Fresh Jobs at Initiate International

About the job

• We’re hiring on behalf of a fast-growing company in the online gaming industry—and they’re looking for a highly organised, data-savvy CRM Operations Specialist to help elevate their customer engagement strategies.
• This is a hands-on operational role where you'll collaborate across departments, manage campaign execution from start to finish, and ensure every player interaction is seamless, impactful, and well-timed. If you’re someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and has a passion for customer journeys and digital campaigns, this could be your next big move.

 What you’ll be responsible for:

• Campaign Execution: Coordinate and deliver CRM campaigns (email, SMS, push notifications, in-app messaging) that are timely, relevant, and personalised.
• Player Segmentation: Use data to tailor communications based on behaviour, preferences, and lifecycle stages.
• Platform Management: Work with CRM platforms like Xtremepush, Optimove (or similar) to manage automation, track engagement, and optimise outcomes.
• Quality Control: Test all campaigns, promotions, games, and rewards before they go live—ensuring everything meets quality standards and user expectations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise with Product, Design, BI, Customer Support, and Player Development to align messaging and strategies across the board.
• Reporting & Optimisation: Monitor KPIs, analyse campaign performance, and identify areas for improvement to increase player engagement and retention.
• Troubleshooting: Act as a first line of support for CRM-related issues and player escalations, resolving them swiftly and professionally.
• Compliance & Data Accuracy: Maintain the integrity of customer databases and ensure all CRM operations meet regulatory and internal policy standards.

What you’ll bring to the table:

• A degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field (or relevant experience)
• Hands-on experience in CRM operations, marketing operations, or campaign management
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with customer data, reporting, and insights
• Experience with CRM software and automation tools such as Xtremepush, Optimove, or similar
• A proactive mindset with excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• A collaborative approach—you’re comfortable working with multiple teams and managing moving parts
• Knowledge of customer lifecycle marketing, segmentation, and retention strategies
• A deep understanding of user experience, particularly in the online or digital product space

Bonus points for:

• Previous experience in the iGaming, online casino, or sports betting sector
• Familiarity with loyalty and rewards programs
• Understanding of regulatory and compliance standards within the gaming industry
• Insight into player psychology and behaviour-driven marketing

Who you are:

• Self-motivated, energetic, and driven by results
• Passionate about CRM and player engagement
• Confident communicator with strong relationship management skills
• Comfortable working under pressure and juggling multiple priorities
• Solution-oriented and constantly looking for ways to improve the customer journey
• Committed to quality, accuracy, and delivering a premium player experience

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• This is a pivotal leadership role for a visionary who combines deep technical expertise with business acumen, someone who can drive execution while inspiring a culture of innovation. You’ll have the autonomy to shape technology strategy, the authority to influence business decisions, and the team to turn bold ideas into world-class digital platforms.

What You’ll Own

Tech Strategy & Vision

• Define and deliver the company’s long-term technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives, product evolution, and market expansion.
• Lead the transition to next-gen architecture, with a strong focus on scalability, security, and cloud-native platforms.

Engineering & Execution

• Oversee all aspects of software development and infrastructure — from system design and development through deployment, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Drive technical excellence across full-stack development, DevOps, BI/Analytics, and security.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams of engineers, DevOps specialists, and data professionals.
• Champion a collaborative, high-performance culture that encourages learning, ownership, and innovation.
• Own hiring strategy and team development to scale tech talent as the business grows.

Product Collaboration & Delivery

• Work hand-in-hand with Product, UX, Data, and Executive leadership to ensure technology supports customer-centric innovation.
• Manage prioritisation, sprint planning, and technical delivery using agile frameworks.
• Own the full software development lifecycle, ensuring high availability and performance across all customer touchpoints.

Innovation & Future-Proofing

• Stay on top of emerging trends, tools, and technologies in cloud computing, gaming platforms, AI/ML, and real-time analytics.
• Champion automation, continuous delivery, and proactive tech debt management.
• Deliver infrastructure that supports seamless sports betting and gaming experiences, even at peak traffic.

Your Toolkit

• 10+ years in software engineering, including 3+ years in a senior tech leadership role (e.g., Head of Tech, CTO, or Director of Engineering).
• Proven track record delivering large-scale, high-availability systems in real-time digital environments.
• Deep knowledge of C#/.NET, Umbraco, .NET Core, WebAPI, and event-driven microservices.
• Strong experience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred), CI/CD pipelines, containerisation, and infrastructure as code.
• Solid understanding of DevOps, Agile methodologies, and software security best practices.
• Experience working with real-time data platforms, analytics, and BI tools.
• Excellent communication skills — able to translate complex tech into clear, actionable insights for business and executive teams.
• A background in iGaming, Sports Betting, or fast-paced, digital-first sectors will be a strong advantage.

