Director, AI Strategy & Partnerships

Craft:

Job Description:

King is a leading interactive entertainment company for the mobile world, with people all around the world playing one or more of our games. We have developed more than 200 fun titles and offer games that are enjoyed all around the globe. Our games include global hits like Candy Crush Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga and  Farm Heroes

About the Role: We are looking for a Director of AI Strategy & Partnerships to oversee and enhance the strategic partnership between King and Microsoft. This executive role is pivotal in integrating AI technologies from Microsoft, including collaborations with Xbox and other Microsoft Gaming studios, to drive innovation and growth at King. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business development and AI technologies, with the ability to bridge technology with business goals.

You will collaborate closely with our US-based Microsoft colleagues, playing a pivotal role in driving global initiatives. This position requires regular travel to the US to foster strong partnerships. Additionally, due to time zone differences, you should be prepared for frequent evening calls, ensuring effective communication and alignment across borders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic integration of Microsoft's AI/ML technologies across King's game development lifecycle, from concept creation to live operations.

• Explore potential synergies in areas like game design, content creation, and player engagement.

• Establish and nurture senior-level contacts at Microsoft, fostering a strategic partnership environment.

• Drive the identification and evaluation of new AI technologies that could benefit King's game portfolio, including those relevant to Xbox and Microsoft Gaming studios.

• Translate business objectives into technical opportunities that leverage Microsoft’s strengths, including potential synergies with Xbox and Microsoft Gaming.

• Negotiate and manage contracts and agreements, ensuring they meet the strategic objectives and compliance standards of both organizations.

• Act as the primary point of contact for all partnership-related activities and communications between King and Microsoft.

• Provide leadership and insight into the integration of AI technologies, promoting an AI-first approach within King’s product and service offerings.

Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or a related field within the tech or gaming industry.

• Strong understanding of AI and machine learning technologies, and how they can be applied in gaming or consumer-oriented digital environments.

• Demonstrated experience managing high-stakes partnerships within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Excellent strategic planning and project management skills, with a track record of driving innovation in fast-paced, evolving landscapes.

• Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, capable of working effectively with both technical teams and executive management.

• Results-oriented, with a record of developing and executing strategies that have materially improved product offerings and company performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in business development within AI-driven industries or in roles focused on AI/ML technologies.

• Experience in the gaming industry, particularly in roles that bridge technology and business objectives.

• Advanced degree in Business, Technology, or a related field is preferred.

Why Join the Kingdom?

• Be at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies in the gaming industry.

• Lead transformative projects that set new standards in mobile gaming and entertainment.

• Work in a dynamic, inclusive environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

• Collaborate with industry leaders and visionary teams to shape the future of interactive entertainment through groundbreaking AI applications.

• Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a forward-thinking company culture.

About King

At King, we're Making the World Playful. Heard of Candy Crush? We're the creators behind it. With game studios in Stockholm, Malmö, London, Barcelona and Berlin, and offices in Dublin, San Francisco, New York, and Malta, we have a 20-year history of delivering some of the world's most iconic games in the mobile gaming industry and are on a mission to level-up the little moments for our more than 200 million active monthly users. But we aren't just crushing it with candies, we're also behind Farm Heroes, Bubble Witch, Pet Rescue and loads of other sweet games. As a leading interactive entertainment company for the mobile world, King is part of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft.