Remote Head of E-Sports Operations

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Bonuses and incentives

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head of E-Sports Operations to lead global esports initiatives remotely. You will shape strategy, oversee day-to-day operations, build high-performing teams, and optimize workflows for competitive campaigns.

The role demands extensive leadership, deep esports knowledge, and a hands-on approach to operational management across tournaments, broadcast, and fan engagement. Remote leadership with global collaboration is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, or related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in esports/gaming.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and financial performance for large-scale projects.
• Proven leadership to build, manage, and motivate high-performing teams.
• In-depth knowledge of esports landscape, including major titles, teams, and tournament structures.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in remote collaboration tools and project management software.
• Strategic thinker with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans for all e-sports activities.
• Oversee recruitment, management, and development of e-sports teams and support staff.
• Manage budgets for e-sports operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Coordinate and execute logistics for tournaments, leagues, and special events.
• Ensure compliance with league rules, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Develop and maintain relationships with game publishers, tournament organizers, and sponsors.
• Drive innovation in operational processes and technology adoption.
• Oversee performance metrics and reporting for e-sports operations.
• Manage external vendors and service providers related to e-sports operations.
• Foster a positive and high-performance culture within the e-sports division.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Project management

Vendor management

Remote collaboration

Stakeholder communication

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, or related field

MBA (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the e-sports arena, is looking for an experienced and visionary Head of E-Sports Operations to join their pioneering team. This is a critical, fully remote role that will oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of all e-sports initiatives. You will be instrumental in building and managing high-performing teams, optimizing operational workflows, and ensuring the seamless execution of competitive campaigns. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of the e-sports ecosystem, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to manage complex projects. You will be responsible for driving growth, fostering innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of excellence across all operational facets. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of competitive gaming on a global scale, working with a passionate team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in e-sports. Your leadership will be crucial in navigating the dynamic landscape of competitive gaming, from team management and tournament logistics to broadcast production and fan engagement. This role demands a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to operational management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans for all e-sports activities.
• Oversee the recruitment, management, and development of e-sports teams and support staff.
• Manage budgets for e-sports operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Coordinate and execute logistics for tournaments, leagues, and special events.
• Ensure compliance with league rules, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Develop and maintain relationships with game publishers, tournament organizers, and sponsors.
• Drive innovation in operational processes and technology adoption.
• Oversee performance metrics and reporting for e-sports operations.
• Manage external vendors and service providers related to e-sports operations.
• Foster a positive and high-performance culture within the e-sports division.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in operations management, with at least 5 years specifically in the e-sports or gaming industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and financial performance for large-scale projects or departments.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build, manage, and motivate high-performing teams.
• In-depth knowledge of the e-sports landscape, including major titles, teams, and tournament structures.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaunt with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in remote collaboration tools and project management software.
• Strategic thinker with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary of ZAR.
• Fully remote position offering global flexibility.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a major e-sports division.
• Work with cutting-edge technology and industry pioneers.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Access to professional development and networking opportunities.