Technical Operations Release Manager

Requisition Number: 158787

Position Title: Operations Product Manager 1

External Description:

We are EA

And we make games – how cool is that? In fact, we entertain millions of people across the globe with the most amazing and immersive interactive software in the industry. But making games is hard work. That’s why we employ the most creative, passionate people in the industry. And we aim to ensure that our benefits and compensation profiles fit our people – engaging, creative and smart.

 

 

The Challenge Ahead

The PLM Technical Operations Release Manager is a key part of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) function for delivering EA’s franchises to market across all packaged goods, digital & mobile platforms. As a member of PLM Submissions, the role is responsible for program managing the delivery of content materials for EA’s products to our channel partners, including First Party platform holders (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo), EA’s Origin PC platform, new and emerging platforms (Steam, Epic, Xcloud) and digital resellers. They also maintain the day-to-day relationship and communication with the First Party Account Management teams to guarantee the release of EA’s content plan.

The role works very closely with the PLM Franchise Leads to set the plan with Studio and Publishing for content required for submission to support each product launch. The role partners with key internal teams (PLM Franchise Ops, Studio/QA, Digital Sales/Marketing and Asia Ops) and key external Platform Partners to ensure flawless product delivery via Real Time Operations (RTO) as well as comprehensive configuration plans to deliver the set up and go to market strategies, adhering to timelines that meet the PLM Franchise Operations schedule. The role will ensure alignment across the department for process, product and people.

The role partners with EA Compliance and Certification groups as part of the submission process and works with key internal teams (PLM Franchise Leads, PLM Digital Publishing, RTO, Studio/QA, Digital Sales/Marketing, and Asia Ops), to ensure content submission and approval timelines meet EA’s Title Plan schedule.

The Release Manager is also responsible for leading the education, development and promotion of external platform tools and systems required to successfully deliver the set up and submission to First Party platform holders (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Steam, Epic and others).  The role partners closely with EA Studios to ensure accurate, timely set up of content with our platform holders as well as provide advice and platform guidance to the Commercial and Publishing organisation.

The role requires establishing processes for the training and development of the Technical Operations team(s) and RTO to build expertise of our platform partners’ processes, best practises for issue management, and technical knowledge in order to ensure our team are equipped to communicate and deliver the requirements expected across all products.

The PLM Technical Operations Release Manager is part of a high-performing team that provides cross functional and cross regional support to deliver coverage across time-zones. The role requires expertise on their assigned platforms and is the point of contact for the business, working closely with the wider PLM department colleagues in different time-zones to ensure coverage for projects is suitable in US, European and APAC Standard time zones.

 

What the Technical Operations Release Manager does at EA:

Submissions

• Program manage the submission process to coordinate, communicate, and logistically support submission activities to the assigned portfolios of First Parties (Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo), Origin and the Age Ratings bodies, ensuring submission packages are of the highest integrity and punctuality.
• Work directly with Franchise Operations Leads on assigned franchises for process, tools & longer ranging scenarios that impact the submissions process
• Program management for roll out and implementation of new First Party & other external platform partner submission tools e.g. Microsoft Partner Center
• Maintain a complete understanding of all product schedule dependencies and needs on a global scale. Proactively engage with studio personnel, PLM Franchise Leads and EACC to establish First Party submission schedules.
• Partner with and Program Manage Real Time Operations team in EA Romania and EA Hyderabad to ensure all activities supported by RTO are working effectively, resolving issues and escalations raised by RTO team as appropriate

 

Platform Configuration

• Creation and configuration of First Party & Platform Partner offers – full game, DLC, Beta, VC, Subscriptions etc. and communicate First Party IDs to relevant internal parties.
• Provide knowledge and support to Studios to increase their understanding of the submission process, configurations, and requirements
• Partner with Franchise Operations management team on platform configuration support for each Studio/Franchise plan
• Manage key process documentation process and ensure it is up to date on Confluence and fit for purpose, including reference documentation needed for EA Studios in order to drive consistency and integrity of platform requirements, including the Technical Map
• Ensure all Global Operations tools and documents correctly reflect the content IDs and Platform Partner information as it pertains to product set up and configuration
• Participate in regular planning meetings, edition planning readouts with external platform partners and internal MPA teams and Studios
• Scenario plan and inform external & internal partners on what can/can’t be done for each configuration and determine what the final suggested implementation should be

