Manager, Machine Learning

Why PlayStation?

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more.

PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.

The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation.

Our team is working in the forefront of Imitation Learning and Reinforcement Learning techniques for game playing agents, and we need a Manager to support our researchers as they develop new technologies.

As a Manager, your primary focus will be on team development and supporting our machine learning research and development teams, assisting the technical leads in driving technical perfection and innovation. While an understanding of machine learning concepts and applications is preferable, your main responsibility will be to support and nurture a team of dedicated individuals, ensuring their success and fostering an environment of collaboration and growth in a research setting.

What you'll be doing:

• Manage a team of machine learning researchers and developers: Provide guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support to help them achieve their professional goals, fostering an environment where they can thrive and excel.
• Develop and implement talent strategies: Attract, recruit, and retain top-tier talent in machine learning, ensuring that our team remains at the peak of innovation and expertise.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation: Establish and maintain a culture of curiosity and continuous learning within the team, encouraging ideas and groundbreaking research.
• Contribute to the development of the overall functional leadership process within FTG: Help create and implement processes that enhance leadership and people management across all of FTG, inspiring a unified and high-performing team culture.
• Champion inclusivity and diversity: Create a work environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to give their unique perspectives and talents.
• Collaborate with senior leadership: Align team objectives with the overall organizational goals and long-term vision, ensuring that our efforts contribute to the broader mission of the company.
• Operate in a global environment: Navigate the challenges of working with diverse, global teams spread across different time zones, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to work outside normal hours when required.
• Lead teams within Future Technology Group:
• Fostering a strong team culture, morale, and cohesiveness
• Supporting technical leads by ensuring that the team has access to tools and resources to perform their work effectively
• Conducting staff appraisals, fostering individual growth through regular one-to-ones, and identifying and mitigating risks
• Approving holidays and expenses in collaboration with technical leads
• Acting as a central point of contact for various SIE departments
• Facilitate external collaborations: Build and nurture relationships with external partners, universities, and research institutions, enhancing our team's capabilities and reach.
• Handle administrative tasks: Efficiently lead general administrative responsibilities, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

What we're looking for:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. Degrees in technical fields like Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence are also valued.
• An MBA or other degrees in management or leadership would be highly advantageous.
• Proven experience in leading a team of researchers or developers, preferably with a focus on machine learning related projects.
• Experience in recruitment and retention strategies, with a track record of attracting and developing top talent in machine learning.
• Interest in gaming and exploring the intersection of machine learning and game technology.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus opportunity
• Hybrid Working (within Flexmodes)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• 25 days holiday per year
• On Site Gym
• Subsidised Café
• Free soft drinks
• On site bar
• Access to cycle garage and showers

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. 

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.