Director, Strategic Partnerships & Growth - Mattel 163

Why This Role Matters

This role will help shape the future growth trajectory of Mattel163 by strengthening our strategic position across three critical areas:

• Deepening partnership and alignment with Mattel
• Expanding influence with platform partners and the broader gaming ecosystem
• Identifying strategic growth opportunities through partnerships, talent, and corporate development

The successful candidate will play a direct role in helping define Mattel163's next chapter as we expand beyond our current portfolio and build the future of Mattel's interactive entertainment business.

About Mattel163

Mattel163 is the internal game development studio of Mattel – it was born out of a joint venture between Mattel and NetEase Games, combining Mattel's iconic global brands with world-class game development and live operations expertise. Our portfolio includes UNO! Mobile, Phase 10 Mobile, Skip-Bo Mobile, UNO Wonder, and a growing slate of new gaming experiences across mobile, PC, console, and emerging platforms.

• As we enter our next phase of growth, we are seeking a senior leader to help strengthen our North American presence, deepen partnerships with Mattel and external partners, and identify new opportunities to accelerate growth.

The Opportunity: 

The Director of Strategic Partnerships & Growth will serve as a key liaison for the CEO and COO, acting as Mattel163's senior representative in North America.

This individual will help drive cross-functional initiatives with Mattel, cultivate relationships across the gaming ecosystem, spearhead strategic partnership efforts with various platforms, and identify opportunities for internal and external growth.

The ideal candidate combines strong strategic thinking, relationship-building capabilities, gaming industry expertise, an understanding of marketing/franchise building, and a knack for navigating complex organizations and partnerships.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Mattel Partnership & Strategic Enablement

• Serve as a primary North American liaison between Mattel163 and key stakeholders across Mattel.
• Build trusted relationships across Brand, Franchise, Marketing, Digital, Consumer Products, Strategy, and Executive Leadership teams.
• Help accelerate decision-making and cross-functional alignment between Mattel and Mattel163 by working across both teams.
• Partner with Mattel teams to identify opportunities that drive growth for Mattel163's existing and future game portfolio, lead M163 internal team to execute the joint collaborations and campaigns to achieve business impact.
• Support strategic planning efforts and help develop business cases for new initiatives.

Marketing & Branding Execution

• Work on the ground in LA directly with Mattel Global Brand and franchise teams, to move forward and execute on franchise-level initiatives to promote Mattel163’s games.
• Be the advocate and voice on the ground for Mattel163’s digital game portfolio in cross-functional discussions with Mattel’s Global Brand, Digital and Consumer Insights teams.
• Advocate to help secure resource for Global Mattel franchise support of Mattel163’s game portfolio.

Strategic & Platform Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships across the global gaming ecosystem, including developers, publishers, technology partners, and licensors.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships that can accelerate product, technology, publishing, or growth objectives for Mattel163.
• Represent Mattel163 at select meetings, industry events, and executive engagements in the U.S. Via meetings and relationship building, help to strengthen Mattel163’s visibility and reputation in the global gaming community.

What We’re Looking For:

• 10+ years of experience in gaming, technology, gaming corp dev, strategic partnerships, or business development.
• Deep understanding of the global gaming ecosystem across mobile, PC, console, and other platforms.
• Direct or adjacent experience in brand marketing activations and working with marketing teams on holistic campaigns.
• Demonstrated success building relationships and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving capabilities, as well as ability to make things happen in real-time.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to operate independently in highly ambiguous environments.

Preferred

• Experience working with global organizations and cross-cultural teams.
• Familiarity with mobile free-to-play business models and live-service operations.
• Mandarin Chinese language proficiency strongly preferred.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

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