At Keywords Studios, we are using our passion for games, technology and media to create a global services platform for video games and beyond. Our aim is to become the “go to” provider of technical services.

We enable leading content creators and publishers to leverage our expertise and capacity across the lifecycle of interactive content. In so doing we empower our clients to remain lean and agile, and to focus on creating the most engaging experiences.

Keywords is trusted and relied upon by many of the world’s leading video game companies to work alongside them during concept, development and live operations by leveraging the breadth and depth of our industry leading service lines every step of the way. www.keywordsstudios.com Job Summary

Keywords Studios is looking for a motivated, driven Business Development Researcher & Lead Qualifier to join our Strategic Intelligence unit. This critical role bridges the gap between market and client intelligence and lead generation and qualification for new revenue opportunities.

In this role, you own the front-end of the sales funnel. You are responsible for all upfront work, including deep-dive research, market monitoring, cold outreach, and initial assessment. Your goal is not just to book meetings, but to progress prospects from initial interest into a "hot lead", strictly defined as an actual request for a quote (RFQ). Once a tangible quote request is secured, you will seamlessly hand it over to a Business Development Manager (BDM) to close, which serves as the primary performance measure.Key Responsibilities

• Intelligence & Opportunity Discovery: Systematically leverage market data platforms (e.g., SteamDB), internal proprietary Keywords and external public data, to identify upcoming commercial opportunities and market shifts.
• Emerging Sectors Tracking: Monitor some new spaces, including our Globalize division, with clients seeking assistance with QA testing and Localization services, to see where our technical services can support rapid opportunities.
• Outbound Execution: Take full ownership of the initial outbound loop, executing first-touch outreach, cold contacting/calling, and persistent follow-ups.
• End-to-End Qualification: Own the prospect relationship through initial assessment, moving beyond general client "pain points" to uncover tangible commercial intent.
• Seamless BDM Handoff: Responsible for delivering high-quality, quote-ready opportunities to the BDM community the moment a client issues a formal request for a quote or proposal.
• Sales Pipeline Transparency: Use CRM tooling (Salesforce) to ensure all outreach activity and qualification milestones are logged transparently and mapped to clear signal triggers.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + UK Bank Holidays
• Private Medical and Dental cover
• Group Income Protection
• Group Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Enhanced Employer Pension Contributions
• Cycle Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Experience & Requirements

Experience & Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need to have a passion for the gaming, entertainment and technology world and an active curiosity for research and AI.

• No experience selling or researching in the entertainment and/or video games industry necessary, but preferred. AI-first research and insights capabilities are preferred.
• Research, analysis and idea presentation skills.
• A motivated self-starter, able to run with initiatives and projects, and able to operate in a remote environment. A curiosity to constantly learn and improve.
• Strong understanding of market trends, industry dynamics and current industry landscape and for game development and publishing.
• High attention to detail and ability to deliver under pressure and to deadlines.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be comfortable working and communicating with exec/senior contact levels.
• Additional coding or language skills valued.

This role will likely require periodic travel to industry events. There may also be the requirement to spend time with the team at regular gatherings in our UK London offices.