission is to select quality licenses on a worldwide basis to be published through a well established distribution network all around Europe and Australia (all PAL territories).

They currently publish games across all current platforms including PSP and PS3, Nintendo DS and Wii and Xbox360.

They are currently looking for an experienced Product Manager to compliment and enhance their existing team in Milton Keynes.

The ideal candidate will be a creative, strong minded individual who is flexible enough to make opportunities for the benefit of the company. They must be aware of the integration required between different departments on any product worked on including sales, PR and Marketing.

The ideal candidate will be able to manage a marketing budget and also be pro-active when it comes to work with the ability to work on more than one project at a time.

What is also important is your ability to fit in with the rest of the team at Milton Keynes.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Plan, develop, execute and manage UK and Export Marketing plans across the portfolio. Reporting to the Marketing Director and working alongside Global Brand, PR and Sales, you will be leading and owning all areas of the product lifecycle delivering strong, targeted, fully integrated, innovative campaigns. Ownership of the title from concept through to life cycle management with excellent understanding and responsibility of all commercial aspects.

Key Tasks of the role include:

• Work in conjunction with Global Brand team to champion your titles to deliver integrated territory specific marketing plans, incorporating trade, PR and consumer plans, to meet clear commercial goals and exceed annual plan.

• Responsible for the benchmarking and forecasting process to enable you to set clear commercial objectives and give sales the support required to sell new lines in.

• Complete understanding of a Product P&L and the Annual plan, in terms of units, pricing, revenues and profit required to achieve.

• Responsible for the tracking of specific product budgets, generated from sales revenue, to ensure that all activities undertaken are within budget.

• Continual sales analysis from launch, to track Actual sales v forecast, with clear responsibility of generating sales opportunities and support wherever possible.

• Work closely with the PR team to make sure that the consumer campaign is fully integrated and ensure positive coverage is achieved

• Establish close working relationship with all relevant external agency partners, to enable you to identify and understand marketing opportunities and industry trends.

In return the company offer a competitive salary.

For a copy of the full job description please send your CV to Ken@aswift.com or contact me on 01709 876877

Licensing Manager, £Excellent + Benefits + Bonuses

Part of ITV Worldwide, ITV STUDIOS Global Entertainment is one of the largest and most successful commercial television distributors in Europe.

From Australia to Zambia, every hour of every day someone in the world is watching great entertainment from ITV STUDIOS Global Entertainment.

They now require a Licensing Manager to join their London based Global Entertainment department.

Job purpose:

As part of the Licensing team, the Licensing Manager will support the Senior Licensing Manager to ensure that the division meets its business objectives. The Licensing Manager will create and implement licensing strategies by brand and territory to ensure the maintenance and growth of the business.

Person Specification:

• Good consumer product licensing experience, ideally within a combination of the Toy, Games, Interactive Entertainment, Promotions and Live Events sectors. Evidence of being able to develop genuine empathy with high profile children’s and adult consumer brands and in maximising potential.

• Evidence of being able to instigate and lead contractual negotiation to yield a successful Royalty/One-off Fee income including Advances and Guarantees.

• Experience of working with the Retail sector and other UK and international channels to market (i.e. Catalogue, Internet).

• Proven organisational and planning skills and experience of budgetary and project management.

• Ability to drive progress and show enterprise. Be confident in challenging or be challenged to gain facts. Undertake activity that goes beyond the job description or individual task.

• Travel involved, UK.

If you meet the above criteria and require a full job specification, please contact Danny Johnson on 01709 876877 or Email danny@aswift.com

Euro Prod Mgr (12 mnts), Competive Salary

SCEE is the central support organisation for over 100 countries in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Australasia. They market all hardware in the PlayStation portfolio and are one of the market leaders in the publishing of software on PlayStation formats.

The company is now looking to recruit 2 European Product Managers to compliment and enhance their existing team.

NB: The roles will be for a 12 months contract.

The European Sales and Marketing Department is responsible for servicing and directing each SCEE sales territory in their commercial activities. The marketing team consists of a number of hardworking but fun-loving professionals dedicated to the success of our business in each territory. The environment is busy, youth-oriented, international, dynamic, fun and conscientious.

This position will involve the following:-

• Product Management of PlayStation software developed by WWS

• Primary contact for SCEE markets regarding marketing strategy and asset creation

• Primary contact point for development teams

Main Duties and Responsibilities

General:

Day to day management of product portfolio: comprising PS2, PS3 & PSP titles. Titles are allocated by the Marketing Director throughout the year

Product marketing responsibility from acquisition / development green light to launch and into post launch CRM stage (sales monitor, creative brief, consolidated marketing plan, above and below the line marketing activities)

Development and management of product marketing & PR schedules

Close working relationship with external marketing agencies and suppliers to ensure generation of marketing assets for local use: i.e. Advertising materials, websites, PR plans etc.

