Netflix operates at an unprecedented scale, releasing content globally at the same time and empowering members to play, pause and resume viewing whenever they please.
This extensive offering is made possible through Netflix’s innovative approach to metadata, which plays a critical role in organizing and optimizing content discoverability for users. Metadata innovation is at the heart of Netflix’s ability to release and promote content seamlessly, catering to the diverse preferences of its global audience.
In order to support its vast and growing content catalog, Netflix is seeking a metadata expert with experience in technical program management. This role is pivotal in shaping the strategy for metadata innovation, working closely with teams across the globe to implement data-driven solutions that improve content delivery and member satisfaction.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with metadata systems and platforms such as Digital Asset Management (DAM), Content Management Systems (CMS) and Data Management Platforms (DMP) and must excel in cross-functional collaboration and program management. By driving the development of metadata frameworks, tools and governance initiatives, this role ensures Netflix continues to deliver top-notch content while enhancing the overall user experience.
The Role
Netflix stands as one of the leading global streaming services, offering a vast range of TV shows, films and games across different genres and languages. With over 247 million paid memberships spread across more than 190 countries, Netflix provides members with the freedom to watch content anytime, anywhere and on any device. Members have full control to play, pause and resume watching as they please and they can adjust their membership plans whenever they choose.
The company is distinguished by its unprecedented scale of content production and release, distributing content simultaneously to its 265 million members worldwide. This vast content catalog spans a wide variety of genres and languages, giving members the freedom to enjoy entertainment on their terms.
Netflix’s growth is supported by innovation in metadata, which plays a crucial role in delivering seamless, data-driven insights and solutions. Metadata innovation is at the heart of enhancing content discoverability and maximizing member value by ensuring data is structured and applied at scale. Netflix seeks an expert in metadata management and technical program management to drive emerging programs and advance data generation and quality control.
The Role of Metadata Innovation
The Metadata Innovation team collaborates closely with product managers, engineers and data scientists, as well as key business stakeholders, to continuously evolve Netflix’s metadata infrastructure. The goal is to increase member satisfaction and improve the overall user experience by optimizing how metadata is applied across the platform.
In this position, you will help shape the strategy of Netflix’s metadata innovation programs, working with teams around the world to implement solutions that enhance the value of the company’s metadata. Your experience with various metadata applications—including Digital Asset Management (DAM), Content Management Systems (CMS), Data Management Platforms (DMP) and ad servers—will be critical. You will need strong communication skills to effectively convey priorities and solutions across diverse stakeholder groups, along with the ability to advocate for metadata governance initiatives. Consistency in applying program management methodologies is essential to solving complex problems.
Within the Product Metadata and Ratings team, you will collaborate closely with the Content Understanding and Ratings Policy teams. Together, you will drive the development of metadata frameworks, metrics and mechanisms that allow Netflix to launch and promote content effectively. Additionally, you will work with project managers to identify, plan and execute initiatives that will have the highest impact on the company’s goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Strategy Development: Lead the development and execution of program strategies for various portfolios in collaboration with Product Metadata and Ratings leadership. This involves working closely with key partners to align on objectives and ensure the successful execution of plans.
- Stakeholder Management: Manage a diverse set of global, cross-functional stakeholders with a solution-first approach. It is essential to drive clarity on the issues that need resolution, ensuring that both technical and non-technical audiences understand priorities. Establish relative priorities and drive alignment across different teams.
- Resource Management: Monitor and manage resource impacts for your programs, working with leadership teams to ensure internal resources are allocated effectively. You will also partner with operations teams to ensure vendor success.
- Risk Management: Actively manage risks across the Metadata Innovation portfolio, identifying potential trade-offs and developing contingency plans to address risks when they arise.
- Progress Reporting: Track and report on key milestones, goals, objectives, key results (OKRs) and learnings. Ensure that progress is communicated clearly to all stakeholders and that expectations are managed effectively.
- Data Quality Advocacy: Collaborate with Product Metadata and Ratings teams and cross-functional partners to advocate for and develop solutions that improve data quality.
- Partnership Development: Work closely with Architecture and Taxonomy & Governance teams to advocate for improvements in data quality and metadata standards.
- Program Management Best Practices: Model best-in-class program management techniques, ensuring that programs are executed efficiently and meet their stated objectives.
Qualifications
To excel in this role, candidates should possess:
- Experience in Technical Program Management: A minimum of 5 years of experience managing technical programs, preferably in a metadata or data-centric field. You should have a proven track record of managing programs and projects from conception to completion, demonstrating success in meeting objectives, timelines and budgets.
- Metadata Expertise: At least 5 years of experience working with metadata or related data disciplines, systems and projects. This includes experience with metadata management platforms, digital asset management systems, content management systems and ad servers.
