At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the IGNITE initiative, driving innovation and partnerships in the gaming industry.
- Company: Join Aristocrat, a leading gaming content creator with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of gaming by supporting emerging studios and driving content diversity.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in gaming or digital marketplaces, with strong strategic and commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This job is with Aristocrat, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. 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.
Company Summary
Aristocrat Interactive is Aristocrat Leisure Limited’s (ASX:ALL) regulated online Real Money Gaming (RMG) business and was formed in 2024 when the Anaxi and NeoGames businesses (Anaxi, NeoGames, Aspire Global, BtoBet, and Pariplay) came together. The business is an industry leader in content and technology solutions for online RMG, with a full-service offering that includes content, proprietary technology platforms and a range of value added services across iLottery, iGaming and Online Sports Betting (OSB).
About Aristocrat
Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) is a leading gaming content creation company powered by technology to deliver industry-leading casino games together with mobile games and online real money games, collectively entertaining millions of players worldwide, every day. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Aristocrat has three operating business units, spanning regulated land-based gaming (Aristocrat Gaming), social casino (Product Madness) and regulated online real money (Aristocrat Interactive). Our team of over 8,500 people across the globe are united by our company mission to bring joy to life through the power of play.
Our Values
- All about the Player
- Talent Unleashed
- Collective Brilliance
- Good Business Good Citizen
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 employer: Aristocrat
Aristocrat is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and innovation, making it a prime choice for those looking to thrive in the gaming industry. With a strong focus on employee growth, collaborative work culture, and access to cutting-edge resources, the Head of IGNITE role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of game development while being part of a global network of creative minds. Located in Sydney, employees benefit from a vibrant city known for its diverse lifestyle and professional opportunities, all while contributing to a mission that brings joy through play.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IGNITE
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry folks! Attend gaming events, join online forums, and engage on social media. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for gaming and innovation shine through. Share your ideas about the future of game studios and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on Aristocrat and the IGNITE programme. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Think about specific examples from your past that demonstrate your strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Aristocrat team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IGNITE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gaming:When writing your application, let your love for gaming shine through! Share your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead IGNITE.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in studio partnerships and incubation models. We’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of the gaming ecosystem, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves a lot of strategic decision-making, include examples of how you've used data to drive success in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with solid metrics and insights!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aristocrat
✨Know the IGNITE Strategy Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the IGNITE strategy and how it aligns with Aristocrat's overall objectives. Familiarise yourself with their approach to studio incubation and the importance of innovation in the gaming industry. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Network
Given the emphasis on building relationships within the gaming ecosystem, be prepared to discuss your existing network. Highlight any connections you have with game developers or studios, and how these relationships could benefit Aristocrat. This demonstrates your ability to leverage partnerships for growth.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role involves defining success metrics and making data-driven decisions, brush up on relevant data analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive commercial outcomes or optimise portfolios. This will show that you can bring a strategic mindset to the position.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills
The Head of IGNITE will need to work closely with various teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across departments in previous roles. Highlight your ability to align different stakeholders towards a common goal, which is crucial for driving the IGNITE initiative forward.
