Media & Modeling Manager

Job Summary

Square Enix is a leading publisher of entertainment content, known for iconic franchises such as Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Dragon Quest, NieR, Life is Strange, and Just Cause. Our mission is to create and deliver experiences that resonate deeply with the hearts and minds of our players.

We are seeking a Media & Modeling Manager to join our Forecast team, with a focus on quantifying the relationship between media/promotion plans and consumer metrics (e.g., awareness) across global markets. This role is critical to our marketing effectiveness strategy, acting as the technical authority for translating high‑level awareness and promotion objectives into quantified, decision‑grade demand and media inputs used in business planning and new title sales forecasting.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, deep familiarity with media data sources across Europe and the US, and the ability to design models that reflect local media consumption patterns. This is a senior-level role requiring independent judgment, strategic thinking, and a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics.

In addition to hands-on analytical work, this role will mentor junior and mid-level analysts and data scientists and will work closely with the Director to ensure the quality and consistency of the team’s outputs—both in terms of model inputs and results.

Learn more about the team's work:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfvf5w1AnnE
• https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/data-analytics/square-enix-builds-a-customer-data-platform-with-google-cloud

Roles, Responsibilities, and KPIs

Modeling Ownership & Technical Authority

• Own the design, implementation, and validation of media-, awareness-, and demand-driven models used in forecasting.
• Act as the technical authority on model structure, assumptions, non‑linear responses, and performance, ensuring outputs are decision‑grade and methodologically sound.

Forecast Assumptions & Scenario Integrity

• Translate marketing, promotion, and release assumptions into quantified demand signals and forecast scenarios.
• Evaluate the impact and risk of key assumptions (e.g. media intensity, timing, localisation, price promotion) and ensure forecast ranges (MIN / MAX) are logically defensible before executive review.

Forecast Quality Enablement & Team Leadership

• Ensure the quality and consistency of forecasting outputs across regions by reviewing models and methodologies produced by analysts and data scientists.
• Provide technical guidance to Forecast PMs and junior staff, setting standards for how inputs, scenarios, and caveats are constructed and communicated.

Requirements:
Essential

Technical Skills

• Demonstrable current proficiency in mathematics and statistics (e.g., A-level Mathematics with grade A, A+ or equivalent).
• Proficiency in Python, including modular code design using functions and classes.
• Experience building linear / non-linear response models using population and media consumption data.
• Familiarity with model performance monitoring and iterative improvement.

Industry Knowledge (marketing, media and gaming)

• Understanding of media planning principles and awareness KPIs.
• Familiarity with media data providers across EU and US markets, such as: Kantar, Ipsos, GfK, Nielsen, Comscore.
• Ability to assess data reliability, granularity, and accessibility across regions.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across data science, marketing, and external partners.
• Strategic thinking and independent decision-making.
• Experience managing one or more direct reports.

Desirable

• Experience in media mix modeling or marketing effectiveness analysis.
• Basic understanding of Bayesian statistics and probabilistic modeling, with the ability to apply Bayesian inference to media effectiveness, forecasting, and decision-making under uncertainty.
• Hands-on experience with scenario planning or simulation tools.
• Prior collaboration with regional media agencies or research firms.
• Experience mentoring or managing small teams.

Purpose & Values

• Purpose: Creating New Worlds with Boundless Imagination to Enhance People’s Lives.
• Values:
• Deliver Unforgettable Experiences
• Embrace Challenges
• Act Swiftly
• Stronger Together
• Continuously Evolve
• Cultivate Integrity