Job Description:

Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a world-class, business leader to join our award-winning video game company in Irvine, California and help take our franchises to new heights. As a key leader in the commercial management organization, the Commercial Franchise Leader will help shape franchise business outcomes by leading and/ or overseeing the following areas: commercial and brand strategy, brand management and creative, business operations, franchise finance and budgeting, global insights and reporting, public relations and community. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this position will serve as the key strategic partner and will dotted line report to our development Executive Producer and World Wide Regional Operations. They will lead a team of strategy, publishing, business operations, finance, and business insights professionals. He or she will work closely with other key leaders and stakeholders across Blizzard Entertainment’s development, operations and tech organizations.

More specifically, responsibilities include:

Commercial Management

Responsible for leading the commercial business strategy including but not limited to long-range planning, five-year product slate, annual franchise planning and SKU management.
Responsible for setting the global publishing strategy including but not limited to segment targeting approach, global key messages, key beats and campaigns and player mix targets.
Manage a team of business strategy, finance, business insights, brand management, public relations and community leaders by providing guidance and direction to achieve and exceed our business goals.

Financial Management

Responsible for managing the franchise financials including setting the AOP and performance targets, monitoring financial performance and managing investment levels.
In partnership with finance, provide ongoing financial reporting for the franchise and regional performance.

Franchise Growth

Will lead efforts to explore new business opportunities performing due diligence, aligning product owners and executing against the plans.
Assess and enhance current monetization efforts and business model design that lead to incremental and profitable growth.
In partnership with the Executive Producer, develop and drive a multi-year franchise plan that focuses on growth and profitability.

Business Insights and Reporting

Will leverage internal data and analytic resources to monitor franchise health and optimize performance and commercial impact.
Using detailed analysis, provide recommendations to optimize the player journey and user experience outside of the game (e.g. funnel reporting, identifying and chasing opportunities to improve)

Brand Management

Responsible for leading brand strategy, creative and communications that grow and enhance the brand while building authentic and long-lasting relationships with our player base.
Will leverage the publishing team to drive user acquisition, retention and win-back while ensuring appropriate levels of investment in order to maximize ROI in collaboration with the global/ regional performance Marketing and CRM teams.

Position Requirements

The successful candidate must have the experience and maturity to drive the commercial success of a complex, high growth AAA franchise. In addition, they will possess unquestionable character and absolute integrity. S/he will be a strong and proven business leader and industry expert with a blend of superior skills continuously applied in dynamic environments. Aligned with the cultural values and business focus of Blizzard Entertainment and the broader Activision Blizzard family, qualified candidates must demonstrate the following traits: strong communication skills, unflappability, creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, strong work ethic, team and business orientation, collaborative spirit, passionate, unbridled curiosity, tech savvy nature, flexibility, egoless confidence, inspirational and open style, proactive approach, business orientation, roll-up the sleeves attitude and comfort in a matrixed organization.

Additional requirements include:

Executive experience (VP+) in marketing, business strategy, or general management. Preference for candidates with mobile, publishing and/or marketing experience.
Demonstrated ability to grow a product or service by continuously seeking out and pursuing new opportunities.
Data-driven mindset that is able to understand our player base and market trends and translate them into business opportunities.
Proven ability to generate innovative ideas and solve complex problems while staying true to Blizzard’s core values.
Ability to build strong partnerships, influence and partner with senior executives to drive change and results.
Exceptional business judgement with a strategic and analytical mindset.
Seasoned people leader with a passion for building and leveling up high-performing teams at scale.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills – ability to articulate complex ideas and influence others.
A deep passion for gaming and entertainment
Undergraduate degree is required. An MBA or other graduate degree in business, marketing, economics or a related field is highly preferred.

Blizzard Entertainment is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability