Senior Business Manager - Xbox Game Studios Publishing

The Xbox Game Studios Publishing (XGSP) team responsible for the recently released Towerborne, Ara: History Untold, Microsoft Flight Simulator, As Dusk Falls, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Tell Me Why is seeking a Senior Business Manager responsible for supporting console and PC games developed for Xbox Services. This will report to the Director of Business Strategy.   

We are looking for a Senior Business Manager with experience working with game development teams who is passionate about defining and achieving revenue and profit goals in ways that are consistent with our values. As a Senior Business Manager in Xbox Game Studios Publishing, you will need to have experience modeling revenue and costs, forecasting, and taking responsibility for P&Ls.  You will need to be able to partner to define monetization strategy and represent our businesses in internal reviews.  The ideal candidate for this position is eager to make an impact, will hold themselves accountable to goals and appreciates the value of inclusiveness within every facet of the work environment.   

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field (e.g., Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Management, Computer Science) AND 6+ years of experience in financial management, business planning, operations management, strategy, project management, human resources, or business-related roles
  • OR equivalent experience
• 6+ years of experience in roles such as product management, monetization design, business analysis, business management, or finance within the gaming or technology sectors, particularly in a live operations game environment

• Experience presenting complex financial and operational data in easily absorbed and understood reporting targeted at specific audiences, ranging from studio teams across multiple disciplines, up to executive leadership  

• Analytical skills and the ability to effectively communicate the results of complex analysis in a simplified way  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Excel skills essential, proficiency with SQL and BI tools
• Passion for, and experience in, games development or technology environments 
• Communication skills and the ability to collaborate with external vendors and partners

Business Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $115,000 - $200,300 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $146,200 - $219,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until January 10, 2025. 

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• Comprehensive understanding of the sources of revenue and costs that make up the P&L to enable creation of various models and scenarios to help leadership chart a profitable path forward  

• Provide consolidated reporting & analysis around Title P&Ls, ensuring alignment with Long Range Plan (LRP), budget/forecast and other financial deliverables 

• Find creative ways to optimize for both MAU and profit for LiveOps titles while focusing on strategic initiatives. This involves exploring opportunities to drive incremental gross margin and to optimize profitability through pricing, cost containment, in-game monetization and lifecycle management 

• Closely follow trends and changes in the industry to help identify areas to invest in, new business models, competitive threats, etc.  

• Assess contract deal terms to understand the P&L impact and influence negotiation to optimize for Microsoft’s interest while maintaining the partner’s motivation 

• Ensure new revenue channels can be recognized and associated royalties captured so that more revenue opportunities can be realized 

• Deliver consistent, reliable reporting for Xbox Game Studios Publishing leadership 

• Comfortable working with in-game data to provide insights into LiveOps games, working with the project leadership and our partners to drive post launch player engagement, monetization and long-term retention 

• Create SOWs and closely monitor outsourcing spend.   

• Partner closely with finance to ensure we are meeting operating expense, revenue and gross margin targets