PLEASE NOTE: The ideal candidate would reside in London, UK, but remote working options may be available for the right candidate (within Europe). If so, you must be based in Europe (CET time zone).
The world of esports/gaming is growing and so are we!
Merchandise product is a key growth pillar for the Shop business, and EFG is looking for a Head of Merchandise Product that can devise a product growth strategy aligned with the wider business objectives. As Head of Merchandise Product, you will be responsible for growing the product portfolio for the world’s leading esports company and consumer-facing esports and gaming lifestyle brands across ESL, FaceIt, and DreamHack. Product categories include fashion and esports apparel, gaming peripherals, and collectibles. You will be a strategic thinker with the ability to conceive and shape new product launches in the context of the overall business goals.
At EFG (ESL FaceIt Group) we create worlds beyond gameplay, where players and fans become a community. We pride ourselves in having a corporate social responsibility which is that “IT’S NOT GG, UNTIL IT’S GG FOR ALL”. Our passion, craft, and DNA are aligned to create and shape the world of esports, gaming tournaments, leagues, events, and holistic ecosystems through our millions of players, fans, and heroes, as well as through our people, and culture. This is one of many reasons why EFG is a magical workplace, where anything is possible, and where you will thrive and experience a game-changing career.
As Head of Merchandise Product at EFG, you are surrounded by some of the brightest minds in gaming. Our hierarchies are flat, and your ideas and opinions are constantly in demand. Each day will be met with complex and challenging tasks we will solve together. Quick decision-making allows us to create products & events which shape and define the nature of the esports market. We value team chemistry and teamwork above anything else, creating a friendly and fast-paced work environment.
The Head of Merchandise Product reports to our Director of Merchandise & Brand Licensing. Ideally, this position would be based in Europe (CET time zone) but remote working options may be available for the right candidate.
What you’ll do:
- Oversee and lead the Merchandise Product function including devising a portfolio growth strategy, product concept & design creation, and technical design, with compelling stories behind them relevant to our target audiences.
- Lead the vision for the Consumer Commerce Product team, working with other departments to define strategic roadmaps and drive initiatives while managing skills and talent within the team to help support these
- Work alongside the rest of the leadership team within the department to ensure a cohesive and well-communicated vision and execution of the Consumer Commerce Product strategy
- Liaise with ecommerce, esports ecosystems, events & marketing teams to ensure our products are presented in a premium and elevated way
- Work closely with Brand Partnerships to identify and support collaborations and sponsorships that include opportunities to create desirable products for customers e.g. Fashion brands
- Identify and onboard new partners, suppliers, and agencies to support the portfolio growth strategy; manage and optimise the supply chain and drive operational efficiencies and negotiate best prices for EFG
- Ongoing review and management of Consumer Commerce product budgets and sales performance, maximising our return on investment for product launches
- Collaborate with the Marketing team to design, plan and launch digital and physical marketing campaigns and retail displays to showcase products and bring them to life through compelling story-telling
- Work closely with major esports teams and games publishers to support their growth plans and create co-branded products.
- Develop existing junior designers and identify resource gaps and skill opportunities, working with EFG Talent Managers to raise headcount and recruit accordingly, or tactically work with freelancers to meet business needs
- Foster an environment of diversity, transparency, and trust, where your team can feel empowered to share ideas, be challenged, and fulfil their potential
- Examine and refine current design processes, help to establish new ones, and evolve our global design and accessibility standards e.g. drive net carbon zero initiatives through innovative production techniques
Application information:
Do you feel ready for the challenge of working at @EFG? Join us for a game-changing career where we will be shaping the journey of esports together with diversity and inclusion. We encourage you to apply by filling in our application form including your earliest starting date and your desired salary.
Please apply by adding the requested documents CV or your cover letter in English language and preferably in PDF format.
Our Recruitment Process – What to expect?
Our recruitment team is committed to carefully reviewing and evaluating your application for this role. We will look at your past studies, work experience, overall passions, as well as your personal relationship with games, to help us gauge the connection between these points and the criteria set forth by our hiring manager for this role.
You can expect to be invited for an interview if your experience matches and/or an email notification containing feedback if you didn’t qualify for this round. Either way, you will hear from us!
About us @EFG:
EFG is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Each of our brands play a significant role in creating worlds beyond gameplay.
They build, connect and nurture beyond game ecosystems to unlock more fun, fame, and fortune for gamers across the globe.
- At ESL we create worlds where everybody can be somebody
- At FACEIT we create a world where the community has the power to shape video games
- At DreamHack we create a world where the gaming community comes to life
- At DreamHack Sports Games we create a world where traditional sports meets esports
Requirements:
- 5+ years of relevant experience in a similar role growing product portfolios
- Growth mindset with strong commercial acumen
- Creative and curious, not afraid to try new things, obsessive eye for detail
- Good understanding of different technical approaches to producing apparel
- Experience developing designs and strategies in luxury brands, fashion or sport apparel
- Experience in retail and setting up product displays
- Work or personal experience in gaming or esports (preferred but not essential)
- Strong leadership, people, and stakeholder management skills
- Demonstrated ability to communicate in the English language, both spoken and written
- Brand Licensing experience is beneficial but not essential