Primary contact for SCEE markets regarding marketing strategy and asset creation

The sales territories are SCEE customers – the Product Manager role focuses on providing them with optimal information and materials at all times.

Territory relationship management - regular contact, timely distribution of marketing & PR collateral, support for local initiatives, monitoring sales performance, product presentations

Primary contact point for development teams

Achieving a trusting PD relationship will lead to better product, better marketing and an increase in the potential success of each title

The PM should drive regular meetings, feedback on European market performance (cultural and commercial) and give input/advice on all commercial and creative elements of a product launch.

Preparation and presentation of material plans and marketing plans to core PD teams is key to maintain effective communications.

Budget Management

Prudent financial management of product budgets for each title including monthly status review with Senior Product Manager and Marketing Manager. Timely process of PO numbers for all marketing expenditure.

Event Support

At various times in the year there is a need to produce materials which support internal, trade or customer meetings / exhibitions.

Duties such as video editing, brochure creation and personal attendance at such events will be required

Ad hoc Projects

From time to time the PM will be required to complete or contribute toward the completion of various projects. These will always be related to the publishing of SCEE s/w e.g. sales analysis, international research and study into optimising internal processes

The successful candidate will have existing European Product Management experience who can hit the ground running. Games industry is preferred but is not essential. A second European language would be an advantage but is not essential.

NB: It is expected that the Successful candidate will have at least 3 years PR or Product management experience.

If you are interested please contact Ken Edwards on 01709 876877 or email your CV to ken@aswift.com

Campaign Producer, Competitive Salary

SCEE is the central support organisation for over 100 countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia, marketing the world’s most popular computer games platforms – PS one®, PlayStation®2, PlayStation®Portable and PLAYSTATION®3.

They are currently looking for two Campaign Producers to enhance their online marketing team.

The successful applicants will come from a digital background.

The Online Marketing team defines and shapes the way in which SCEE interacts with the consumer online (web, console, mobile), including the marketing of PlayStation products and services and delivering interactive entertainment activities to inspire, entertain and inform consumers.

NB:There are two positions available - one permanent and one for a 12 months period.

The Campaign Producer is a key and exciting role within the Online Marketing team, responsible for the management and delivery of pan-European marketing campaigns to support PlayStation software titles.

The main objective of the position is to develop, execute and maintain innovative online campaigns, within the guidelines of brand and online marketing strategy, which are clearly integrated with, and pivotal to, the wider marketing communications mix.

Working with internal stakeholders, primarily Product Managers, the successful candidates will be responsible for defining and shaping central online marketing activities and give direction to internal and external delivery teams to ensure objectives are met.

To be considered for the role the following skills and experience is essential:

A minimum of 3 years experience working within a new media environment

Ability to deliver truly pan-European campaigns with all market-specific issues addressed

Fully immersed in the digital world, having in-depth knowledge of the various touch points where consumers under 35 live their lives online

Experience of working in the entertainment industry (ideally in a marketing role)

Knowledge of the games industry (not necessarily gained in the workplace)

Excellent project management skills - able to prioritise, organise a varied and full workload and work under pressure

Strong interpersonal skills - ability to get along with a variety of people

Proactive attitude: able to spot project-based issues ahead of time and propose and appropriate solutions
Proven success managing external agencies and their performance

Dedicated and flexible ‘can do’ approach to working; a team player

Strong verbal and written communication skills

User focused, with a good understanding of consumer behaviour and how it can be influenced

Good commercial awareness

Thorough work ethic, with a strong eye for detail
Strong MS Office skills

In return the company offers a competitive salary etc.

For more information or to apply for the role contact Ken Edwards or send your CV to Ken@aswift.com

Games Operations Manager, £Excellent + Benefits

My client is an independent and privately-owned game development studio located in the beautiful town Villingen, Germany – surrounded by the famous Black Forest and the Bodensee.

Founded in 2004, the company is committed to making only AAA titles. Comprised of industry veterans with a shared passion for creating fun, innovative gameplay, my client is now developing original properties for the next generation of cross-platform multiplayer games.

The company’s international 40+ employees work in a creative environment more common to small and autonomous studios, while enjoying the financial stability and corporate support.

Role:

As Games Operations Manager, your role is to be the voice of the market and the community in the internal development team. Working closely with all the other departments, your main goal is to ensure a sustainable monetization framework for a free-to-play project in every stage of development.

Additionally, you are leading a small team responsible for community management, localization, and developer/customer support.


Responsibilities:

• Work with the Games Director and the leads to ensure revenue growth.

• Maintain consistency of the game’s monetization & community features in order to ensure a commercial success.

