Esports Manager - Video Game

Get to know The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children's entertainment properties in the world.

Learn more online at Pokemon.com and on Facebook (facebook.com/pokemon), YouTube (youtube.com/pokemon), Twitter (twitter.com/pokemon), and Instagram (instagram.com/pokemon).

Get to know the role

Job Title: Esports Manager – Video Game

Job Summary: Designs and implements esport strategies and programs for the Pokémon Video Game Championship Series. As the esports manager you will define strategic direction and positioning of multi-market and global programs including qualification pathways to the World Championships, driving execution to achieve long-term business goals. You will be expected to know our core customers and the esports market so intimately that you define and communicate clear, defensible, and sustainable esport programs and positions.

FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt

People Manager: No

What you’ll do

• Lead the development of esport plans for core RPG titles with all internal stakeholders and developers.
• Evaluate feature and program performance reporting to internal and partner stakeholders on success and opportunities.
• Make recommendations and provide feedback for systems and game-client features that support esports.
• Recommend changes to current esport and competitive programs based on market research and new trends.
• Know the underlying game product and be a subject matter expert in competitive play so that you can define and communicate clear, differentiated, defensible program and feature positions.
• Provide leadership for industry objective, strategy, and content for targeted audiences across esport campaigns and events.
• Develop the marketing and program content needed to support the esports program and business goals.
• Collaborate with internal event managers to support live events.

What you’ll bring

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of related professional experience.
• Bachelors degree required.
• Expertise in tournament formats and systems including single elimination, double elimination, swiss, round robin, and multi-phase tournaments in both live and online competitive ecosystems.
• Knowledge of Pokémon VG competitive play; have hit Master Ball rank on Battle Stadium in any format on at least one occasion.
• Experience developing and implementing point and ranking systems, rulebooks, and contest frameworks.
• Experience working with game developers breaking down large systems into digestable feature requests and prioritizing those requests against program timelines and goals.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Proven knowledge in defining and executing a short and long term go-to-market strategy for esport programs.
• Outstanding communication skills. The ability to work across teams and communicate esport goals/results at a team, executive, and company level.
• Ability to adapt to changing deadlines, emerging needs, policy changes, and the variety of nuances that can happen in product development.
• Ability to operate at a strategic level to define new market opportunities and assess product-market fit but also to work tactically to drive projects to successful completion.
• Clear thinker and communicator with excellent written and oral communication.
• Proven problem solver, able to discern the crux of an issue, and use good judgment in recommending practical solutions.
• Organized and process-oriented with proven ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Experience managing and working with external partners, particularly international ones, on a global scale.
• While passion for the Pokémon brand is a plus it is not required, however knowledge of and a willingness to learn more about the brand is a must.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

How you’ll be successful

• Passion for Pokémon: Develops an understanding of the Pokémon brand, the impact it has on our people, culture, business, fans, and communities, and applying that knowledge and passion to everything you do.
• Challenging the Expected: Approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity, embracing the possibility of failure as an opportunity to learn something new, develop innovative ideas, solve complex problems and identify unique opportunities.  
• Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates integrity and respect by leading with empathy, listening to others, seeking out different perspectives, and taking personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and results.
• Dedicated to Quality: Takes ownership to maintain and promote high standards, looks for new ways to learn and improve, and embraces a growth mindset to seek and apply feedback from others in an effort to continuously improve. 
• Building Relationships: Develops and strengthens relationships, adopting a “team first” mentality and working collaboratively to solve problems and meet shared goals.  
• Delighting Customers: Listens and understands the interests and needs of our customers and stakeholders, making them feel heard and important, and embracing these learnings to continue delivering a unique Pokémon experience.

What to expect

• An employee first culture
• Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokémon
• Competitive cash-based compensation programs
• Base salary range: $97000.00 - 147000.00. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. It is common for TPCi to start employees below the midpoint of the range. Final base salary is directly related to each candidates qualifications and experience uniquely.
• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you
• Generous paid family leave
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance
• US Employees: 401k Employer Matching
• UK/IRE Employees: Pension Employer Contributions
• Fitness reimbursement
• Commuter benefit
• LinkedIn learning
• Comprehensive relocation package
• Hybrid work environment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. For roles in the United Kingdom, candidates will need the right to work. In some cases, and for some roles, the Company may be able to arrange a visa. For roles in Ireland, this role requires candidates to have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland. However, we welcome applications from all nationalities and may consider supporting an employment permit application, in appropriate and suitable cases.

Internal Job Profile: Product Marketing Manager (IC3)

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