Programme Director, Epic

At BLAST we create incredible live and digital experiences, ranging from tournaments that pack out major arenas around the world to immersive content that truly captivates global audiences. 

We work with some of the world’s best game publishers and brands to elevate their properties into amazing esports experiences, having delivered tournaments, content and shows in a variety of games, including Counter-Strike, DOTA 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League and Fortnite.

The Role

The Programme Director (PD) looks out for the short-term delivery and the long-term strategic interests of the ecosystems. This role focuses on our Epic ecosystem covering the FNCS & RLCS circuits and any other IPs developed by or in conjunction with Epic. The PD sets the strategy for the ecosystem, runs the ecosystem day-to-day off screen and ensures the tactical delivery. The PD is responsible for ensuring the relationship with Epic is optimised and the ecosystem delivers a high quality output that is commercially successful today and in the future.

The PD works closely with the Executive Producer (who runs the on screen delivery & the detail of our shows and events with our Live delivery departments), Audience & Commercial teams to ensure that the ecosystem is a commercial, creative and operational success. The PD manages Program Managers & Program co-ordinators within the Epic ecosystem who drive the project management & delivery.

Full time from either the London, Copenhagen or New York office

Focus: 

• Making the Epic ecosystem a desirable ecosystem for brands to partner with
• Ensure the FNCS & RLCS ecosystems continually drive positive community sentiment 
• Ensure the Epic ecosystem is run in an efficient and effective manner, 
• Grow the positive impact of Fortnite Competitive and Rocket League Esports

Responsibilities Include:

Manage Key Stakeholders 

• Strong liaison and co-ordination with Epic Games
• Retain a strong understanding of the Fortnite & Rocket League ecosystems & community 
• Champion the Epic ecosystem within BLAST and act as the centre of knowledge of the Epic ecosystem internally 
• Proactive timely communication on project status, issues, KPI’s etc (external & internal)
• Work to resolve issues where they arise

Eyes on the future 

• Define what the future of the ecosystem looks against strategic goals for that ecosystem
• Proactively identify additional commercial opportunities for the BLAST Epic ecosystem outside the current SOW and work with Epic to identify feasibility & implement
• Create more together with Epic - how can we increase the impact and reach of Epic’s competitive offerings?

Ecosystem Format Definition 

• Work with Epic to continue refining the definition of the ecosystem format to maximise commercial, audience and stakeholder interest
• Understand the unique, broad possibilities of the Fortnite game and UEFN ecosystem, and develop products and ideation that can harness their offering as part of, or to complement the activity of the ecosystem.

Manage the P&L 

• Balance revenue, cost and quality
• Be across all revenue / cost lines and work to drive profitable ecosystem by year end
• Collaborate with Exec Producer on how to use “on screen” budgets to drive the best quality show in the most efficient way
• Work with commercial teams to drive incremental revenue opportunities within the current SOW

Work with Live Team Leaders on Delivery 

• Through the program manager & co-ordinator deliver an operational single source of truth for the ecosystem so shared service leaders understand the needs of the ecosystem
• Through the program manager & co-ordinator ensure procedures & processes are in place to deliver the project plan

Orchestrate the delivery of events 

• Through the program manager & co-ordinator ensure all events are planned & delivered against strategic goals of the ecosystem

Set an Operating Culture to be proud of 

• Lead a lean ecosystem management group and interface with the live team effectively
• Set the tone on culture & values for the ecosystem: 
• Making it bold
• Making it together
• Making it happen
• Make sure it's fun to work on!

• 5+ years of experience in the gaming or entertainment industry with commercial or operational experience 
• Interest in Epic ecosystem and understanding of Fortnite community 
• Strong interest or experience in IP creation & building commercial sustainable ecosystems and products.

• Competitive salary with opportunities for growth
• Pension scheme
• Healthcare
• Flexible work environment with remote options
• The chance to work on high-profile esports events and content
• A collaborative and creative team that values innovation and excellence