Job Abstract

The Production Team at Santa Monica Studio excels at creative problem solving and communication. We thrive on being at the intersection of people and productivity as the glue that holds the studio together. Whether by being leaders of the craft of project management or partners who will clear the path ahead, the production team is here in service to the studio, to move development forward and achieve quality.

We are looking for an experienced, driven and expert planner to join our team as a Senior Producer. A Senior Producer is relied upon to lead long-term scheduling efforts as well as to direct ground level production activities of multiple discipline teams and large areas of the game. Responsibilities include partnering with the lead producer, creative directors and leads, guiding and directing other producers and collaborating with studio managers to own the creation, maintenance and execution of a project plan to determine resource, budget and schedule needs.

Own the production of multiple discipline teams in all areas:

• Run the production pipeline of a broad area of the game crossing multiple disciplines throughout all phases of the product development cycle from design through final approval
• Craft and maintain a comprehensive project plan, schedule, scope and resource forecast for multiple disciplines along a complex production pipeline
• Manage day-to-day production issues to allow the team to achieve the highest possible game quality - schedule and maintain tasking of departmental and interdisciplinary teams

Lead day-to-day production through rigorous project planning, analytic thinking and information gathering:

• Break down large complex initiatives, features and challenges into manageable portions and actionable steps
• Assimilate diverse information and assess the impact on each phase of production and on the project as a whole
• Identify all groups that may be affected by a goal, actively solicit their input and follow up by strong execution
• Ensure a common understanding and agreement on project scope, objectives and impact of any changes

Partner with a wide range of team members to further current and future product development needs:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with internal development team, primarily partnering with the game director, discipline directors and leads
• Collaborate with managers concerning personnel issues and team member individual growth, such as meeting task expectations, actively tasking individuals toward determined growth goals
• Contribute to the development of new theories, methodologies and approaches in collaboration with creative partners - support the creative vision by utilizing curiosity, judgement and anticipating change to direct or redirect efforts as needed to achieve results

Project Management Craftsmanship

• Experience with traditional Waterfall production management techniques along with Agile techniques, including SCRUM or Kanban
• Excellent organizational & prioritization skills, attention to detail, process knowledge and ability to multi-task
• Experience with Microsoft Office (emphasis on Excel), Hansoft, JIRA, Confluence and other project tracking and bug database software

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively across product development and management teams
• Experience working with high performing creative teams and demonstrated ability to partner effectively in a high pressure, collaborative environment
• Proven conflict management skills with a strength in mediation leading to resolution of risk and roadblocks

Must Haves

• Minimum of five years of games industry experience in an internal development environment in a production role
• 10+ years of overall production / project / program management experience
• Experience working on technical teams and projects with a focus on Engine/Pipeline tools
• Familiarity with programming and/or scripting languages (e.g. C++, Python)
• Mastery of a variety of project management techniques in an internal development environment coupled with deep experience building and maintaining schedules
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering / computer science or equivalent education

• Experience on multiple large scale, 150+ person AAA games through all phases of production from concept to release
• At least one shipped AAA PC and/or console title as a Senior Producer
• Previous experience managing, guiding and mentoring junior producers
• Familiarity with various internal game production pipelines and software
• PMP or equivalent certification