JOBS IN GAMES: Trade Marketing Manager career profile

Thorughout September, MCV’s is publishing interviews with key execs from across the industry as part of our Jobs In Games special, in association with OPM.

Today, we chat to Louise Powell, Nintendo’s trade marketing manager, about how her role differs from that of traditional marketing.

How would you summarise your role?
A diverse and exciting role, balancing marketingand commercial strategiesto launch products within retail

What are your main responsibilities?
As the trade marketing manager for the Nintendo’s specialist and online partners, I work with the sales managersto gain the maximum exposure for the Nintendo brand and its software and hardware proposition, to drive the best level of sell-through within these channels. Internal responsibilities includedevising the Trade Marketing Strategy for our triple-A Kids and Gamer titles within Nintendo’s release schedule and I am also responsible for managing our creative agency.

How did you get your job?
I was head hunted by a recruitment agency and after a rigorous recruitment process I was lucky enough to get the job!

What special skills or qualifications did you need?
The job description required me to have a degree in Marketing, which I have, as well as experience in the field. I’d also worked with Nintendo through my role at Gem Distribution, so experience of the Nintendo business, software and hardware definitely helped. Most of all I have always been a Nintendo fan.

Describe your average day. What do you do?
Every day is different which is great. From devising strategy for product launches,liaising with retail on the latest campaigns to managing POSdesign and production,there’s never adull day.

What is the best part of your job?
Nintendo products!

What is the worst part?
There can be long hours at times but it’s worth it.

What tips would you give to anyone applying for a similar position?
You have to have a passion for the products and be prepared to work hard.

What are your long-term career plans?
Keep working as hard as I can and enjoying my job. Developing withinthe fieldto Head of Trade Marketing/Retail Marketing Directorwould be ideal.