About the role
Company Overview
Old Skull Games (OSG) is an independent studio of approximately 60 people working on 3 to 4 parallel projects for console, PC, and mobile. The studio covers a wide range of genres, from platformers and roguelites to narrative experiences. The studio operates on Agile principles, featuring autonomous and multidisciplinary teams that make their own decisions and are responsible for their results, supported by leadership, coaching, and appropriate tools. The core value is to create exceptional games that players love. The studio promotes a culture of motivation, collaboration, and continuous learning, using OKRs to align strategic goals.
Job Description
The Design Manager is responsible for structuring the Design department, managing its members, and supervising game design processes. This role requires an experienced Game Designer with strong organizational and leadership skills. The Design Manager ensures alignment and collaboration between the Design department and other departments, fostering a productive and innovative work environment.
Responsibilities
- Structuration and management of the department:
- Structure and organize the Design department for optimal efficiency and creativity.
- Define and implement department policies, procedures, and workflows.
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, and development of Design team members.
- Leadership and team mentorship:
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to all designers (Game, Level, Narrative, Economy, etc.).
- Conduct regular 1on1s, performance evaluations, and career development sessions.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
- Game design processes:
- Establish and supervise game design processes to ensure consistency and quality.
- Ensure game design documentation is complete, up-to-date, and effectively communicated.
- Track and evaluate game design progress, making adjustments as necessary.
- Inter-departmental alignment:
- Collaborate with other department managers to ensure alignment on project goals and deadlines.
- Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the Design department and other departments, such as art, programming, and production.
- Resolve conflicts and ensure smooth inter-departmental workflows.
- Career development and tracking:
- Support the growth and career development of Design team members.
- Identify training and development opportunities.
- Create and maintain career development plans for team members.
Qualifications
- Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years in the video game industry.
- At least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
- Proven experience in Game Design and a solid portfolio of successful projects.
- Experience in team management and organizational development.
- Skills:
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to foster a creative and collaborative work environment.
- Mastery of game design principles, methodologies, and tools.
- Proficiency in French and English is mandatory.
Additional Information
- Contract Details:
- CDI (Permanent contract).
- Statut Cadre (Executive status).
- Position to be filled ASAP.
- Compensation based on profile and experience.
- Benefits and Perks:
- Restaurant tickets, health insurance (mutuelle), provident fund (prévoyance).
- 60% reimbursement of transportation costs.
- Sustainable mobility package.
- Parking on-site.
- Vacation bonus, birth bonus.
- Relocation assistance for moving to Lyon.
- Flexible hours for work-life balance.
- Paid sick leave for children, family-oriented policy.
- Hybrid model: Combination of on-site and remote work.
- Weekly team breakfasts.
- Annual Summer Camp.
- Gourmet replenishment: Fruit baskets, drinks, and coffee provided.
- Regularly organized sports sessions.
- Flexible paid leave (take them when needed).
- Office features: Rooftop, concierge service, showers, quiet location near Parc de la Tête d'Or.
- Additional leave for employees with RQTH status to support health needs.
- CSE offers (discounted movie tickets, gift vouchers, goodies, etc.).
Old Skull Games is committed to inclusion and equal opportunity. The studio welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Specific needs during the recruitment process can be accommodated upon request.