APAC Esports Partnership Manager

About the role

The serves as a critical strategic operator within the dynamic APAC Regional Commercial Partnerships team, owning the full lifecycle of media rights and sponsorship partnerships. In this capacity, you will architect and execute end-to-end operational frameworks that translate high-level commercial objectives into tangible, data-driven activation plans for key stakeholders. You will act as the central orchestrator for cross-functional alignment, ensuring that product, legal, marketing, and esports operations move in concert to deliver seamless partner experiences. This role demands a proactive mindset, where you identify friction points in workflows and design efficient procedures that uphold the integrity of Riot's brand. You will cultivate deep, consultative relationships with marquee media rights partners and sponsors, positioning Riot as an indispensable collaborator in the esports ecosystem. Success in this position is defined by your ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights that drive long-term fan engagement and revenue growth. Ultimately, you will be the linchpin that ensures every partnership delivers measurable value across the region, reinforcing Riot's commitment to player-centric innovation.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Orchestrate comprehensive end-to-end operational workflows for media rights partnerships and sponsorships, ensuring meticulous execution from inception to closure.
• Lead proactive communication and cross-functional alignment with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive collaborative success and shared objectives.
• Design and implement win-win strategies and actionable plans that deliver distinct value to media partners and sponsors through innovative esports services.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of performance data to evaluate partnership effectiveness and identify opportunities for optimization and long-term strategic growth.
• Develop and execute activation and integration plans that enhance fan satisfaction and maximize the impact of every partnership touchpoint.
• Manage licensing and contract administration with precision, ensuring all commercial terms and deliverables are met consistently and accurately.
• Oversee broadcast and technical operations in collaboration with production teams to maintain seamless execution of esports events and content.
• Leverage data analytics and market intelligence to shape strategic direction and justify investment decisions for premium partners.
• Serve as the primary liaison for media rights negotiations, ensuring outcomes align with Riot's commercial priorities and partner expectations.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key stakeholders, fostering trust and reliability through consistent follow-through and transparency.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks by establishing robust procedures and contingency plans for all partnership activities.
• Drive continuous improvement by auditing existing workflows and introducing best-in-class practices that enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate with regional teams to ensure localized execution of global partnership strategies, respecting cultural and market nuances.
• Champion a fan-first philosophy by ensuring all partnership activations resonate with the core values and interests of the gaming community.
• Contribute to the development of industry thought leadership by demonstrating expertise in esports partnerships and media rights management.

Requirements

• Bring a minimum of 4 years of professional experience in partnership management, business development, account management, or consulting roles.
• Operate as a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Prioritize work assignments effectively, balancing competing demands while adhering to strict timelines and quality standards.
• Meet deadlines consistently without compromising accuracy or attention to detail in high-pressure situations.
• Work independently with strong initiative while also collaborating effectively within diverse, cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, in Korean and English to convey complex ideas clearly.
• Maintain professional working proficiency in English to engage with global partners and internal stakeholders.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal skills that enable the cultivation of trust and rapport with executives at all organizational levels.
• Possess proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including internal departments and external commercial entities.
• Apply strong analytical skills to interpret data, draw insights, and support evidence-based decision-making processes.
• Hold fluency in Korean to engage authentically with local teams and partners across the region.
• Adhere strictly to company policies, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements in all commercial engagements.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive commercial information with the utmost discretion at all times.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ethical business practices and integrity in every interaction with partners and colleagues.

Nice to have

• Bring a deep understanding of and empathy for gaming and esports fans, viewing products and services through a fan-centric lens.
• Apply experience working within the esports, traditional sports, entertainment, or media agency industries to inform strategic decisions.
• Show familiarity with media rights structures, broadcast production operations, and digital streaming platform ecosystems.

Practical notes

This role is based in Seoul, Korea. It is a full-time position requiring adherence to standard working hours as defined by company policy. Travel may be required to support partner meetings and esports events across the APAC region. Candidates must be eligible to work in South Korea and may be subject to visa sponsorship considerations as dictated by local regulations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of standard onboarding and compliance procedures.