Senior Manager, Business Development

About the role

Job Title: Senior Manager, Business Development Requisition ID: R027678 Job Description: Senior Manager, Business Development Activision Publishing is seeking a Senior Manager, Business Development, to join the Business Development team. The Business Development team manages relationships with our external development teams and technology providers to ensure the successful delivery of our games. The ideal candidate will have a solid technical background, excellent interpersonal skills, and experience in working with cross-functional teams. This role is based in our Santa Monica, CA office and follows an onsite work schedule of four days per week. Work arrangements may change at the company's discretion to meet business needs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Lead partnerships with external game development middleware, as well as emerging and AI technologies. Design and run structured proof-of-concept evaluations of new middleware and AI tools, defining clear success criteria and measuring ROI before broader rollout. Negotiate commercial terms and close deals with vendors and technology partners, securing favorable pricing and contract structures. Drive adoption of newly onboarded tools across studios through onboarding, documentation, and ongoing knowledge-sharing. Maintain reporting on vendor performance, usage report, and communicate progress and outcomes effectively to all stakeholders. Stay abreast of the latest developments in AI and gaming technology. Propose and champion innovative solutions that can provide competitive advantages or improve player experiences. Support the Business Development team to source, sign and manage external resources and work-for-hire agreements. Work with internal studios to collect project requirements, timelines, and deliverables. Lead developer diligence and make recommendations based on diligence results. Negotiate commercial terms, manage budgets and resource allocation for projects. Ensure resources are used efficiently and align with strategic goals. Assist in drafting and reviewing contracts. Ensure that all agreements reflect the project's scope and requirements while safeguarding company interests. Serve as the primary liaison between internal teams and external developers to ensure the successful delivery of games. Required Skills & Qualifications: 6+ years of experience in video game business development, project management, and strategic partnership. Deep understanding of the video game development process, with a special emphasis on the various technologies, support tools and middleware needed to create games at the AAA level. Strong capability in negotiating licensing deals and managing vendor relationships. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage diverse teams and stakeholders Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think analytically. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Passion for, and deep knowledge of, emerging gaming and AI technologies and tools. Our World At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We're driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, Tony Hawk's™ Pro Skater™, and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our "press start" is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences. We're not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we're forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization. We're in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater - this could be your opportunity to level up. Ready to Activate Your Future? We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@a

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