External Development Manager

We are Fatshark

We are a critically acclaimed Swedish video game studio with about 190 experienced and skilled developers. We are most well-known for the Warhammer: Vermintide franchise, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.

We have grown quite a bit over the last few years, but we still embrace the same values that we started with. We want to build the best first person co-op games together, in an approachable, fun and passion-driven way.

The role

As External Development Manager, you are responsible for overseeing the full outsource pipeline and managing relationships and negotiations with external development partners across Fatshark. You will ensure seamless coordination between internal teams and third-party vendors to maintain quality, timelines, and budget expectations. Additionally, you will be the primary liaison with Games Workshop (the IP holder for Vermintide and Darktide), managing asset approvals and ensuring brand consistency across all outsourced content. Strong communication, project management, and stakeholder coordination skills are essential for success in this role.

You’ll collaborate closely with producers, project leadership, localization managers, and the marketing and development teams to keep workflows aligned, streamline communication around partner deliverables, and support the successful integration of externally produced content — all while ensuring IP approvals are handled smoothly and efficiently.

What you'll do

• Manage the full outsource pipeline across multiple projects, from planning and onboarding to delivery and integration
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external developers and partners, including contract negotiation and performance oversight
• Ensure the interest of the studio is preserved towards partners, including IP holders
• Act as the primary point of contact with Games Workshop, ensuring timely asset approvals and adherence to IP guidelines
• Ensure the development team gets clear and actionable feedback from approvals
• Coordinate closely with internal teams to align schedules, expectations, and priorities
• Track partner deliverables, ensure compliance, and facilitate feedback loops between stakeholders
• Proactively identify risks in the outsource pipeline and implement solutions to mitigate production bottlenecks or quality issues
• Ensure outsourced content is delivered on time, within budget, and meets the studio’s creative and technical standards
• Maintain clear documentation and reporting on partnership status, asset tracking, and IP approvals
• Lead and mentor members within your related craft and team

Required qualifications

• Previous experience as an External Development Manager, Outsource Manager/Producer, Producer, Project Manager or a similar role
• Relevant knowledge of development, production processes and asset workflows for various types of assets
• Team player with exceptional planning and organizational skills
• Previous experience working with an IP holder or similar relationship
• Skilled at creating rapport and maintaining professional relationships with external partners
• Experience in successfully negotiating contracts with vendors
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to effectively convey artistic vision, feedback and technical requirements

Bonus qualifications

• Interest in Warhammer
• Native proficiency in English

What we offer

• A playful, friendly and inclusive workplace
• Opportunities for personal growth with varied projects, experienced co-workers and recurring hack weeks/days
• Regulated flex time and paid overtime
• Occupational pension
• Health benefits and health check ups
• Bonus program
• Relocation package for international talent
• Parties, social events and team-building activities
  
• Dog-friendly office located in central Stockholm
  

Application details

We have a policy of working 4 days in the office per week, with 1 day optional to work from home. The onboarding is being done fully in the office.

We look forward to reviewing applications and will be interviewing candidates continuously until the position has been filled.

Location: Stockholm (on-site)
Start: ASAP 2025
Form of Employment: Permanent, full-time