At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the IGNITE initiative to support and scale emerging game studios.
- Company: Join Aristocrat Interactive, a leader in gaming innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Travel up to 50% and work with a global network of game creators.
- Why this job: Shape the future of gaming by nurturing new talent and innovative ideas.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in gaming or related fields with strong strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
IGNITE is Aristocrat Interactive’s studio incubation and acceleration initiative, designed to identify, support, and scale emerging game studios by providing access to Aristocrat’s platform, distribution network, and expertise. The program plays a key role in driving innovation, expanding content diversity, and building the next generation of strategic supplier partners. The Head of IGNITE is responsible for defining and accomplishing the IGNITE strategy as a core pillar of Aristocrat Interactive’s Aggregation business. The role leads the development of a differentiated studio incubation and partnership model, driving long‑term content innovation, supplier diversification, and commercial growth. Reporting into the VP Aggregation, the role ensures IGNITE delivers strategic and financial value. This is achieved by building a network of promising studios and integrating them into the global aggregation ecosystem.
What you’ll do
- IGNITE Strategy & Ownership
- Define and implement the global IGNITE strategy aligned to Aggregation and wider Interactive objectives.
- Position IGNITE as a core differentiation lever within the aggregation ecosystem.
- Own the roadmap for studio incubation, development, and long‑term portfolio growth.
- Contribute to overall aggregation strategy through innovation and emerging content pipelines.
- Studio Portfolio & Commercial Performance
- Build and manage a portfolio of IGNITE studios, with clear performance frameworks and targets.
- Drive commercial outcomes including revenue contribution, content performance, and value on studio investment.
- Identify high‑potential studios and scale them into strategic partners within the aggregation network.
- Supervise lifecycle from onboarding → development → scaling → long‑term partnership.
- Program & Ecosystem Development
- Evolve IGNITE from a program into a structured, scalable ecosystem model.
- Define support models (tools, funding, mentorship, distribution access) for participating studios.
- Coordinate with Product and Platform teams to ensure flawless integration into the aggregation platform.
- Establish frameworks for exclusivity, co‑development, and long‑term partnership structures.
- Market Expansion & Content Strategy
- Align IGNITE content strategy with global market needs and operator demand.
- Support expansion efforts for IGNITE studios into regulated markets, working in close partnership with Compliance and Regional teams.
- Ensure IGNITE contributes to solving key gaps in the aggregation portfolio (e.g. innovation, differentiation, new formats).
- Data, Performance & Investment Decisions
- Define success metrics across IGNITE (studio performance, content success, commercial return).
- Use data and insights to prioritise studio investment, scale decisions, and portfolio optimisation.
- Provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations to VP Aggregation and senior leadership.
- Partnerships & Industry Positioning
- Build Aristocrat’s reputation as a leading studio partner and incubator.
- Represent IGNITE at industry events, connecting with growing game creators and inventive networks.
- Develop relationships with founders, developers, and strategic partners globally.
- Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with VP Aggregation, Product, Engineering, Commercial, and local and area groups.
- Drive alignment between IGNITE and broader aggregation and content strategy.
What we’re looking for
Essential
- 5+ years’ experience in iGaming, gaming platforms, digital marketplaces, or adjacent industries.
- Experience in studio partnerships, developer ecosystems, or incubation/acceleration models.
- Strong commercial and strategic capability.
- Strong network within game development / studio ecosystem.
- Understanding of content performance, distribution, and aggregation models.
- Deep understanding of multi‑jurisdictional iGaming regulations and content certification processes.
Desirable
- Experience scaling early‑stage studios or content portfolios.
- Experience running or sponsoring studio incubation / acceleration programs.
- P&L ownership or direct commercial accountability.
Key Competencies
- Strategic ecosystem thinking
- Commercial and portfolio management
- Innovation and product attitude
- Data‑driven decision making
- Executive team member influence
What Success Looks Like
- A clearly defined IGNITE strategy established as a core pillar of the Aggregation business.
- A strong, scalable pipeline of high‑potential studios delivering differentiated and driven content.
- Meaningful commercial contribution from IGNITE, including revenue growth and portfolio diversification.
- Recognition of Aristocrat as a premier partner for emerging studios and innovation in the iGaming ecosystem.
Travel Expectations
Up to 50%
Additional Information
At this time, we are unable to sponsor work visas for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the job posting location for this position on a full‑time basis without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.
Head of IGNITE in City of Westminster employer: Aristocrat
At Aristocrat, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Senior MySQL Database Administrator, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge gaming technology but also benefit from a robust package of global career opportunities and professional growth. Join us in a dynamic environment where your expertise will make a significant impact on the future of gaming entertainment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IGNITE in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. The more people you know in the gaming world, the better your chances of landing that Head of IGNITE role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in studio partnerships and incubation models. They want to see you can drive innovation and commercial growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your vision! Prepare to talk about how you would define and implement the IGNITE strategy. They’ll be keen to hear your ideas on building a strong network of studios and integrating them into the aggregation ecosystem.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Aristocrat Interactive.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IGNITE in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in iGaming and studio partnerships. We want to see how your background aligns with the IGNITE strategy and how you can contribute to our goals.
Showcase Your Network:Don’t forget to mention your connections within the game development ecosystem! We’re looking for someone who can leverage their network to build relationships with promising studios, so let us know who you know.
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking:We love candidates who can think strategically! Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully defined and implemented strategies in previous roles, especially in relation to incubation or acceleration models.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with IGNITE!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aristocrat
✨Know Your IGNITE Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Aristocrat Interactive’s IGNITE initiative. Understand its goals, how it fits within the broader aggregation strategy, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its success. This shows your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your connections within the gaming and iGaming industry. Be prepared to discuss specific studios or developers you've worked with and how those relationships could benefit IGNITE. This demonstrates your ability to build partnerships and drive commercial outcomes.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Familiarise yourself with key performance metrics relevant to studio incubation and content success. Be ready to share examples of how you've used data to make strategic decisions in previous roles. This will showcase your analytical skills and understanding of performance management.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Discuss your experience working with various teams, such as Product, Engineering, and Commercial. Highlight specific projects where collaboration led to successful outcomes. This will illustrate your ability to align IGNITE with broader business objectives and foster teamwork.
