Business Development Manager / Business Strategy

Sega; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sega is looking for a Manager of Business Development in Irvine, California. You will support the VP of Business Development by identifying and negotiating new partnerships and business opportunities. This hybrid role requires strong financial acumen and deal management experience in the gaming sector.

The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor's degree, and excellent communication skills to manage contracts and presentations effectively.

Passion for gaming and the ability to travel occasionally are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in business development within a gaming environment.
• Strong financial and technology acumen to evaluate deals autonomously.
• Ability to travel occasionally for business meetings.

Responsibilities

• Identify and negotiate new business opportunities and partnerships.
• Support the VP of Business Development in creating strategies.
• Maintain relationships with business partners and manage contracts.

Skills

Business development

Negotiations

Deal analysis

Contract management

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Technology acumen

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Hybrid Work Model

#LI-hybrid

Job Summary

The Manager of Business Development supports the VP of Business Development and collaborates closely with Japanese development studios, either independently or as part of a team. Key responsibilities include initiating contact with potential business partners, defining relationship scopes, identifying profitable deal points in consultation with internal stakeholders, developing negotiation strategies and sales pitches, supporting negotiations, and overseeing the implementation of agreements within the organization. Additionally, the candidate will assist in preparing internal and external executive presentations for company-wide strategic partnerships as part of a team effort. The role involves analyzing complex data, leading initiatives to identify new business opportunities, creating negotiation strategies, preparing business presentations for both internal and external audiences, supporting negotiations, and driving strategies for additional revenue generation. This position provides exposure to a broad spectrum of external organizations, such as first parties (console, mobile, and PC), platform providers (including VR, E-Sports, Web 3.0, etc.), media companies (animation, etc.), game publishers, licensors, developers, and distribution partners. The Manager will also interact with various internal divisions, including Game Studio, Product Development, Business Planning, Sales, Marketing, Legal, and Finance. This role reports directly to the VP of Business Development.

Qualifications

Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently or as part of a team, identify, develop, and negotiate new business opportunities by expanding distribution channels, exploring alternative revenue models, introducing new products or content offerings, and establishing strategic partnerships.
• Lead recommendations in the exploration of new emerging services, products and technologies to provide management with insights into new trends or product lines to continue to grow the business.
• Drive portfolio and feasibility analysis to support the long-term growth of the business.
• Support the VP of Business Development to create negotiation strategy, executive business presentation with internal departments for internal executive approval and external sales pitch.
• Independently or as part of a team, negotiate business terms, manage contract process, maintain relationships with assigned business partners.
• Manage a business development tracker and share with relevant internal team in a timely manner.
• Keep up with the trend in digital entertainment and be evangelist internally.
• Other duties as assigned or needed.
• Working in-office is an essential function of this position. This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork. In-office attendance is required for the following reasons:
  • For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status.
  • To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams.
  • To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation.
  • To enhance understanding of our stakeholders’ work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.

Qualifications and Skills

• 3+ years’ experience in business development, corporate development, or licensing in a gaming environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Business Administration, Analytics, or related discipline. Master degree is preferred.
• Proven track record in deal analysis (risk management), negotiations and deal closure required.
• Strong financial and technology acumen with ability to autonomously evaluate deal feasibility.
• Refined experience (detail orientation) with contract and terms management required.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Demonstrated cross functional/departmental knowledge with ability to lead multiple projects.
• Effective communication skills with ability to present across multiple levels, especially to Senior Management.
• Develop, negotiate, and close strategic deals with external partners.
• Mobile, video games, VR, Web3.0, TV, film, anime, online, or music experience strongly preferred.
• Passion for gaming or other digital media.
• Ability to travel. This position requires occasional day and overnight trips away from the traditional business setting.
• Proficiency with computers and general business software required.
• Must be detail oriented, possess good time management as well as business process management skills and be able to prioritize in a changing environment.