Manager - Content Licensing, Digital Business

Position: Manager – Content Licensing, Digital Business

Purpose: / Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Content Licensing Sales Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving licensing revenue growth by identifying and securing new content licensing agreements with a diverse range of clients, including media companies, digital platforms,. This role requires a strong understanding of the content landscape, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven track record of success in content licensing.

Education: Bachelor's degree in media, Mass Communication, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA/PGDM preferred.

Experience: 6+ years of experience in content licensing, acquisition, or partnerships within the media, OTT, or entertainment industry. Proven track record of negotiating and closing content deals.

Desirable experience: Exposure to both Indian and international content markets. Understanding of licensing models (output deals, syndication, digital rights, etc.). Experience in managing content budgets and financial negotiations.

Position Interlinkages:

• Works closely with Business Strategy, Legal, Finance, and Programming teams.
• Engages with external production houses, studios, distributors, and content partners.
• Reports to Head of Content licensing.

Location: Mumbai

Business/Channel/Function: Digital

Key Responsibilities:

• Sales Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy to expand our content licensing footprint and meet or exceed revenue targets.
• Prospecting & Lead Generation: Proactively identify and qualify new business opportunities through market research, networking, and cold outreach.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers in target organizations.
• Negotiation & Deal Closure: Lead the entire sales cycle from initial contact to negotiation and deal closure, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
• Product Knowledge: Possess a deep understanding of our content library and licensing models to effectively articulate the value proposition to potential clients.
• Market Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, competitive activities, and market shifts to identify new opportunities and inform our business strategy.
• Reporting: Accurately forecast sales, track pipeline activity, and report on key performance metrics to leadership.
• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with legal, marketing, and content teams to ensure client needs are met and new licensing opportunities are aligned with company goals.

Critical Competencies:

 Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

 Commercial acumen with the ability to evaluate content ROI.

 Understanding of content rights (digital, linear, syndication, regional & international).

 Analytical skills to interpret market trends and viewership data.

 Strong project management and multitasking abilities

Other Personal Characteristics:

 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

 Strategic thinker with attention to detail.

 Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic OTT environment.

 Passion for content, media, and entertainment.

 Collaborative and proactive in approach.

Why join us?

Sony Pictures Networks is home to some of India's leading entertainment channels such as SET, SAB, MAX, PAL, PIX, Sony BBC Earth, Yay, Sony Marathi, Sony SIX, Sony TEN, Sony TEN1, SONY Ten2, SONY TEN3, SONY TEN4, to name a few 

Our foray into the OTT space with one of the most promising streaming platforms, Sony LIV brings us one step closer to being a progressive digitally-led content powerhouse. 

Our independent production venture- Studio Next has already made its mark with original content and IPs for TV and Digital Media. 

But our quest to Go Beyond doesn't end there. Neither does our search to find people who can take us there. 

We focus on creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where we celebrate diversity with our Bring Your Own Self Philosophy and are recognised as a Great Place to Work.

- Great Place to Work Institute- Ranked as one of the Great Places to Work for since 5 years 

- Included in the Hall of Fame as a part of the Working Mother & Avtar Best Companies for Women in India study- Ranked amongst 100 Best Companies for Women In India 

- ET Human Capital Awards 2021- Winner across multiple categories 

- Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Award - Outstanding Learning Practices.

The biggest award of course is the thrill our employees feel when they can Tell Stories Beyond the Ordinary

Competencies 1. Educational qualification/Certifications 2. Relevant corporate exposure 3. Relevant understanding of the industry & business 4. Career Track Record/Stability 5. Functional Competencies 6. Takes Initiative/ Energizes others with his/her passion 7. Proactively seeks newer and better ways of operating 8. Displays " Can Do" energy/ Is resourceful and persistent in overcoming obstacles 9. Demonstrates accountability and is decisive in taking prudent risks/ Stretches to take risks that he/she believes in 10. Takes responsibility for failures and learns from them/Suggests improvements 11. Is comfortable taking hard calls and making decisions for own area 12. Empowers the team and supports new ideas and data 13. Requires minimal supervision and direction 14. Is a strong team player, owns & celebrates success of the team or a team member 15. Strives for excellence as an individual and as a team member 16. Has good relationship building skills/ interpersonal & communication skills 17. Anticipates & proactively drives change 18. Challenges status quo & pushes persistently for change, simplification & speed 19. Is respected & inspires respect 20. Is a willing listener/Frequently leverages others ideas to improve own work area 21. Operates with unyielding Integrity 22. Collaborates with others in an open and transparent manner 23. Does not hesitate to give timely and honest feedback

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