Handle Recruitment is partnering with a global media brand to hire an Esports & Gaming Manager.
In this role, you will lead the UK gaming strategy by managing players, delivering creative activations and content, building partnerships, and driving projects that engage audiences and grow brand presence.

Central London - Hybrid (4 Days in Office)
International Travel Involved
Up to £60,000 based on experience + Bonus + Benefits

PURPOSE OF THIS JOB:

The Esports & Gaming Manager - Player Marketing role will be responsible for driving and managing a key part of the UK gaming marketing programme, supporting the world’s most exciting and talented gamers. Through strategic planning, a high level of execution, meaningful partnerships and impactful storytelling, the role will connect with relevant consumers and highlight key occasions and functional product benefits.
The individual will lead the implementation of the UK gaming strategy across signed players to deliver outcomes aligned to a yearly business planning cycle. Innovative and credible plans that utilise the full player portfolio and the dedicated gaming facility will be core to the position.
The role also presents significant scope to explore innovation and introduce new opportunities across gaming and esports that will enable the client to reach new consumers and remain top of mind across diverse UK audiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

PLAYER MANAGEMENT
*Own the gaming and esports player (athlete) programme
*Manage a world-class player portfolio, ensuring strong brand alignment and best-in-class representation both online and offline
*Maximise the value of player partnerships across esports competition, content and real-world activations
*Act as the central point of contact for all player-related topics across the business
*Manage day-to-day stakeholder relationships internally and externally, including player availability, needs, project delivery and reporting
*Negotiate contracts including performance expectations and commercial rights
*Identify and scout new talent across professional esports players and gaming creators
*Develop always-on activation plans spanning marketing, communications and performance
STRATEGY
*Work with UK and global teams to develop and implement the long-term gaming strategy aligned to key marketing priorities
*Support growth across mainstream and AAA gaming while maintaining a strong esports presence
*Build a locally relevant network of gamers, influencers, creators, esports teams, third-party organisations and collectives to ensure effective partnerships that drive brand attribution in the UK
PLAYER PROJECTS
*Lead delivery of ambitious, player-led projects that bring talent ideas to life in line with established business plans, including large-scale real-world activations
*Ensure strong engagement and enjoyment from signed players while maintaining credibility within gaming communities
*Build strong internal relationships to maximise cross-departmental support
*Report on results, workflows and player experience to inform future activations
CONTENT
*Work with internal media teams to grow reach, brand preference and product consideration by developing attributable gaming content that delivers strong viewership and engagement across owned and earned channels
PRODUCT SEEDING
*Lead the national product seeding programme across diverse gaming audiences
*Maintain strong organisation and operational oversight of established product and cooler distribution systems
CREATIVITY & IDEATION
*Contribute regularly to creative thinking and innovation within the UK gaming team
*Develop unique and disruptive ideas and formats to grow presence within the UK gaming landscape
*Support the development and presentation of annual project plans to senior stakeholders

EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
*Minimum 4 years’ experience in marketing roles involving project management, marketing strategy, event production, talent management or community building
*Experience managing high-profile talent, ideally within gaming
*Experience delivering product marketing activity that drives brand awareness, preference and consumption
*Proven track record delivering premium events and/or large-scale projects

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:
*Deep and genuine passion for gaming beyond esports
*Extensive understanding of the UK gaming, content and creator landscape and emerging trends
*Strong project management capability and ability to remain calm under pressure
*Strong influencing skills and experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders
*Good understanding of how brands operate within product marketing
*Excellent relationship-building skills
*Strategic and creative mindset
*Strong affinity with the brand

Apply below today if you feel you have the relevant experience.



Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.