Head Of Theatrical Distribution, Nordics

Job Description

A key strategic leadership position, the Head of Theatrical Distribution - Nordics will work to establish a 'best in class' Sales & Distribution organization to enable the Pan-Nordic (excl Iceland) WarnerMedia Theatrical business to maximize revenue, drive market share and remain an industry leader by taking innovative approaches to the overall organization.

This role will be responsible for determining and implementing a high impact strategy to maximize Theatrical contribution and, in turn, drive HBO Max subscriber growth.

The Daily

Project Management (Sept 21 – June 22)
• Identify & Recruit 'best in class' Theatrical Distribution & Marketing team, ready for cinema releases from 1st July 2022
• In liaison with WarnerMedia and Warner Bros corporate functions – locally and in London - design and implement a new Theatrical infrastructure, including, but not limited to:
• Stand up all Marketing, Distribution and Tech Ops systems including MACCS, FTPix, I-campaign, DASH, Quickbase, ASK etc
• Assessment of Backroom services (including import, shipping and dubbing) needs across the region
• Liaise with Head of Finance Nordic to set-up Finance operation, in connection with the existing WM operation in territory, including installation of SAP

Core Head of Distribution Role (July 22 onwards)
• In conjunction with Nordic Country Manager and SVP EMEA Theatrical Distribution, determine Sales & Distribution strategies for Pan-Nordic (excl Iceland) region, in accordance with the overall regional and international strategy
• Determine most effective distribution methods for all Warner Bros pictures, including WB Studio movies, local productions and acquisitions that optimise bottom line in theatres as well as deliver on the company's broader objectives for HBO Max and HE/TV/CP
• Provide leadership and control to ensure business and profitability growth objectives are met on a consistent basis for each market
• Review structures, information capabilities and operational needs for WB Pictures in Sweden, Norway, Denmark & Finland. Identify and direct the execution of structural and procedural changes to drive profitability through revenue generation or cost reduction
• Work closely with local and regional exhibitors to deliver maximum opportunity for our releases in cinemas while devising the optimal window to deliver same for our WarnerMedia businesses - including oversight for our rental terms negotiations market-wide
• Foster collaboration with HBO Max, Home Entertainment, TV Distribution, Local production teams and Consumer products
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the markets, translating market trends into future requirements
• Work closely with Regional Marketing, Finance and Tech Ops as well as with heads of other divisions and corporate departments
• Maintain exceptional working relationships with all relevant WB executives in Burbank, Regional Offices and other WB territories
• Represent WB at regular and ad hoc inter divisional meetings to determine overall Nordic distribution strategy
• Encourage experimentation and innovation whilst ensuring established necessary business processes and communication lines are maintained
• Ensure reporting to Burbank and European / International Offices as required; continually evaluate the necessity of reporting and recommend improvements to reduce duplication of effort, time and resource. Ensure reporting and tracking of titles against stated objectives and revenue forecasts
• Maintain a high level of awareness and monitor trends of local and US competitive titles & strategies and keep Regional Office appraised of any resulting changes to WB and update strategies to mitigate, where possible, these challenges
• Develop and grow highly successful and effective working relationships with Regional and Home Office Executives
• Take a leadership role in Company and Industry initiatives
• Manage performance and training and development of direct reports as well as supervising performance management and training and development for the overall workforce within designated areas; ensuring adequate succession planning exists
• Recruit, manage, train and develop direct reporting staff; implement a talent management process.

The Essentials
• Significant experience in a senior management role in Theatrical sales, distribution, strategic planning preferably gained in a global media & entertainment company
• Proven success in the development and effective implementation of strategic Theatrical sales and distribution plans
• Expertise in managing high profile Theatrical sales campaigns and complex customer structures
• Collaborative approach, with experience of leading significant change programmes
• Ideally possesses well-formed relationships with and understanding of key local pan-Nordic (exhibitor, distributor and vendor) players and business mechanics
• Positive self starter with an ability to thrive under pressure and set stretching goals
• Ability to manage various simultaneous projects and meet deadlines and maximise benefit of working within a matrix structure
• Highly articulate, financially astute and business savvy
• Innovative and innovator
• Ability to communicate on a high level with internal and external business partners like Executive Management, customers, vendors and key talent
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, strong analytical ability; able to solve complex business problems
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English and one or more Nordic language
• Proven effective people management and leadership skills; tactful and diplomatic
• Master Degree or equivalent in relevant field

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including flexible hours or an element of working remotely. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d55o57-3-144-212-145-42 in your application.