Monetization Lead

Appodeal is looking for a Monetization Lead to own ad monetization strategy and execution across our mobile gaming portfolio - WordMaker, Solitaire, and Brick Blast.

This is a hands-on ownership role, not a coordination or reporting function. The Monetization Lead operates as a cross-functional integrator: pulling in Ad Tech, Analytics, and Product for a given app to drive eProfit outcomes, without needing direct reporting authority over those functions. You set the monetization agenda for the portfolio and are personally accountable for the results.

We are looking for someone who has built and scaled monetization specifically inside casual, ad-monetized mobile games — not general ad-tech, mediation-commercial, or IAP/midcore backgrounds — and who is energized by moving fast, testing constantly, and owning outcomes directly.

What You Own

Monetization Strategy

• Define and evolve the ad monetization strategy across the games portfolio, grounded in eProfit outcomes rather than isolated ad-revenue metrics.
• Own waterfall structure, floor pricing, and placement strategy across all titles.
• Maintain live knowledge of eProfit, ARPDAU, eROAS, and fill/show rates across the portfolio. Stay in the data daily.

Experimentation

• Build and run a rigorous, high-velocity A/B testing culture: waterfall configurations, placement density, floor optimization, network mix.
• Translate experiment results into concrete, prioritized action — not just readouts.
• Set the cadence and quality bar for how monetization hypotheses are tested across the team.

Network & Partner Relationships

• Own and grow relationships with ad networks, DSPs, and exchanges relevant to casual gaming monetization.
• Negotiate terms, unlock new demand sources, and resolve commercial or technical issues directly with partners.
• Represent Appodeal in partner conversations as the accountable owner of monetization outcomes.

Working With a Shared Intelligence Layer

• Operate without a dedicated in-house analytics headcount — pull data, attribution, and LTV models from the shared intelligence layer rather than building parallel infrastructure inside the function.
• Partner with the data and RnD teams to make sure the intelligence layer serves monetization decision-making, rather than working around it.

Cross-Functional Integration

• Act as the Product Owner for monetization on a given app — pulling in Ad Tech, Analytics, and Product as needed, without direct reporting lines over those functions.
• Work closely with Product and UA to ensure monetization decisions are made in the context of full eProfit, not ad revenue in isolation.
• Enable fast hypothesis testing and iteration cycles across the games portfolio.

Team and Culture

• Build and lead a lean, high-talent team; raise the bar on talent density rather than grow headcount for its own sake.
• Set a high bar for ownership, speed, and rigor. Address performance gaps directly.
• Foster a culture where people act as DRIs, not ticket-resolvers.

Requirements

Must-Have

• Proven, hands-on experience leading monetization specifically for casual, ad-monetized mobile games (cards, word, board, puzzle, or comparable evergreen genres) — not general ad-tech, mediation-commercial, or IAP/midcore monetization backgrounds.
• Track record building and scaling a rigorous, high-velocity experimentation culture (A/B testing, waterfall optimization) with measurable eProfit/ARPDAU/eROAS impact.
• Comfortable operating without a dedicated in-house analytics headcount — pulling data, attribution, and LTV models from a shared intelligence layer rather than building it inside the function.
• Strong existing relationships with ad networks, DSPs, and exchanges relevant to casual gaming monetization.
• Experience building and leading lean, high-talent teams; ability to raise the bar on talent density rather than grow headcount for its own sake.
• Comfortable acting as a cross-functional integrator (Product Owner model) — pulling in Ad Tech, Analytics, and Product for a given app without direct reporting authority over those functions.

Strong Signals

• Have directly scaled ad-monetization revenue for a casual game from early traction to meaningful portfolio contribution.
• Experience with mediation platforms and waterfall management tools (e.g., AppLovin MAX, LevelPlay, Topon).
• Familiarity with analytics and attribution tools: Firebase, GameAnalytics, Amplitude, AppsFlyer.
• Experience negotiating commercial terms directly with ad networks or DSPs.
• History of operating in lean, low-headcount environments where you personally do the analysis rather than delegate it.

Why Join Us?

Ownership without guardrails. You set the monetization agenda across the portfolio — no committee, no layers. Real products, real traction. WordMaker, Solitaire, and Brick Blast are live, growing games with real users and data to work with. Lean, high-trust team. Small team, fast decisions, high impact per person. Shared intelligence layer. You get data, attribution, and LTV modeling from a shared function - so you spend your time on decisions, not infrastructure. Competitive compensation. Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and clear career growth opportunities.

We believe in the following values, and hope you do too: Leverage data to build product. We rely on data to make informed decisions and create products that solve real problems. While data guides us, we apply insight, context, and wisdom to interpret it thoughtfully. We work together to serve others. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. By serving others — customers, teammates, and stakeholders — we create value and build trust. Relentless pursuit of excellence. We commit to grow and evolve in everything we do, constantly seeking opportunities to refine our processes, skills, and results. Passionate curiosity fuels perseverance. Passionate curiosity drives us to explore challenges, learn from setbacks, and adapt with resilience. Direct and straightforward, no politics. Transparency and honesty are essential. We communicate clearly, focus on facts, and avoid unnecessary politics or hidden agendas. Lean startup mentality: start small, iterate quickly. We prioritize experimentation, fast learning, resourcefulness, agility, and innovation. Ownership and accountability. Everyone is empowered to take ownership of their work. We are accountable for our decisions, actions, and outcomes.

Ready to lead with impact? Apply now and help us build the next generation of mobile game experiences!