Senior Manager, People & Organization (P&O)

Sony Pictures Animation•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$151,800 - $189,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, People & Organization (P&O) is the core HR partner for Sony Pictures Animation’s studio. The role oversees foundational HR operations—including onboarding, benefits, payroll, and employee support—for the overhead team, while partnering with production to align people practices with the pace and lifecycle of animated film production. Production crews ramp up, reach peak staffing, and wrap on tight schedules, and this position helps teams navigate those transitions effectively. Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. The studio empowers filmmakers to lead the creative process and aims to produce bold, innovative visual storytelling. The Senior Manager partners with Production, Studio Operations, department heads, corporate teams, Compensation, Labor Relations, and studio leadership. The role leads and develops P&O team members, supports an inclusive employee experience, and improves HR processes, systems, and reporting. The anticipated base salary is $151,800–$189,000; the actual salary offered depends on a variety of factors.

Requirements

At least 8 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in a people-management role.
Strong knowledge of onboarding, benefits, payroll, and California employment law.
Working knowledge of guild and union environments, including how collective bargaining agreements affect hiring, payroll, and employee relations.
Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems, such as Workday.
Excellent judgment, discretion, and communication skills.
A genuine interest in animation and filmmaking, and a desire to understand how films are made.
A service mindset: responsive, approachable, and solution-oriented.
Ability to balance process and compliance with the pace and flexibility creative work demands.
Ability to work respectfully with IATSE representatives and apply agreement terms accurately and consistently.
Comfort managing multiple priorities across productions in different phases.

Nice To Haves

Experience in media, entertainment, animation, VFX, or another project-based creative environment.
Experience with IATSE.

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end employee lifecycle, including onboarding, status changes, offboarding, and records maintenance.
Manage benefits administration, open enrollment, and employee questions.
Resolve payroll issues in partnership with Payroll, Finance, and corporate P&O teams.
Ensure compliance with employment law, Sony policies, and IATSE agreements, including correct classification, overtime, and benefits eligibility.
Partner with Labor Relations to interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements accurately and consistently.
Coordinate employee leaves, workplace accommodations, and return-to-work transitions with appropriate corporate teams.
Partner with Compensation and studio leadership on promotions and internal equity across production and overhead teams.
Partner with Production, Studio Operations, and department heads on crew ramp-ups and wrap-downs.
Help leaders communicate and implement organizational changes, supporting employees through transitions.
Advise on hiring plans, offers, and workforce planning across productions.
Coach producers, supervisors, and managers on performance, conflict resolution, and team culture.
Handle employee relations matters with discretion and fairness.
Create an inclusive, supportive environment for artists and production staff.
Run engagement efforts such as feedback programs, wellbeing resources, and recognition.
Partner with the D&I team to adapt company initiatives into studio programs supporting inclusive leadership, employee engagement, and equitable access to development opportunities.
Support training, career development, and mobility within the studio.
Lead and develop P&O team members.
Improve processes, systems, and reporting, using HR data to inform decisions.