Next Level Games (NLG), a premier developer and wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., is seeking a strategic and composed IT Manager to lead our infrastructure team in Vancouver.
In the world of AAA game development, technology is the silent engine that drives creativity. From managing the massive data pipelines required for high-fidelity animation to ensuring the ironclad security of unreleased Nintendo intellectual property, the IT department is the backbone of our studio. We are looking for a leader who moves beyond “fixing computers” to “owning outcomes”—a professional who can provide a stable, secure, and scalable environment where our developers can do their best work without friction.
Job Overview: IT Manager
| Feature | Details |
| Company Name | Next Level Games (A subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd.) |
| Job Title | IT Manager |
| Primary Location | Vancouver, BC, Canada (On-site 5 days/week) |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Level | Manager / Supervisor |
| Annual Salary Range | $125,000 – $175,000 CAD |
| Reports To | Studio Director of Technology |
| Core Focus | Leadership, Strategy, Security, and Operational Readiness |
The Culture: Why Next Level Games?
For over 20 years, Next Level Games has been a hub of innovation in the Pacific Northwest. Our portfolio is a testament to our craft, featuring titles like Super Mario Strikers, Punch-Out!!, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and Mario Strikers™: Battle League. Since becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo in 2021, we have integrated the legendary quality standards of our parent company with the agile, collaborative spirit of a boutique studio.
At NLG, we believe that success is a team sport. We place careful consideration into building an environment where everyone—from the IT department to the Art team—feels welcome, respected, and empowered. We avoid “hero culture” in favor of sustainable, predictable systems that allow our employees to have a life outside of work while achieving world-class goals.
The Role: What You’ll Be Doing
As the IT Manager, you are the primary point of accountability for the studio’s technical infrastructure. This is a leadership-first role. While you must possess a deep technical background to make informed decisions, your daily focus will be on direction, decision-making, and people management rather than hands-on individual contribution.
1. Team Leadership & Fostering Accountability
You will lead a talented IT team, providing them with the clarity and support they need to excel.
- Prioritization: Setting clear daily and weekly goals so the team knows exactly where to focus their energy.
- Mentorship: Supporting the professional growth of your team through coaching, performance feedback, and clear role definitions.
- Environment: Fostering a calm and supportive atmosphere, even during high-pressure production milestones or technical outages.
2. Strategic Operational Oversight
You will partner closely with the IT Systems Architect to guide the studio’s technical direction.
- Technical Judgment: Evaluating options, tradeoffs, and risks for new infrastructure projects.
- Risk Management: Owning the studio’s approach to security and operational readiness. You will ensure that our data is protected and that we have effective response plans for any potential incidents.
- Vendor & Budget Management: Maintaining oversight of hardware/software vendors, licensing, and IT budgets to ensure we are investing in scalable, fit-for-purpose solutions.
3. Studio-Wide Partnership
IT at NLG is not a silo; it is a service partner.
- Stakeholder Alignment: Working with Leads and Directors across the studio to understand what they are building and how IT can support those future needs.
- Communication: Acting as the “face of IT” in internal conversations and when dealing with external partners or Nintendo global infrastructure teams.
- Process Excellence: Moving away from ad-hoc “fixes” toward repeatable, documented, and predictable practices. You will establish the standards for how IT work is tracked and communicated.
4. Planning & Future-Proofing
In a rapidly evolving industry, you must think 12 to 24 months ahead.
- Scalability: Ensuring that today’s technical decisions don’t create “technical debt” that hinders future game development capability.
- Sustainability: Balancing the need for immediate user support with the long-term goal of building a robust, maintainable infrastructure.
Who We Are Looking For: Qualifications
We are seeking a “steady hand at the wheel”—someone who brings technical authority and a service-oriented mindset to the table.
- Proven Leadership: You are an experienced IT leader who is comfortable owning outcomes. You have a track record of moving from a technical contributor role into a management role where you lead through others.
- Industry Context: Experience in Game Development, Film, or VFX is highly preferred. You understand the unique demands of creative production environments (e.g., high-bandwidth data needs, specialized software, and tight security).
- Technical Maturity: You have a strong background in systems administration, networking, or security, allowing you to challenge assumptions and evaluate technical tradeoffs effectively.
- Calm Under Pressure: When things go wrong, you are the person who brings a sense of order and clarity. You build trust through consistent, level-headed communication.
- Structured Thinker: You prefer documentation and repeatable processes over “heroics.” You know how to schedule and coordinate complex IT work across a multi-person team.
- Communication Skills: You can translate “geek” to “business” and vice versa. You represent the studio confidently and articulate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and mental well-being.
Financial & Retirement
- Competitive Salary: A transparent range of $125k – $175k CAD based on your specific experience and skill set.
- RRSP Matching: We help you plan for the future with a studio-contributed matching program.
- Performance Bonuses: A discretionary program that rewards collective and individual excellence.
Health & Lifestyle
- Comprehensive Benefits: Extended health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Mental Health Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support services.
- On-Site Fitness: Maintain your health with our fully equipped in-studio gym.
The “Nintendo” Experience
- Media Library: Gain inspiration from our massive collection of games, movies, and industry literature.
- Employee Store: Enjoy significant discounts on Nintendo hardware, software, and exclusive merchandise.
- Social Connections: Join one of our many internal committees—whether you like board games, sports, or community outreach, there’s a group for you.
Additional Information
Work Environment: This is an on-site position. We believe that the high-level collaboration required for this role is best achieved in person. Candidates must be prepared to work five days per week at our Vancouver studio.
Work Eligibility: Next Level Games is currently only considering applicants who already possess valid work authorization for Canada and are currently residing in or willing to relocate to the Metro Vancouver area.
Inclusivity & Diversity: We are committed to creating a workspace where everyone can contribute and feel included. If you require any accommodations during the hiring process, please reach out to careers@nextlevelgames.com, and we will do our best to support your needs.
The Impact of Your Role
The games we create at Next Level Games bring joy to millions of people around the world. As our IT Manager, you are the architect of the environment that makes this joy possible. You ensure the lights stay on, the data stays safe, and the developers have the tools they need to make history.
IT Manager job at Next Level Games (NLG), 2026
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