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Director, Esports Product Licensing

Blizzard Entertainment has served as a fundamental force in competitive gaming for over 15 years. With our global esports initiatives continuing to expand, evolve and reach new audiences, we’re searching the world over for talented people who are as passionate about the amazing competition taking place in our games as we are.

Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues (ABEL) serves as the operational foundation and partnership hub for the Overwatch League and Call of Duty World League. ABEL is uniquely positioned to create long term value via commercialization of the esports portfolio through brand partnership and media rights sales. Leading the charge, the Overwatch League represents one of the first truly global esports leagues, combining the best of traditional sports and esports. Overwatch League has enjoyed great success, having expanded to 20 world-class teams, launched compelling programming to a diverse international audience and quickly become the most commercially successful esports program in history. Similarly, the Call of Duty World League team successfully launched the Global Pro League and has continued to grow the already popular Call of Duty esports scene.

The Director, Esports Product Licensing will develop and execute the merchandise and online/offline retail strategies for esports consumer products across China. This position will initially focus on Overwatch League (OWL) including Overwatch League teams, and may expand to include new esports leagues and other esports initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic approach to esports consumer product business in China with focus on OWL
• Manage and support all aspects of the ABEL Consumer Products business, including licensing, retail partnerships and ecommerce strategies
• Manage relationship with existing licensees and identify new licensee partners to grow Overwatch League’s awareness, revenue, and positioning in the market
• Source, develop and execute partnerships with incremental licensees from start to finish – prospecting, negotiating, contracting, meeting deadlines and implementation
• Oversee the relationship with OWL’s official ecommerce operator
• Manage and influence critical internal stakeholders within the Leagues, ABEL and in-house game development teams; build strong relationships and represent the CPG Team
• Cultivate deep and collaborative partnerships with OWL teams in China
• Work closely with Blizzard China CPG group to maximize resources, existing relationships and leverage opportunities in the market
• Constantly analyze the rapidly evolving esports landscape, finding new opportunities for consumer products deals and partnership opportunities that will support the growth of Activision Blizzards Esports Leagues
• Oversee fulfillment of partner contractual obligations

Requirements

• 7+ years of licensing experience, across all major soft lines and hardlines categories
• 3+ years leadership and team management experience
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, related field or equivalent work experience
• Thorough understanding of the product development process, including soft lines and hard lines
• Demonstrated success developing consumer product programs in China; broad knowledge of business practices and marketplaces trends
• Exceptional ability to effectively manage third-party partners, particularly in ecommerce, apparel, accessories and hardlines categories
• Proven track record with scaling businesses, particularly nascent brands, in China
• Strong program/project management skills with experience drive planning, schedules, estimates, budgeting, resource plans and status reports
• Strong managerial skills, a capable and respected leader
• Proven ability working in satellite office and ability to function well in a highly-matrixed organization
• Advanced stakeholder management skills, ability to secure support from and collaborate with key internal partners, such as creative development, marketing, PR and legal
• Ability to work and thrive in a globally-oriented environment, run multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines consistently
• Exceptional written, listening, and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Fluent in English and Mandarin
• Highest ethics and integrity, sound judgment and decision making

Pluses

• Experience in the sports licensing industry
• Multi-region experience
• Work with other, industry-leading gaming/entertainment/ecommerce companies
• Passion for video games, and extra credit for Blizzard games, particularly Overwatch and Overwatch League

• Resume
• Cover letter