Studio Director - The Stars Studios

Job title: Studio Director, The Stars Studios

Location: Toronto

Overview of the role:

Senior gaming executive with excellent Product Management, Innovation, Creative Direction, Industry Visionary, and P&L Management experience. A natural leader of people, with proven track record of bringing diverse groups together, across multiple locations and virtual teams, to create high performing game content. Results driven, bringing a breadth of Casino Gaming, and Product development experience globally across multiple platforms. Extensive experience of delivering complex game content and creative strategies to drive growth in regulated markets. Motivated by promoting exciting industry leading casino game products, and developing winning individuals and teams, setting the strategy and getting others to buy into the vision for the Studio.

This role is to lead Stars Studios, part of Flutter Studios, while working directly with the Senior Director (Studios) and playing a key role in the ongoing development of its Content, Platform, Tech & People strategies.

This role follows a hybrid approach to working, allowing you to combine working from home with working in our modern offices. These discussions are between you and your manager to find the best pattern for you both, while recognising that quality time together is essential for keeping us mission-aligned.

You will have a track record in development and delivery of high-quality real money online casino games in a large, complex online business, operating globally across multiple markets. You will be able to demonstrate experience of owning and delivering a casino game roadmap, including experience of navigating complex issues and continuous game portfolio development. You will have a strong understanding of the online casino consumer, the 3rd party supplier competitive landscape, and be able to work effectively with and build relationships with a wide network of stakeholders across Commercial, Product, Tech, Finance & competitors.

You are a motivated and energised leader, who empowers and influences people to deliver results. A strategic problem solver with the ability to develop and iterate strategy, while translating strategy into practical outcomes and key results.

You will exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills with a style that can flex according to the size and seniority of the audience. Ability to build relationships and achieve consensus from leaders, peers, and audiences on a global level. Creative problem solver, able to look at alternatives and consider new ways of thinking to solve problems.

What you’ll do:

1. To be a leader of and champion for Stars Studios to support the growth of the Flutters Studios’ portfolio of online casino games; by consistently developing and delivering the most successful and profitable mix of high-quality games content.
2. Working with senior Flutter Casino brand stakeholders to grow the in-house slots and Casino product vertical and achieve or exceed revenue and other KPI targets.
3. Ownership of commercials, negotiation and ongoing management of budgets for external game dev vendors.
4. Managing combined teams of over 75 people in studios globally.
5. Develop the in-house game strategy and roadmap, product manage and produce and launch of games globally, fully certified and in accordance with the regulations of each market the games are launched.
6. Manage external vendor studios including cost, terms, and commercial negotiations of game development contracts. Management of budget circa $4m annually.
7. Identifying the market leaders and the top features/ trends of the top performing games from gaming and others (social/skill/multi-level progressive/ lottery type etc).
8. Vision and Creative Direction, and final approval of all aspects of games output from Stars Studios.
9. Manage a team of Product Managers, and Casino Specialists to create high level requirements for games, roadmaps and strategy planning.
10. Develop in house games product strategy, and KPI’s so every game concept, or new project will align and contribute to overall portfolio performance.
11. Build a truly exciting player experience, ensuring Stars Studios games are best in class in quality and innovation, aligned to the consumer preferences of each of our primary target markets, and aligned to the content strategy priorities of each Flutter casino brand globally.
12. Focusing on delivering all capabilities seamlessly across all platforms, and in some cases across group products.
13. Working closely with stakeholders across the business to ensure that the games we build deliver the maximum value.
14. Working with partner studios from Flutter Studios to bring their games through GGN/GKD versions to Pokerstars Casino and other Flutter Casino brands.
15. Contributing to and playing a leadership role in the development and ongoing iteration of:
16. the broader content portfolio strategy for Flutter Studios.
17. the strategic priorities and implementation plans for the new Flutter Studios Platform (FSP).

