Design Lead

Spin Master Ltd•New York, NY

2d•$100,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As Design Lead, you have expertise in developing Kids/Family games and puzzles. You will execute concepts from hands-on ideation through the entire development cycle, leading projects with minimal guidance. You will understand the modern tabletop gaming environment and attend creative and milestone meetings to stay informed and provide support on projects. You will also work with other Design Leads on higher complexity items/needs.

Requirements

Expertise in developing Kids/Family games and puzzles.
Ability to execute concepts from hands-on ideation through the entire development cycle.
Ability to lead projects with minimal guidance.
Understanding of the modern tabletop gaming environment.
Strong familiarity with general game mechanisms and the functions that make a game work to construct new games and mechanics.
Deep familiarity with the trading card game space. Knowledge of players, mechanics, experience play testing games and identifying issues.
Familiarity with rules writing and laying out instructions with the user interface as a primary focus.
Strong graphic design composition to create puzzle artwork and game components.
Ability to present toy and game concepts in a clear and engaging manner to stakeholders.
Command of industry design software to draw and illustrate – Photoshop / Illustrator/ Sketchbook Pro / InDesign. (CAD a plus.)
Understands file setup and requirements needed for print ready graphics production for Game boards, Cards, Instructions, and Puzzles artwork.
Has completed many rounds of product life cycles and understands how schedule influences each stage and intuitively anticipate next steps and challenges, then plan for them.
Has gained historical knowledge of manufacturing processes from previous projects; Understands and applies sound principles during all stages of development; Has thorough understanding of manufacturing capabilities within their category.

Nice To Haves

Kid at heart
CAD a plus.

Responsibilities

Brainstorm, ideate, sketch, create concept boards and mockups that focus on innovation and support brand strategy and consumer needs.
Develop and create artwork for game components and puzzles using industry software tools.
Partner with cross-functional teams on a variety of games and puzzle formats addressing all aspects of product development for licensed, non-licensed, and owned IP brands - Marketing, Engineering, Content, Packaging, Asia counterparts.
Maintain a consistently high level of quality, thoroughness and attention to detail.
Ensure integrity of design in final deliverables.
Effectively communicate all project related progress/issues or concerns to the team and to Project Management in a timely and professional manner.
Interact with multiple licensors, understand briefs, and navigate assets and processes as necessary to facilitate product development and licensor approval process.
Develops multiple concepts and creates 2D concept boards and 3D mockups.
Participates in collaborative game development processes: Brainstorming, game play testing, prototyping, research.
Proactively leads play testing sessions to solicit targeted feedback and develop the solutions needed from basic kids’ games to advanced family games, and how to rebalance variables for best game function.
Writes and maintains rules documents.
Creates accurate specs with manufacturing considerations in the forefront.
Partners with PD for costing and engineering issues.
Has proficient understanding of special documentation needs including navigating licensor assets, style guides, and asset management systems for licensor approvals.