• Seek continuous workflow improvements in cooperation with the other team leads

Requirements:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in information systems, business administration, media informatics, or similar.

• 2+ years of game operations experience in a comparable industry.

• Proven knowledge of online business models.

• Flexibility in terms of working hours.

Skills Required:

• Very good knowledge of MS Office Products.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and

presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently within very tight deadlines.

• Ability to drive excellent results from an interdisciplinary, multinational team.

Skills desired:

• Fluency in German.

• Proficiency in managing database and wiki-type

applications.

• Avid gamer (ideally FPSs/MMOs).

If you match the above criteria and would like to receive the full job specification, please contact Ken Edwards on 01709 876877 or Email Ken@aswift.com

Sales Mgr - Distribution, Competitive

My client is a video games publisher based in Northamptonshire whose strategy is to publish quality affordable mainstream and lifestyle based video games for the Playstation 3, PSP, Nintendo DS, Wii, Xbox 360 and PC CD Rom.

They are currently looking for a Sales Manager to head up the distribution side of the organization.

The successful applicant with work with suppliers and develop new accounts and business development. It is desirable that the successful applicant will have buying experience.

They will manage the existing sales team of the company.

The role is office based so the successful applicant must live or be willing to relocate within easy commutable distance to the office in Wellingborough.

The successful applicant will either be a proven successful National Account Manager or a Buyer with a flair for sales.

The successful applicant will need to be proactive, well organized, persuasive, a good listener and be able to build strong relationships within the UK business network.

It is preferred that the successful candidate will already be working within the games industry.
In return the company offers a competitive salary.
To apply please contact Ken Edwards on 01709 876877 or send a copy of your up to date CV to Ken@aswift.com

Trade Marketing Mgr., £Excellent+ benefits

SCEE is the central support organisation for over 100 countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia, marketing the world’s most popular computer games platforms – PS one®, PlayStation®2, PlayStation®Portable and PLAYSTATION®3.

They are currently looking for a Trade Marketing Manager to join their marketing team. This role is for 12month Maternity Cover.


MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

1. Conceiving and implementing trade marketing strategy in liaison with Marketing Manager & Sales Manager / NAMs for all SCEE products
2. Conceiving and implementing trade marketing activity in liaison with Product Managers for all SCEE products across all media and marketing channels for the PSP, PS2 and PS3 (inc PSN) platforms and post analysis of campaigns
3. To gain insights into the UK retail landscape via competitor research from a platform and retailer perspective
4. Liaison internally with PR, Events, Sales, Sponsorship, Finance, Central SCEE depts and externally with Media, Creative, Promotional agencies.
5. Development of Management Skills

In return the company offers a competitive salary.

A full job description is available upon request.


More details are available by contacting Ken on 01709 876877, or via email:
ken@aswift.com

Marketing Mgr Online, Competitive Salary

My Client Codemasters are a market leading force within the gaming industry. They are Europe's largest privately owned Games Company with over 60 international No.1s. Attracting more than 1000 weeks at the top of the charts.

They are currently looking to appoint a new Marketing Manager to their Online Team.

The successful candidate will be based in their office in Southam and will lead the entire Codemasters online Marketing team driving live service marketing with acquisition and retention as key goals. Ensure all marketing objectives are met inline with the overall CO Global Marketing objectives / strategy.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

Provide global marketing framework, timelines, strategies, planning and procedures.

The development of long-term brand strategies for persistent games portfolio.

Drive marketing support for both product launches and ongoing live services.

Maintain overall ownership of all Global Marketing plans and ensure communication and execution through the CO team and territory offices.

Work with each individual Brand Manager to ensure that they are developing appropriate Global Marketing support plans for each of their individual services.

Management and reporting responsibilities include:

Manage the Codemasters Online marketing team.

Provide the primary Marketing support contact for all persistent titles.

Track campaigns against preset KPI's

The successful candidate will also have Relationship Management and Budget responsibilities.

In return the company offers a competitive salary.

For more information or for a copy of the full job spec please contact Ken Edwards or send your CV to Ken@aswift.com

Business. Dev. Mgr., Competitive Salary

Our client is one of the leaders in UK games development. Based in the North East they specialise in developing driving and racing game technology. In a history spanning over 22 years they have developed best-selling titles for publishers such as Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard and Nintendo.

They are currently looking to appoint a Business Development Manager to enhance their existing team.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a successful track record within Licensing, Marketing and Sales. They will have excellent communication skills and will be a talented team player, highly motivated with integrity.
Job Role:

You will develop additional development contract opportunities from within our current client base, being the initial point of contact for all customer interactions.

New customers should also be generated from emerging markets, such as social gaming, by effective sales and marketing of the company.