What you’ll bring:

• Proven capability to effectively manage resources to deliver a rolling roadmap of engaging casino games, while working directly with partners & stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Management of 10+ direct reports including Senior Product Managers and specialists, providing leadership to the related development teams, internal and external vendors of 75+ people.
• Demonstrable track record in growing Casino game annual revenues year over year.
• Extensive experience in all aspects of game design and development.
• Creative Direction with the ability to generate new ideas and lead game innovations.
• Passion and creativity in general and specifically for games.
• Experience working with technology teams locally and remotely based.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external personnel.
• Strong communication, organisational and project implementation skills.
• Experience in UI / UX in gaming.
• Curious and analytical: constantly explores and analyses future scenarios and possibilities to help respond to change and craft the future; drives self and others to pursue opportunities that will build value for the Flutter group.
• Commercially Savvy: makes it their business to be aware and anticipate emerging external factors and changing market dynamics; has deep understanding of business drivers and the online gaming industry to guide decisions and lead others.
• Customer Obsessed: builds and maintains strong relationships with partners; champions the needs of customers and the importance of going above and beyond; builds and delivers solutions that exceed customer expectations; prioritises customer satisfaction and builds commitment in others to provide outstanding service.
• Results Driven: Focus on concrete strategies and pushes the organisation to achieve tangible progress and get things done.
• Problem Solver: "Can do” approach to identify practical and pragmatic solutions.
• Talent Focused: demonstrates a strong commitment to the development of talent; recommends and supports development activities in preparation for future roles; invests time to coach and mentor others; capable of identifying, attracting, selecting and developing diverse top talent.
• Quality Decision Maker: makes quality, long and short-term decisions at pace considering various inputs and through collaborating optimally; provides tools to empower teams to make decisions; regularly practices and encourages cross-functional problem solving and decision making me areas and are eager to learn, we encourage you to apply.

It’s ok if you don’t think you tick every box on this list. We love people who want to challenge themselves and are passionate about what they do. If you believe you can contribute in some areas and are eager to learn, we encourage you to apply.

Why choose us:

Aside from a generous base salary, we have a fantastic benefits & rewards program that is designed to encourage personal and career development.

• Discretionary annual performance bonus.
• 30 days paid leave.
• Full software & hardware equipment will be provided alongside a one off home office allowance to allow you to work from home under our hybrid model.
• Health and dental insurance for you, your partner and your children (if you all live at the same address).
• Personal life insurance and income protection.
• The option to join our company pension scheme.
• A personal interest allowance to let you learn something new or pursue a hobby.
• External learning support of up to £2,000 or equivalent in local currency, dedicated 4 learning “Power Hours” every month during office time, full access to the Udemy and Mindtools platforms, in-house leadership program and many other training opportunities for developing your skills and progressing your career.
• Looking to extend your family? You will receive a cash gift of $1,900 for your new addition whilst working for us.
• 26 weeks primary carer leave at 100% pay & 4 weeks secondary carer leave pay at 100% pay.
• Discounts on local gyms, restaurants and events.
• Free snacks and catered lunch.

Equal opportunities:

At Flutter International we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where our people can be their authentic selves and thrive. We embrace and celebrate diversity, respecting all our uniqueness and differences.

We welcome you to let us know whether you have any accessibility needs. All you need to do is email us at talent@flutterint.com . Your journey with us is focused on ensuring you have what you need to be your best self.

The group:

Flutter Studios is a proud member of the Flutter Entertainment family, a global leader in sports betting, iGaming, and entertainment. We're not just another company; we're listed on both the prestigious FTSE 100 index on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). What sets us apart is our world class brands, cutting-edge products, and our International division includes our operations in over 100 global markets and offers sports betting, casino, poker, rummy and lottery, mainly online. What truly defines us is our commitment to ensuring that the excitement of gaming and entertainment is experienced in a responsible and sustainable way. Our remarkable team of over 8,000 colleagues drives this vision, spread across 28 offices worldwide.