Director - Consumer Product Licensing - Microsoft - Seattle

Job description
Are you interested in building new franchises, expanding the reach of global brands like Forza, Gears of War or Killer Instinct, or creating new game and entertainment experiences? Then, come be a leader of Content & Brand Business Development for Microsoft Studios. The mission is to take games to new platforms and consumer products, license external brands and create entirely new experiences and services. Your goal will be to identify potential consumer products, content and licensing partners, research and build strategies for new areas of business, and negotiate new partner deals to closure, managing execution in conjunction with our studio partners. You will join a team of diverse, dedicated and fun game industry business development professionals to significantly contribute to the future of the Microsoft Studios portfolio.

We are looking for a Director of Business Development responsible for partnering with video game production, franchise & business management and marketing leadership to further develop the Consumer Product Licensing aspect of Microsoft Studios’ business. This position will also involve licensing in/out well-known entertainment or lifestyle IP for the development of video games.
The role provides executive visibility and thus requires commensurate communication skills. This role will report to the Senior Director of First Party Worldwide Business Development and will work closely with stakeholders within the various Studios (343, Black Tusk, Turn Ten, Lionhead, Rare) and Publishing which control individual video game IP.

This position will be responsible but not limited to:
• Planning and executing a strategy for Consumer Products Licensing to partner effectively with Microsoft’s internal studios
• Creating and growing a centralized organization through which Consumer Products Managers within each game franchise can partner to execute the necessary deals and partnerships relevant to their IP and Consumer Product Strategy
• Establish and articulate the value proposition for internal stakeholders and external partners
• Drive ongoing opportunity analysis, competitive insights and response recommendations to assure relevancy and competitiveness of our programs
• Negotiate partnerships and licenses with key brands and IP holders for games produced by Microsoft Studios. Successfully negotiate deal terms and drive contract execution
• Work with the studio’s Functional Leads to drive the evaluation and execution process, Finance and Marketing to create the P&Ls and plans, and Legal to negotiate the contracts
• As one of the primary representatives for Microsoft in the gaming, entertainment, and licensing industries, you will build relationships with a diverse cross-section of companies around the world and work diligently to expand awareness of our brands.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

Desired Skills and Experience
Core competencies in the role include: strategic, innovative and structured thinking, proven business networking ability, senior level presentation and partnering skills, project management, account management and people management experience. Experience and deep understanding of US and EMEA markets for licensed consumer products is a must.
Requirements:
•The ideal candidate must be passionate and knowledgeable about entertainment and games, be analytical and organized, have strong communication, inter-personal, and negotiation skills, a self-starter, and drive to results.
• 7+ years' business development experience in the consumer products licensing or games and entertainment fields, as well as an MBA or equivalent work experience
• video game development background; consulting or investment banking background is a plus
• Proven ability to work well with ambiguity within a complex corporate environment to drive new initiatives and deliver tangible impact to the company

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