Description

Clockwork works closely with Microsoft to build dedicated teams that service various business units globally, and serves as the agency of choice for delivering world-class marketing services—particularly across Microsoft’s global social media ecosystem. Team Xbox is committed to bringing the joy and community of gaming to everyone, everywhere. We put players at the center, enabling them to play the games they want, with the people they want, on any device. We partner with third-party developers and publishers to deliver Xbox and Windows games and services such as Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

The Strategic Partnerships team helps third-party partners (3PP) grow and sustain their businesses by driving player engagement and revenue through ecosystem tools and comprehensive support. Our mission is to ensure partner success on Xbox through operational excellence, proactive management, and strategic guidance across the entire game lifecycle—from concept and development to launch and beyond.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a Strategic Partner Manager to manage 3PPs in the EU and deliver success. You will develop and operationalize strategic account plans, establish project schedules, secure stakeholder commitments, and lead execution. This role requires building strong relationships across Xbox, Microsoft, and partner organizations while deepening your understanding of the games industry to identify areas for mutual growth.

SALARY: £ 60 000 - £72 000 PA

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, ensuring alignment with Xbox vision and priorities.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute account plans that deliver win-win solutions for partners and Xbox.
• Operational Excellence: Create and maintain project schedules, manage recurring engagements, and ensure timely follow-ups and deliverables. Collaborate with internal stakeholders across marketing, business development, developer support, production, and commercial teams, as well as legal, finance, engineering, platform, and more.
• Advocacy: Represent the partner voice within Xbox, synthesizing feedback to influence priorities, business models, and future opportunities.
• Governance: Oversee post-deal compliance for agreements (Publisher and/or Title License, Game Pass) and coordinate performance assessments.
• Data-Driven Insights: Use partner feedback, performance data, and market trends to identify opportunities, build business cases, and share learnings.
• Issue Management: Resolve escalations quickly with clear, actionable recommendations. Share synthesized learnings to establish best practices and proactively prevent future issues.
• Cross-Team Leadership: Lead initiatives that improve team effectiveness, including operational tasks, data analysis, and event execution.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or equivalent alternative education, skills, and/or practical experience.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with video games, gaming platforms, and current industry trends.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years in partner relationship management, account management, or business development, with a focus on European third-party partners.
  • Proven expertise in gaming or interactive media and entertainment.
  • Demonstrated success working across global teams and partners in multiple time zones and cultures.
• Location: Based in the UK with a hybrid work model (remote and onsite); domestic and international travel required.

Skills:

• Strong project management capabilities with exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; adept at building alignment and fostering deep professional relationships with partners and internal teams.
• Ability to quickly grasp new concepts, navigate complex situations, and bring clarity in ambiguous environments.
• Strong analytical thinking, research skills, and problem-solving abilities.