Senior Product Manager, Esports - Overwatch | Irvine, CA

Overview

Senior Product Manager, Esports - Overwatch 2 | Irvine, CA

Team:
Overwatch

Requisition : R026646

Job Description:
As Overwatch Esports continues to grow and expand, we are seeking an experienced cross-functional leader who is hungry to make an impact. Your mission: lead and set the program vision for successful esports programs, drive esports live operations alongside managing external vendors while working cross-functionally internally at Blizzard amongst teams such as marketing, development, community, analytics, esports teams, and more.

This role is anticipated to be hybrid onsite with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The home studio for this role is Irvine, CA.

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

You will work closely with cross-functional teams across Blizzard and external vendors—including product, production, design, engineering, community, marketing, broadcast, competitive operations, and analytics. Using player insights, competitive analysis, personal expertise, and gameplay feedback, you will help shape product design and guide day‑to‑day decisions for Overwatch Esports in alignment with the franchise vision. As a subject matter expert with broad esports experience, you will act as a strategic leader for the teams executing Overwatch Esports, navigating complex challenges and reporting progress to senior leadership.

• Contribute to the long-term vision for Overwatch Esports and its role within the franchise while upholding Blizzard values.
• Translate esports business strategy into actionable plans for live events, digital engagement, and monetization.
• Oversee daily operations of a live esports program, including broadcast production and competition execution.
• Ensure cohesive delivery of product vision by aligning internal teams and external vendors on requirements and implementation plans.
• Identify and understand player, fan, and influencer needs, integrating these insights into product strategy and communicating with key community figures.
• Maintain competitive integrity by understanding the fundamentals of fair play within Overwatch Esports.
• Interpret complex live broadcast workflows and collaborate directly with vendors to implement strategic adjustments.
• Serve as a representative of Overwatch Esports, maintaining strong communication with community stakeholders and influencers.
• Define program success metrics, track KPIs, and develop documentation and presentations for franchise leadership.
• Create and maintain clear product documentation to support cross-functional alignment.
• Coordinate effectively with global esports teams to ensure consistency and operational excellence.

• 8+ years of experience as a cross-functional Product Manager, Business Strategy, or Product Operations in Gaming, Esports, or Sports Entertainment, or a combination of education and practical experience.
• Experience setting the vision and executing live broadcast production of esports or gaming programming.
• Experience in esports or sports competition operations, tournament administration, or sports media entertainment in a leadership role.
• Experience managing a client-vendor relationship at AAA scale.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities with a proven track record of turning insights into decisions.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills across departments and disciplines.
• Confident cross-functional leadership skills with a strong background in project management or business operations.
• Experience making data-driven decisions to create an optimal Overwatch Esports program for fans.
• Ability to travel internationally for Overwatch Esports competition at live events worldwide.
• Proficient in product documentation for pitching, reporting, or organization.
• Robust understanding and experience with FPS games, either in the industry or as a player.

• Understanding of AAA game marketing and publishing strategy and process.
• Passion for Overwatch and knowledge of its esports scene and community.
• MBA or relevant graduate…