EMEA Digital at Retail Category Manager

Microsoft; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in gaming is seeking a Digital at Retail EMEA Category Manager. This role focuses on implementing strategies to drive digital sales, managing relationships with retailers, and overseeing product launches. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retail strategy, particularly within the gaming industry, complemented by exceptional leadership and analytical skills. Join them in shaping the future of gaming and engage with a passionate team to deliver outstanding player experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven success in retail strategy, ideally in gaming.
• Experience in subscriptions business management preferred.
• Deep understanding of ESD and POSA channels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute plans to grow digital sales in EMEA.
• Lead transformation to digital retail assortment.
• Manage performance of all digital businesses in the region.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Analytical Abilities

Communication

Presentation Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or related field

MBA

Job description

Responsibilities

Role Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join Microsoft Gaming as the Digital at Retail EMEA Category Manager. This role leads the implementation of the strategy across our digital businesses within the EMEA retail sector, focusing on driving assortment strategy and maximizing revenue opportunities. These digital businesses include base game and digital in-game currency products, subscriptions, and gift cards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the digital games landscape in retail.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and execute plans to grow Microsoft Gaming digital sales through retailers in EMEA in alignment with the worldwide category strategy. This includes our gift card businesses, digital retail versions of first and third-party base game & digital currency products, and our online subscription products.
2. Be the voice for Microsoft Gaming digital product strategy with regional retail and distribution partners.
3. Lead the transformation of retail gaming assortment to digital, applying market insights, competitive trends, and product roadmaps—while aligning with marketing, category, and sales teams.
4. Own the digital game retail assortment strategy for key EMEA retailers. Maximize revenue opportunities considering retail class of trade, launch roadmaps, and post-sale monetization content.
5. Support the worldwide strategy for Activision/Blizzard/King retail digital products. Work with the Worldwide ABK Retail Lead to ensure successful regional implementation.
6. Partner with Channel Marketing to develop and execute retailer marketing plans. Align investments by priority and measure ROI effectiveness. Monitor performance metrics and implement course corrections as needed to optimize outcomes.
7. Ensure operational effectiveness and timeliness of retail game launches. Partner closely with Microsoft Business Operations teams on price list setup and retail card production needs for Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) and Point of Sale Activation (POSA) product formats.
8. Manage performance of all digital businesses in the region. Oversee quarterly forecast updates, monthly business reviews, and weekly performance reporting to track progress and identify opportunities.
9. Support the activation of Xbox Game Pass across OEM partners in the region. Lead with the implementation of retail programs that support activations of Xbox Game Pass.

This role is flexible in that you can work up to 90% from home.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or related field. MBA preferred.
• Proven success in creating retail strategy, preferably within the gaming industry.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving ambitious goals.
• Deep understanding of Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) and Point of Sale Activation (POSA) channels and retail dynamics, with the ability to navigate complex ecosystems.
• Exceptional analytical abilities, capable of interpreting data and insights to drive informed decisions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, effective at engaging and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• A strategic thinker with a creative mindset, capable of identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends and opportunities in gaming retail.
• Experience with subscriptions business management is preferred.

If you are a dedicated gaming enthusiast with a passion for marketing and business management, and you have a track record of creating engaging content and staying ahead in the gaming industry, we encourage you to apply for the Digital at Retail Americas Category Manager position. Join us in shaping the future of gaming and delivering exceptional experiences to players worldwide!

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.