Business Strategy & Analytics Manager - Microsoft Studios - Lionhead Job

Job Title Business Strategy & Analytics Manager - Microsoft Studios - Lionhead Job
Job Category Marketing
Skills Required Marketing
Location Guildford
Job Description Job Category: Marketing
Location: Guildford, GB
Job ID: 813245-94853
Division: Interactive Entertainment Business

Business Strategy & Analytics Manager
Location: Guildford
Package: Competitive Salary + Bonuses + Benefits

Role Purpose
This role is a leadership position within the studio which requires the ability to think tactically and understand the detail that drives the strategy of our products and ultimately the studio. Responsible for the development of business plans and monetization models, and equipping the studio with the information to execute on these strategies. Working with internal and external partners and on a global scale, this role offers the opportunity to continue to develop your analytical and relationship-building skills as you create new opportunities for the studio.

Team/Department Mission
At Lionhead we strive to create successful, landmark games and to be one of the world’s most respected developers. As part of Microsoft Studios, we are proud of our role in delivering high quality, innovative experiences for the Xbox 360 and other Microsoft platforms and devices to drive the adoption and success of our platforms.

As we continue to strive to develop ourselves and build on our great foundations, we are looking for people who wish to grow with us by taking on new challenges and are excited by looking at our world from a different perspective to discover our next great opportunity.

Key Accountabilities:
Identification and analysis of key business and technological trends in the entertainment industry to drive insights that inform our business
Work with analytics team to translate information that informs and drives product development
Create scorecards and regular executive communications reflecting deep analytical insight
Develop the business case for new products, initiatives and business models focusing on key strategic business and technology drivers that offer long-term tactical competitive advantages
Create, drive and deliver business strategies for Lionhead, in conjunction with studio leadership and MS Studios business groups, which continue to grow the organisation
Deliver accurate and timely business information and work through business model strategies and innovation
Partner with key Microsoft stakeholders to create alignment against MS/IEB goals and plans
Provide insight and guidance for current and emerging business models ensuring Lionhead implements the most appropriate and relevant model for each product
Work with Leadership Team to ensure the successful implementation of business models
Partner with relevant studio teams and the wider Microsoft Studios organization to develop KPIs, plans, process, and performance evaluation mechanisms to drive success of Lionhead products
Provide support to all disciplines to drive deep understanding and application of business information throughout the organization
Identify, retain, coach and develop key talent in the Studio

Key Success Criteria:
Will be recognized as an integral strategic advisor to the Studio Leadership Team
Key participant in the transformation of Lionhead from a retail focused game developer into a provider of Entertainment as a Service.
Helped create a culture and understanding of “analytics” throughout the studio.
Deliver informed business models and analytics development strategies that demonstrate a deep understanding of the games and wider entertainment industry
Engage with a variety of strategic partners to ensure the studio agenda is known and part of wider organization planning

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential Experience
Strong analytical problem solving skills and strategic thinking that drive business and product insight
Prior experience of service based gaming models - particularly larger scale free to play / subscription
Will need to be able to demonstrate the capacity to deliver diverse strategies and think proactively to deliver innovative solutions, working in an evolving industry
Ability to devise, lead and deliver well-planned business proposals for executive approval
Ability to identify and prioritize key requirements and influence product roadmap
Will have held a similar role at a senior level and have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the interactive entertainment business and related business development strategies
Must have experience of working in a global market and with external international partners
Experience in successfully communicating up to senior executives and out to the broader organization
Must be an excellent communicator who can work effectively with multiple stakeholders from different disciplines and organisation
Ability to operate in a highly creative and innovative environment
Passionate about the entertainment business

Technical/Functional Skills
Good knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.
Personal Attributes/Interpersonal Skills
Analytical problem solving and strategic thinking
Ability to prioritize, conduct analysis and influence
Detail-oriented and organized
Ability to articulate clearly, factually and persuasively
Self-starter with exceptional business judgment
Team worker with great interpersonal skills
Results-driven
Passionate about emerging revenue models
Strong cross-group, cross-business, cross-discipline skills and experience

Qualifications
Degree level qualification or equivalent experience, preferable with a business focus
Experience of working within a global organization would be an advantage.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.

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Salary Competitive Salary + Bonuses + Benefits
Date posted 20/11/2012
Recruiter This job is advertised on behalf of Microsoft Studios (UK) using their internal reference 813245-94853.
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