Nintendo of America Inc.

The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch™ system and the Nintendo 3DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.5 billion video games and more than 710 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS™ family of systems, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo GameCube™, Wii™ and Wii U™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website.

The publisher and developer relations (PDR) department within Nintendo of America is responsible for the acquisition, operations and amplification of 3rd party software developed for Nintendo platforms. The department works closely with major video game publishers as well as up-and-coming independent developers to ensure their best games are coming to Nintendo platforms.

The department houses the Partner Management team which is responsible for all North American-based publishers and developers. Through acquisition and influence, the group oversees the 3rd party content slate + software portfolio for the Americas, with each member working closely with the most notable companies in the industry.

Nintendo is seeking to hire a Sr. Manager to join the Partner Management department within PDR. In this role you will interacting with key executives within Nintendo and across the industry to identify, negotiate and secure top-tier interactive content for Nintendo platforms. This is a highly visible position within Nintendo that requires a strong business acumen, executive presence, and broad network - as well as outstanding interpersonal relationship management skills.

The Sr. Manager of Partner Management will be working with highly sensitive and confidential information on a daily basis, expected to navigate and bring to resolution complex business scenarios/variables on behalf of Nintendo. The position will also assist in the development and execution of strategic content acquisition plans, working closely with department leadership to translate key business objectives into tactical plans, whilst also monitoring the operations and marketing teams execution of pre-existing priorities.

The ideal candidate for this role will have had previous experience working ‘in the trenches’ on a game team, either in a management or leadership capacity, with demonstrable experience of shipping games on Nintendo platforms. Hands-on experience with ideation of product, business deals, as well as creating and presenting engaging product briefings and business updates to C-suite level executives is a must. Previous Director+ level experience in BD or Ops at a major publisher or platform holder highly desired. Previous experience working with M&A or VC/Investment Funds a plus.

The Sr. Manager, Partner Management reports directly to the head of the 3rd party portfolio management.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Establish and maintain ongoing business relationships with key stakeholders at external publishers and developers in the games industry.
Identify, ideate and negotiate potential partnership and/or strategic investment opportunities on behalf of the company.
Forecast and help direct annual 3rd party Strategic Partnerships budget, providing justification and analysis for allocations.
Oversee internal analysis of potential 3rd party content partnerships, including quantitative + qualitative feedback on market opportunity, product evaluations, and company/team profiles.
Negotiate business terms and conditions with external publishers and developers.
Manage acquired content / projects with diverse scopes, ensure time-sensitive information is communicated and escalated (as necessary) to key internal stakeholders.
Work in close conjunction with Nintendo Developer Relations and the software development support group (SDSG) to recommend and prioritize technical support of strategic priorities + projects.
Identify, prioritize and provide monthly recommendations of new content coming to Nintendo for potential inclusion in internally-led marketing activities.
Ensure prioritized projects are supported through all internal touchpoints including technology, QA, submissions, release management, marketing and others.
Closely collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve program and partnership objectives related to the 3rd party games business.
Research and provide solutions for developer and publisher inquiries as related to the technical development and/or deployment of their content on Nintendo.
Prepare, create, contribute, present and distribute reporting and analysis related to industry trends and market conditions from a development, business and sales perspective on a quarterly basis.
Manage personnel dedicated to other publisher and developer partnerships, providing insights and guidance on priority accounts (as needed).
Acquire, advocate and amplify support of Nintendo with publishers and developers across the industry to support the growth of our 3rd party games business and overall customer satisfaction.
As designated, may represent the company as an official corporate spokesperson. (Successful completion of training required)

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

Eight to ten years of industry experience, including a minimum of at least three years in a departmental/team leadership position.
A working and contemporary understanding of the game development process as well as associated terminology.
Demonstrated effectiveness as a people leader, with a proven track record of building and growing effective teams and individual personnel.
Strong experience in defining, communicating and negotiating business terms, management of contracts and P&Ls.
Broad industry experience and expertise across multiple disciplines, with varied networks of developers, publishers and individual contributors across the industry.
Strong “Public Facing” interpersonal skills, able to easily network and engage with both pre-existing and prospective business partners in-person while at trade shows / industry events.
Ability to develop and present sophisticated and engaging business presentations from scratch.
College degree or equivalent combination of experience in a development capacity. MBA preferred.
Familiarity and sensitivity related to Japanese business culture.
Strong Japanese language skills (reading, speaking) highly preferred.
A love and in-depth understanding of Nintendo platforms, products and IP preferred.
A valid passport.
Up to 35% travel (both domestic and internationally) may be required for this position.