 

 

 

Relationship Management

• Relationship owner for First Party & other external platform partners, BizOps, Store Ops and Configuration teams, both with the actual configuration set up as well as future franchise plans & strategies
• Maintain effective, productive, and professional relations with First Party partner contacts (typically Release and/or Account Managers). Ensure constant communication in both directions, facilitating the needs of both parties

 

Special Considerations

The PLM team is a dynamic part of the business where there are peak periods of activity therefore it is necessary that this individual has a flexible approach to working hours, including weekends.
The taking of extended annual leave during these certain periods is limited.

The next great EA Technical Operations Release Manager also needs:

The candidate must have strong relationship management skills, excellent written and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with all key stakeholders. The ideal candidate must also have strong account/project management skills, be able to understand business strategy and technology, ability to influence and negotiate and possess the ability to drive team to success.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and customer service skills.
• 2-3 years’ experience in product submissions, software configurations, platform setups
• Previous experience working in remote teams, ideally with experience of working with a remote manager
• Previous experience of working in a multi-cultural/sited environment; directly and indirectly managing a culturally diverse team of 5 or more people
• Expertise with Office productivity tools (i.e. MS Office, GSuite, Slack, etc). Experience working with databases and Microsoft SharePoint.
• Knowledge of the technical requirements of at least one console/gaming/retail manufacturer and associated tools/portals
• Ability to work calmly under pressure, maintaining attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to building mutually beneficial relationships with partners
• Experience with high levels of multi-tasking and prioritizing in a consistently fast-paced deadline-driven environment
• Excellent personal organization and work ethic

 

What’s in it for you? Glad you asked!

• Competitive salary plus annual bonus scheme
• Central location in Guildford (5 minutes from main train station)
• Private medical insurance & dental care
• Pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Stock plans
• Free onsite gym
• Employee discounts
• Rail season ticket loan
• Annual game points and digital download allowance
• Onsite café
• 25 days holiday (including 3 days company shutdown days between Christmas & New Year)
• Two annual staff parties (Summer & Christmas)
• Casual dress code
• Games Area

 We thought you might also want to know more about our location:

http://careers.ea.com/our-locations/guildford

 Take your career to the next level – apply today!

City:

State:

Community / Marketing Title: Technical Operations Release Manager

Company Profile:

We are a global team of creators, storytellers, technologists, experience originators, innovators and so much more. We believe amazing games and experiences start with teams as diverse as the players and communities we serve. At Electronic Arts, the only limit is your imagination.

EEOText:

About Electronic Arts

Everything we do is designed to inspire the world to play. Through our cutting-edge games, innovative services, and powerful technologies, we bring worlds with infinite possibilities to millions of players and fans around the globe.

We’re looking for collaborative and inclusive people with diverse perspectives who will enrich our culture and challenge us. We take a holistic approach with our benefits program, focusing on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support our people through every chapter of life. We provide comprehensive benefit packages and support for a balanced life with paid time off and new parent leave, plus free games and so much more. Our goal is to provide a safe and respectful workplace that empowers you to thrive in both work and life.

Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

Days Open: 89

Can this position be remote?:

EEO Employer Verbiage:

About Electronic Arts

Everything we do is designed to inspire the world to play. Through our cutting-edge games, innovative services, and powerful technologies, we bring worlds with infinite possibilities to millions of players and fans around the globe.

We’re looking for collaborative and inclusive people with diverse perspectives who will enrich our culture and challenge us. We take a holistic approach with our benefits program, focusing on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support our people through every chapter of life. We provide comprehensive benefit packages and support for a balanced life with paid time off and new parent leave, plus free games and so much more. Our goal is to provide a safe and respectful workplace that empowers you to thrive in both work and life.

Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.