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The Opportunity

• As the Head of Retention Marketing, you will be responsible for designing and executing multi-channel campaigns that drive player loyalty, reactivation, and lifetime value. This is a high-impact, leadership role that blends strategy, creativity, and analytics. You’ll work closely with product, data, creative, and CRM teams to create world-class, personalised customer journeys that keep players engaged and coming back for more.
• You’ll be leading a talented team of retention and CRM marketers, playing a pivotal role in the business’s long-term customer growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the end-to-end retention marketing strategy across email, SMS, push notifications, and in-app messaging.
• Own the full player lifecycle — from onboarding and engagement to reactivation and loyalty — using data to personalise campaigns and improve player retention rates.
• Segment users based on behaviour, preferences, and lifecycle stage to ensure relevant, timely messaging that drives conversion and engagement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including CRM, Creative, Product, BI, and Customer Service to deliver an integrated, seamless customer experience.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on campaign performance; continuously test and optimise messaging, channels, and targeting strategies.
• Lead, coach, and grow a high-performing team of retention specialists, ensuring alignment with business goals and KPIs.
• Stay on top of industry trends, competitor campaigns, and evolving customer behaviour to ensure the business remains at the cutting edge of retention marketing.

About You

• 5+ years’ experience in a senior CRM or Retention Marketing role, with a strong preference for experience within Sports Betting, iGaming, or a high-volume digital B2C environment.
• Demonstrated success in building and scaling retention strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Deep understanding of CRM platforms, marketing automation, segmentation, and customer lifecycle management.
• Highly analytical, with the ability to turn data into actionable insights and strategic decisions.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Creative flair and passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth environment where innovation is key.

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About the Role -

• This isn’t just another marketing job – it’s your opportunity to lead the charge in one of the most dynamic industries on the planet. If you’re commercially minded, passionate about player growth, and excited to make a tangible impact, we want to speak to you. Apply now and help take this powerhouse brand to new heights.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Leadership - Develop, lead, and continuously optimise the multi-channel acquisition strategy across paid media (PPC, paid social, programmatic), affiliates, SEO, content, and ATL. Set ambitious but achievable KPIs and manage the marketing acquisition budget with a strong focus on ROI.
• Team Management & Development - Lead and mentor a team of digital marketers, affiliate managers, and media buyers. Create a culture of accountability, creativity, and high performance.
• Affiliate Channel Management - Oversee a network of global affiliate partners. Build strong relationships, negotiate competitive deals, and ensure affiliates are aligned with performance targets.
• Campaign Execution & Optimisation - Ensure campaigns are delivered with speed and precision. Optimise landing pages, creatives, and messaging for conversion performance across devices and regions.
• Analytics & Insights - Work closely with the Data & BI teams to report on key metrics. Apply insights to refine acquisition strategies, user targeting, and funnel optimisation.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement - Work cross-functionally with Product, CRM, Tech, and Creative to align acquisition initiatives with overall business goals and player retention strategies. 

Qualifications -

• Minimum 6+ years’ experience in acquisition or performance marketing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within iGaming, sports betting, or a fast-paced digital consumer brand.

Required Skills

• Deep understanding of the full acquisition funnel – from ad impression to player conversion.
• Proven success in managing and scaling acquisition budgets across multiple channels and regions.
• Strong grasp of affiliate marketing, conversion rate optimisation, A/B testing, attribution models, and customer segmentation.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Hands-on experience with tools like Google Ads, Facebook Business Manager, DV360, Google Analytics, AppsFlyer, or similar platforms.
• An analytical thinker who thrives on hitting targets and solving problems at pace.

Preferred Skills

• Pay range and compensation package - A strategic leadership role in a high-growth, internationally respected brand in the iGaming & Sports Betting space. Autonomy and influence to shape how the brand grows its player base globally. Exposure to cutting-edge platforms, real-time performance data, and a collaborative marketing ecosystem. Competitive remuneration, performance-based bonuses, and a benefits package that reflects your experience. A vibrant office culture in Cape Town – one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities in the world.

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• Step into a leadership role where your expertise and vision will shape the operational future of a global leader in gaming technology. You’ll work with a talented team of engineers, driving world-class testing and ensuring the highest standards in every project. This is more than just a management role – it’s your opportunity to be a true change-maker, influencing cutting-edge innovations that are making waves in the gaming industry. Are you ready to lead and inspire your team to greatness?

Key Responsibilities:

• Be the Bridge: Act as the key contact between clients and internal teams, guiding them through testing, offering expert feedback, and ensuring all project requirements are met.
• Business Growth: Drive the development of new business opportunities while consulting on evolving regulations within the industry.
• Process Innovator: Develop and optimize operational processes to streamline efficiency and effectiveness within the department.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of engineers, setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and helping your team reach their full potential.
• Set the Standard: Oversee the performance, training, and professional development of your team while ensuring project delivery meets the highest quality standards.
• Strategic Influence: Provide regular updates on team performance and workload to senior leadership, influencing key decisions and strategic direction.
• Problem-Solving: Tackle escalated issues within the department with a proactive approach and clear solutions.
• Hands-On Contribution: Serve as a product evaluator and support field inspections when needed.

What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus).
• At least 5 years of experience as a Test Engineer and 1 year in a senior engineering or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership, with a proven track record of managing and mentoring high-performing teams.
• A valid driver’s license.
• A deep understanding of quality assurance testing, with the ability to innovate and adapt to new technologies.