- Cross-Functional Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building and maintaining cross-functional relationships. You must be able to develop insights and articulate progress and successes to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Program Management Skills: Demonstrated success in managing complex programs across a wide range of stakeholders. You should be comfortable aligning goals, meeting objectives and managing budgets and timelines with stellar quality. Your ability to manage large-scale projects is crucial to the success of this role.
- Solution Delivery: A proven ability to deliver highly effective solutions for metadata and data management challenges, incorporating the use of tools, user experience testing (UAT) and vendor resourcing to ensure successful outcomes.
- Metadata Systems Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of metadata systems is essential. You should have a keen eye for continuous improvement, always seeking to optimize processes and workflows.
- Data-Driven Problem Solving: You must take a data-driven approach to problem-solving, using analytics and metrics to drive decision-making. Accountability for deliverables and outcomes is critical to this role.
- Algorithm-Assisted and Vendor-Supported Workflows: Experience working with algorithm-assisted and vendor-supported workflows is a must. You should be familiar with the tools and processes that support metadata and data management at scale.
- Optimization and Quality Assurance: A focus on optimization and quality assurance is necessary for this role. You must be able to set clear objectives and ensure that quality standards are met throughout the execution of programs.
- Technical Troubleshooting: The ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues is key. You should have experience identifying and resolving advanced technical problems across both internal and external toolsets, working closely with partners to ensure timely resolution.
- Self-Starter: You must be able to operate independently and navigate ambiguity effectively. The ability to pivot when necessary and adjust strategies to meet changing needs is critical.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Attention to detail is vital in ensuring that deliverables meet the highest standards.
- Judgment and Decision-Making: Strong judgment in executing deliverables and designing workflows is essential. You should always prioritize member satisfaction and ensure that decisions align with the company’s overall goals.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills are highly valued in this role. You must be able to approach challenges from different angles and develop innovative solutions.
- Tool Proficiency: Proficiency in tools such as Google Suite, AirTable and other database, reporting and tracking tools is required. You should be comfortable using these tools to manage workflows and communicate progress.
Compensation and Benefits
Netflix’s compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary—there are no bonuses. Employees have the flexibility to choose how much of their compensation they want in salary versus stock options. This system allows individuals to determine their own compensation mix based on personal preferences.
To determine your personal top-of-market compensation, Netflix relies on a variety of market indicators, including job family, background, skills and experience. The compensation range for this role is between $70,000 and $370,000.
Netflix offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Health plans
- Mental health support
- A 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match
- Stock options
- Disability programs
- Health savings and flexible spending accounts
- Family-forming benefits
- Life and serious injury benefits
- Paid leave of absence programs
Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off, which can be used for vacation, holidays and sick time. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of metadata applications does the role involve?
The role involves working with a variety of metadata applications, including Digital Asset Management (DAM), Content Management Systems (CMS), Data Management Platforms (DMP) and ad servers. The candidate must be adept at managing metadata systems and tools to ensure continuous improvement.
How does the compensation structure work at Netflix?
Netflix offers an annual salary with no bonuses and employees can choose how much of their compensation they want in salary versus stock options. The salary range for this role is between $70,000 and $370,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
What are the key responsibilities of the role?
The responsibilities include developing and executing metadata program strategies, managing global cross-functional stakeholders, ensuring data quality and overseeing resource and risk management. The role also involves working with teams to optimize workflows, troubleshoot issues and advocate for metadata governance initiatives.
What tools and platforms should the candidate be proficient in?
The ideal candidate should be proficient in the Google Suite, AirTable and other database, reporting and tracking tools used to manage workflows and track progress.
What benefits does Netflix provide?
Netflix offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health plans, mental health support, 401(k) with employer match, stock options, disability programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, family-forming benefits and life and injury benefits. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days of paid time off annually and salaried employees have flexible time off.
What is the role’s impact on Netflix’s content delivery?
The role is crucial for ensuring that Netflix’s metadata systems are optimized to enhance content discovery and promotion. By managing and improving the quality of metadata, the role helps Netflix launch content effectively, allowing members to find and enjoy content seamlessly.
How does the role collaborate with other teams?
The Metadata Technical Program Manager will work closely with teams in Product Metadata, Ratings, Engineering, Data Science, Architecture and Taxonomy & Governance. Collaboration across departments is essential to innovate metadata frameworks and support data generation at scale.
What is the importance of metadata in Netflix’s content strategy?
Metadata is essential for organizing Netflix’s vast library of content, ensuring that users can easily find and enjoy shows, movies and games based on their preferences. It also supports Netflix’s ability to personalize recommendations and optimize content delivery globally.