Gaming China Business Development Lead

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. 

At Xbox, we are on a mission to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet. We deliver on that mission by putting players at the center, enabling players to play the games you want, with the people you want, anywhere you want. The Xbox Partnerships & Business Development team work with gaming publishers, developers, platform, and technology partners from around the world to bring Xbox and Windows games and services (e.g., Game Pass, Cloud) to Microsoft’s customers, and Xbox platform offering (e.g., console, PC, PC handheld, streaming) to its creators and partners. 

Here is an opportunity to play a central role in negotiating deals and partnerships within Microsoft’s high-profile gaming business. The Xbox Partnerships & Business Development team is hiring a China Business Development Lead to work with partners across Asia. 

As part of our team, you will lead business development activities with gaming publishers and developers in the region (including the ID@Xbox community, Microsoft’s industry-leading program for independent gaming developers). You will land new partnerships and extend existing ones to ensure Microsoft’s platforms are the best place for games. In addition, you will help shape the assumptions and fundamentals of Microsoft’s gaming strategy as a member of the broader Xbox team and as a project manager on various gaming initiatives. 

The position will be based in China (Shanghai, Beijing or Shenzhen) with consideration for onsite and/or virtual work flexibility and will require international and domestic travel. This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may vary based on assignment or group. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Liberal Arts, Sciences, or related field AND 10+ years relevant work experience (e.g., investment banking, consulting, finance, marketing, corporate strategy, sales, venture capital, legal, business development, product management, project management, software development, or related field) OR equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of experience spanning account management, business development, strategy and corporate development in gaming & interactive entertainment or other industries, with a proven track record for executing publishing, distribution, development, and technology deals with external partners. 
• Superb negotiation, analytical, communication and customer/partner relationship skills. 
• Strong business acumen and ability to think strategically and execute tactically. 
• Executive presence, confidence and maturity. 
• Ability to work independently and juggle multiple projects and priorities. 
• Cross-functional work experience within partner management, business development, finance, and marketing. BA/BSc (or equivalent) in business or technology required. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Passionate and knowledgeable about all forms of interactive entertainment and have deep experience in the console and PC gaming industry. 
• Thorough understanding of game developers, publishers, and their needs. 
• MBA or MA a plus. 
• Mandarin language fluency. 

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 the 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.

• Build, maintain, and foster relationships with new and existing gaming partners and executives in the region. 

• Formulate partnership strategy for products and businesses with input from relevant stakeholders to position Microsoft value proposition to influence partner decision. 

• Lead deal opportunities across stages by working with partner management, legal, finance, marketing, and planning to evaluate/develop, secure approval for, negotiate, and close Xbox, Windows, Game Pass, and event partnerships with publishers and developers. 

• Drive relevant business modeling, forecasting, portfolio planning, and post-launch success validation efforts. 

• Guide all publishing partnerships and agreements through the Microsoft contract execution process. Maintain a high level of internal and external partner satisfaction. 

• Analyze Chinese and global market opportunities and create strategies for new lines of game-related businesses that will drive revenue growth and shareholder value. 

• Work with multiple levels of management across Asia, Europe, and the Americas to shape our games business strategy and policies. 

• Drive the regional execution and operation of Microsoft’s games initiatives across multiple product groups, subsidiaries, and regional organizations.