Director, Digital Strategy & Operations

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

The Director of Digital Strategy and Business Operations will lead strategic planning, financial operations, and performance tracking. This executive will be responsible for developing long-term strategic roadmaps, overseeing financial modeling, and ensuring operational efficiency across all MDS units.

This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the digital future of Mattel, driving business growth through emerging technologies, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with the ability to translate complex business challenges into actionable strategies and high-impact partnerships.

Do you have a passion for building and scaling digital businesses, securing transformative partnerships, and optimizing financial performance?

Join us in shaping the future of digital play.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute MDS’s long-term digital strategy, ensuring alignment with Mattel’s corporate priorities.
• Serve as a key liaison to senior leadership, providing insights on digital strategy, growth opportunities, and investment priorities.

Market Analysis, Competitive Intelligence, and Strategic Planning

• Conduct competitive intelligence, market trend analysis, and scenario planning to inform MDS’s strategic roadmap.
• Work closely with the Strategic Planning team to identify new growth areas, emerging business models, and expansion opportunities.
• Develop comprehensive business cases for investment, partnerships, and acquisitions across both brands and audiences.

Financial Operations and Business Strategy

• Oversee financial modeling, budgeting, and revenue forecasting to ensure MDS investments deliver sustainable growth.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, and Product teams to structure scalable and financially viable business models.
• Establish and manage KPIs and success metrics for digital initiatives across Future Lab, MDS Publishing, and MDS Licensing.

Operational Excellence and Organizational Efficiency

• Ensure cross-functional alignment across all MDS units, reducing inefficiencies and optimizing workflows.
• Oversee the Project Management team to track and execute high-priority digital initiatives.
• Improve operational processes to enhance partnership execution, financial tracking, and resource allocation.

Creative Strategy and Business Storytelling

• Oversee the creation of high-impact presentations, ensuring storytelling and messaging align with MDS’s vision.
• Work with cross-functional teams to craft high-impact narratives that effectively communicate MDS’s digital vision to partners, investors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure that partnership narratives are persuasive, visually engaging, and strategically sound.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team, including Digital strategy, Business Development, Business Operations, Creative Strategy, and Project Management.
• Establish, hire, and develop a new Digital Strategy group.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven culture, ensuring team members are empowered to execute and grow in their roles.
• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, providing insights on partnership opportunities and business growth strategies

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For: 

• 10+ years of experience in digital strategy, corporate strategy, corporate development, management consulting, or strategic partnerships, preferably in digital gaming, entertainment, or technology industries.
• Deep expertise in digital strategy, with a strong understanding of interactive entertainment, immersive experiences, and evolving business models in the digital economy.
• Proven track record in structuring, negotiating, and executing high-value deals with major tech, gaming, or media partners.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in PandL management, financial modeling, and revenue forecasting.