This is a diverse position which involves constant contact with clients in their own offices, networking and relationship building.

A solid interest in the world of computer games and a love of international travel are essential.

You will need:

• Minimum 2+ years of experience in business development

• Educated to degree level with strong analytical and communication skills

• Demonstrable track record in negotiating, amending and closing contractual agreements

• Excellent games market awareness and business acumen

• Ability to travel around the world to meet clients and licensing partners, often outside of normal working hours

• Professional and positive attitude with a great work ethic

• Excellent presentation skills and fluency with MS Office software

Main Responsibilities include:

• Closing deals bringing additional development contracts into Eutechnyx

• Developing a business development strategy expanding Eutechnyx’ global customer base and extracting further value from existing clients

• Monitoring market and industry trends, competition and leading customer strategies

• Providing strategic market insight, helping the company identify emerging opportunities and trends for products

• Developing recommendations for new initiatives, licences, alliances and partnerships

• Maintaining the corporate image and reputation of Eutechnyx

• Visiting clients, licensing business partners, attending associated trade shows and networking events

• Developing strong relationships with new and existing clients in the market

• Continually seeking to improve the sales and profitability of Eutechnyx

In return the company offers a competitive salary.

If you are interested please either contact Ken Edwards on 01709 876877 or email a copy of your CV to Ken@aswift.com

Database Mark. Exec., Competitive Salary

This role is for 12 months to cover maternity leave.

SCEE is the central support organisation for over 100 countries in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Australasia. They market all hardware in the PlayStation portfolio and are one of the market leaders in the publishing of software on PlayStation formats.

The company is now looking to recruit a Database Marketing Executive to complement and enhance their existing team.

This is a temporary role as maternity cover for a period of 12 months within the CRM & Insight team at SCEE.

The role requires an individual with direct and relevant experience of working with customer databases, campaign management tools and with clear understanding of Email Marketing.

It will require the applicant to support the team with the following responsibilities:

• Work with campaign managers and product marketing to define monthly audience plan and campaign targets

• Advise central and local stakeholders on segmentation and campaign targets

• Set up campaign target and execute campaigns from the Epiphany Marketing Suite

• Produce regular reports on campaign activity and performance as well as consumer profiles

• Provide insight on campaign activity and response by segments and distribute to the business

• Work with external Email Service Provider on reporting, analysis and data feeds

All applicants must be educated to degree standard with at least 3-4 years experience database marketing and CRM. Candidates must be able to demonstrate numeracy and experience in analysis and using reporting tools.

Advanced knowledge of Excel and proven experience using a campaign management tool is essential.

Interest in the gaming industry is advantageous.

In return the company offers a competitive salary.

If you are interested please contact Ken Edwards or email your CV to ken@aswift.com

Business Operation Mgr, Excellent + Benefits

SCEE is the central support organization for over 100 countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia, marketing the world’s most popular computer games platforms –PlayStation®2 and PSP (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®3

They are currently looking to appoint a new Business Operations Manager to compliment and enhance their existing team.

This is a senior position within the Publisher & Developer Relations Department, working closely with the Director of Content Management, Director of Third Party Relations and reporting to the VP, Publisher & Developer Relations.

The core responsibility of this role is to define the operating roadmap and manage the direction of all business system development and process management to support Third Party Relations.

The role directs the work of the department’s Business Systems area, the day-to-day output/management of 2 reports.

This role requires experience and judgement to plan and accomplish goals. It requires ability to assimilate the wider business requirements from cross organisation disciplines and map out process development strategy and application development.

A wide degree of creativity and flexibility is expected to meet challenges of a constantly changing environment, which requires complex problem solving and excellent communications skills.

The successful candidate will provide a focal point to drive business and process development methodology within the department. They will establish business systems and processes to support new critical business strategies and prioritise the activities of overall application development. They will maintain high quality, cost effective systems applications to support existing requirements.

They will be responsible for shaping, scoping and development of business systems area and personnel management and welfare of reports.

The successful candidate will be familiar with Coldfusion and Oracle databases. Educated to at least degree standard in a Computing/IT related of Business Process/Systems disciplines. They will have 5 years experience in business process and system redesign, system analysis and change management.

They must have extensive analytical and project management experience at both strategic and functional levels with a proven record of achievement and progressive advancement.

They will have a high level of general leadership and team organisation skills with excellent oral and written business communication skills with a client service orientation.

They must be able to liaise effectively with users, technical staff and senior management ensuring that solutions can be delivered within resource, quality, time and technology constraints.

An affinity for and knowledge of the console/consumer gaming industry would be an advantage.

In return the company offer an excellent salary and benefits package.

If you wish to see the full job spec please contact Ken Edwards or email your CV to ken@aswift.com