Manager, Design

Job Description

WB Games Inc seeks a Design Manager to lead and manage the design team as they work to realize the vision of the Creative Director for a new game. This individual will be the internal evangelist for the design vision and will help define the design process in collaboration with the experienced design team and under guidance from the Creative Director. The Design Manager will oversee the definition and implementation of the design pipelines in concert with the engineering team. This person should be willing to get their hands into the design process as well as leading others in doing the same.
The ideal candidate has previously managed internal game design teams that have shipped multiple successful games in the console and PC space and has been in a leadership role on at least one multi-million selling AAA console or PC game. They should have had hands-on experience with character combat design and level design. This candidate should also have extensive experience with definition of core game loops, progression systems, and other aspects of systems design.
*Please note that this role will be based in Chicago, IL.
Your Role Accountabilities
VISION
• Work closely with the Creative Director to develop and define the vision of the game
• Clearly articulate the design through documentation and internal communication
• Review progress throughout the development cycle to ensure the trajectory aligns with the established vision
IMPLEMENTATION
• Lead the day-to-day creation of the characters and combat systems
• Work with the art teams to create the levels to support the defined gameplay needs
• Collaborate with engineering to ensure that tools and support technologies are meeting the design requirements
DESIGN
• Work with the team to create engaging core game loops and great moment-to-moment gameplay
• Oversee creation of engagement and progression systems to support player fun
• Maintain vigilance on a player-first mentality
COMMUNICATION
• Act as the primary liaison between the design team and other disciplines
• Collaborate with Production to ensure clear communications across the team
LEADERSHIP
• Mentor the design team with a goal of helping each member develop into high-performers
• Ensure knowledge sharing across the team

Qualifications & Experience:
• Minimum of 3 shipped titles on which the candidate was involved from inception to completion
• Minimum of 8+ years in game development, with at least 4+ years in a management role
• Direct experience as a Lead Designer on an AAA game
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent work experience)
• Well versed in all aspects of game design including systems, narrative, level, and combat design
• Strong desire to apply metrics and data analysis to augment their design instincts
• Should have extensive experience with a project that provides ongoing live support
• Excellent communication skills required, both written and verbal
• Excellent organizational skills, including both strong skills in prioritization and multitasking
• Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Scripting/coding knowledge, sufficient to understand script-heavy design processes
• Positive attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving
• Requires a self-starter with high level of initiative and proactivity

Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.
If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $94,500.00 - $175,500.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-k22jzk-216-73-216-0-42 in your application.