Team Name:
Job Title: Director, League Planning & Execution
Requisition ID: R017118
Job Description:
Activision Blizzard Esports (ABE) plays a centralized role in the creation of epic entertainment, serving as the operational foundation and partnership hub for the Overwatch League (OWL) and Call of Duty League (CDL) by developing the world-class esports ecosystems for our franchises. Leagues Administration focuses on operations across both Leagues, working cross functionally to ensure smooth planning and execution.
The League Planning & Execution team is a source of innovation to guide esports forward at ABE - embracing partnership internally and externally, fostering growth in the ecosystem, and creating innovative approaches to face the challenges of the future. The Director, League Planning & Execution, Esports drives that innovation by leading a cross-functional team to implement processes and efficiencies and manage ABE's Esports ecosystem. Reporting into the Vice President, Leagues Administration, this role is responsible for driving the planning and execution of OWL and CDL. They define the operational landscape, identify, and prioritize the risks, challenges, and opportunity spaces, and ensure that leadership is armed with the insights to drive the best decisions for the long-term health of the Leagues.
Job Responsibilities
Lead ABE's esports operations and project management by improving operational efficiency, increasing productivity, and delivering fiscally responsible Leagues to esports fans. This includes, leading and developing an impactful, diverse team; and recruiting and mentoring key team members to foster a growth-minded team environment.
Lead ABE's operational and risk assessments, prepare and present insights, plans, and recommendations to ABE's Leadership Team and other department leads. This includes developing policies and strategies for ABE to continue scaling the business and mitigate future risks.
Prioritize ambitiously between carrying out current season(s) and delivering strategic plans for future seasons while supporting emerging esport initiatives and pushing for long-term vision solutions.
Lead a variety of ad-hoc initiatives critical to ABE's mission in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and constantly evolving environment, demonstrating excellent operational judgment. This includes leading efforts to evaluate and develop new SOPs and Policies aligned with ABE's strengths, priorities, and evolving industry.
Partner with our OWL and CDL Product Teams to evaluate various new business and emerging product opportunities to establish concrete plans and strategies for execution.
Act as an escalation point to handle cross-functional issues within ABE and League Administration and drive alignment between external and internal partners (Broadcast, Marketing, Product, Game teams) towards a shared vision and roadmap for delivering the best experience in esports through ABE
Lead external relationships, including vendors, partner engagements, and some media relationships to continue the growth of ABE as an industry leader. This ensures ABE is using all our resources effectively, and our Leagues are receiving the highest level of support.
Evolve ABE's global mobility strategy and roadmap to ensure our immigration and travel policies and processes are aligned with the business strategy, as well as focused on the players, talent, and employee experience.
Job Qualifications
8+ proven years of experience in Global Mobility (immigration, strategy), including at least 4+ years leading the function and team for a sports league.
6+ years of experience leading operations in a fast moving, scaling, and evolving environment such as a startup.
4+ years of esports experience, including handling esports planning and operations.
4+ years of experience communicating with senior leadership teams (Vx, CxO and similar) and ability to connect with Sr. Leaders and manage conflicting opinions to achieve common program goals.
Experience leading and functioning in ambiguous, collaborative environments with team members of several levels.
Organizational agility and ability to work across organizational boundaries to build alignment at multiple levels of management and drive closure on issues.
Excellent listening and relationship building skills. Must possess the ability to synthesize and clearly communicate sophisticated insights and focus on the critical issues.
Experience initiating and running programs/ large projects targeted at emerging esports and new business opportunities.
Experience leading organizational Annual Operating Plans.
Consistent track record of developing and implementing new processes, policies, and strategies.
Proven track record of scaling businesses and driving operational efficiencies.
Proven track record of leading successful international esports product.
A solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics.
A passion for mentorship and leadership.
A passion for Esports.
Bachelor's Degree.
We are 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.
Blizzard Entertainment is a global company committed to growing our employees along with the business. We offer generous benefits and perks with an eye on providing true work / life balance. We've worked hard to foster an intensely collaborative and creative environment, a diverse and inclusive employee culture, and training and opportunity for professional growth. Our people are everything. Our core values are real, and our mission has never changed. We are dedicated to creating the most epic entertainment experiences. Join us!
