Description :
Job Title: Business Manager
Job Category: Business Development
Product: (Not Product Specific)
Date Posted: 08/19/2008
Job Code: 240670
Location: WA - Redmond
Travel Required:
The Chief of Staff for Microsoft Games Studios (MGS) is primarily responsible for working with the General Manager of MGS and the MGS Leadership team to facilitate the execution of key objectives which are aligned to, and drive success against the organization's short and long-term strategies. To be successful in this role, the incumbent must effectively drive business strategy alignment, communications strategy, and manage and track MGS' progress against key business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Driving Strategy and Alignment:
Works with GM and Leadership Team to develop MGS' short-term and long-term business strategy, including key milestones, success metrics, and contingency plans
Builds key relationships and credibility with key stakeholders both inside and outside of Microsoft Games Studios
Acts as an integrator, ensuring that the individual efforts and directions of MGS's studios and sub-groups align to the overall MGS strategy. Bridges gaps in strategy when they exist and help keep the GM and MGS Leadership Team aligned
Keeps the GM and MGS Leadership Team updated on progress against MGS strategy through consistent communications and performance/progress against key metrics
Serves as a trusted advisor to the GM of MGS through:
Providing resolution or direction on key decisions
Providing insight and objectivity into key issues facing the business, internally and externally
Representing the GM of MGS, and his/her views as necessary with key internal or external stakeholders.
2. Communications:
Responsible for developing and driving a communication strategy that supports and drives awareness, understanding, and execution against the MGS strategy across MGS, within IEB, and externally within the games industry
Effectively communicates across teams, driving consensus and compromise where required through a solid understanding of each part of MGS and that group's needs and objectives while maintaining connections to MGS overall
Works to resolve challenges or conflict through solid, deep understanding of MGS's business and utilization of strong communication and conflict resolution skills
3. Driving Rhythm of Business:
Focuses on the management and execution of business and games reviews in a clear, consistent, and effective manner.
Develops and manages the calendar, communications, and execution plan around MGS milestones
Drives agenda and rhythm of staff meetings and other leadership team interactions
Drives a consistent process around the state of MGS through regular business reviews, team updates, and budget/forecast reviews
Create and drives process for how decisions are made and drives alignment and resolution on key outstanding business issues
Key Skills and Attributes:
The ideal candidate will be able to function as a leader and influence results through non-reporting relationships. The candidate will have a strong passion for games and knowledge of the games/entertainment industry and preferably Microsoft Games Studios. A successful incumbent will have strong communications skills, knowledge of the game development process at all levels (e.g., creative, development, financial, strategic), and be organized and detail oriented. The ability to influence key stakeholders, drive decision making, and plan over multiple years will be critical to success.