Since 2018, Maria Jimenez has helped double the size of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s contingent workforce program and expand services globally. Recently promoted to director, global contingent workforce program, she is leading the charge to standardize processes in a program that administers more than 1,300 contingent workers in the US, Canada and the UK.

While working on implementing a new VMS, Jimenez recently made the tough call to cut ties with a vendor partner of two years and start over. “This was not a decision we entered into lightly,” she explains. “So many teams devoted so much time over the last year and did some great work, but the platform did not live up to the capabilities sold.”

As she begins work on rebooting the VMS project, Jimenez is prioritizing communication with as many people as possible across the organization to be mindful of existing projects on the corporate calendar. “Fortunately, a lot of ‘pre-work’ has been done, so that’s a relief,” she notes. Ultimately, Jimenez aims to ensure the new VMS meets everyone’s needs and can evolve as the company grows. “Having an agile and scalable platform is key for Sony,” she explains. “I’m focused not only on our corporate side but also on our studios that rely on contingent workers. I think this thoughtful approach goes a long way in fostering great working relationships.”

Jimenez says that getting a new, cutting-edge VMS in place will make it easier to engage contingent workers, and her ultimate goal is to ensure that all users of the platform, from managers to contingent workers to their MSP, have a great experience.