Business Development Manager, Global Football

Electronic Arts; Guildford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Electronic Arts’ EA SPORTS FC team seeks a Business Development Manager, Global Football to manage licensing and partnerships across leagues, federations, clubs, and national teams. You will own commercial relationships and shape strategy, reporting to the Director, Business Development.

You will lead negotiations, coordinate with Studio, Marketing, Finance, and Legal, and build high‑value relationships with global partners while driving ROI‑driven deals that enhance the player experience.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in business development, partnerships, licensing, or business affairs in sports, gaming, media, or entertainment.
• Curiosity and self‑motivation; thrives with internal/external collaboration.
• Experience in commercial agreement negotiations with IP rights knowledge.
• Understanding of global football ecosystem and passion for football or gaming.
• Strong relationship, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Analytical mindset using data and insights to support strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead licensing process from alignment/approvals through to contract execution and handover across leagues, federations, clubs, national teams, stadiums, and other global football IP.
• Partner with Studio, Marketing, Finance, Legal to define content priorities and structure commercial deals that advance EA SPORTS FC’s strategy.
• Build and maintain long‑term, high‑value relationships with global football partners.
• Act as strategic liaison between licensors and internal teams, ensuring alignment on product features, marketing campaigns, and contractual obligations during deal execution.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams through the deal lifecycle to drive clear communication and timely decision-making.
• Collaborate with Studio and Marketing on initiatives that unlock value from licensed content and elevate the player experience.
• Collaborate with regional teams to unlock opportunities based on performance and ROI analysis.

Skills

Business development

Licensing

Contract negotiations

Football knowledge

Relationship building

Project management

Analytical thinking

Job description

Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Business Development Manager, Global Football to join the EA SPORTS FC Business Development team to manage a dedicated football licensing and partnerships portfolio. Our team operates at the heart of EA SPORTS FC's overall strategy, shaping and executing key partnerships and rights that power the world's game. Working within a high-performing team, this role is ideal for a proactive and deeply curious professional with high self-motivation and a passion for global football and/or gaming, to take ownership of commercial relationships and playing a lead role in the execution of our FC licensing strategy. You will report to the Director, Business Development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the licensing process for defined workstreams; from internal alignment/approvals and commercial negotiations through to contract execution and early-stage implementation handover. Focus will be across leagues, federations, clubs, national teams, stadiums, and any other global football IP.

• Partner with Studio, Marketing, Finance, Legal teams to define content priorities and structure commercial deals that advance EA SPORTS FC’s overall strategy.

• Build and maintain long‑term, high‑value relationships with global football partners.

• Act as a strategic point of contact when needed between licensors and internal teams, ensuring alignment on product features, marketing campaigns, contractual obligations, and partner approvals during deal execution.

• Coordinate cross‑functional teams throughout the deal lifecycle to drive clear communication, timely decision‑making, and smooth handover for execution.

• Collaborate with Studio and Marketing on initiatives that unlock value from licensed content and elevate the player experience.

• Collaborate with regional teams and internal experts to unlock new opportunities based on performance and ROI potential analysis.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in business development, commercial partnerships, licensing, or business affairs within sports, gaming, media, or entertainment.

• High level of intellectual curiosity and self‑motivation—asking the right questions and learning quickly to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.

• Proven experience participating in or leading commercial agreement negotiations, with a working knowledge of intellectual property rights and contract structure.

• Understanding of the global football ecosystem and a genuine passion for football and/or gaming.

• Effective relationship‑building, communication, and collaboration skills, with comfort navigating cross‑functional team dynamics.

• Strong organizational skills and the agility to manage multiple projects and partner relationships in a fast‑paced environment.

• Analytical mindset with experience using data and commercial insights to support strategic decisions.

About Electronic Arts

We’re proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well‑being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.