Design Manager

Gardens Interactive•Los Angeles, CA

12d•Remote

About The Position

At Gardens Interactive, we know that the worlds we create are shaped by the care and craft of the people who tend them. As a Design Manager, you will lead a multispecialty team of game designers while partnering closely with our CCO / Creative Director to help bring the design vision to life through the efforts of the design team for our current unannounced project - an online multiplayer game focused on dynamic roleplay, player creativity, consequence, and connection between players. You will guide the design team in crafting expressive gameplay systems, social mechanics, and shared experiences. A Day In The Role: Support and guide designers through regular one-on-ones, design reviews, and feedback sessions. Collaborate daily with creative leadership, production, art, and engineering to ensure designers are on track with MS goals and roadmap next steps. Help define priorities, balance team workloads, and maintain sustainable production practices. Review and provide feedback on gameplay features, ensuring they deliver intuitive, rewarding, and emotionally resonant player experiences. Represent the design team in cross-disciplinary discussions, helping to communicate intent and advocate for player-centered solutions.

Requirements

Proven experience managing and mentoring a team of game designers.
Deep understanding of game design principles, pipelines, and development processes.
Expertise in at least one design discipline (systems, level, combat, etc)
Shipped games successfully (ideally on PC or console)
Strong communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Unreal Engine and modern design tools.
Comfort working in a remote, asynchronous environment.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of designers across systems, level, and UI/UX design.
Partner with the CCO and creative leads to uphold the game’s overall vision, tone, and player experience.
Establish clear design goals, processes, and best practices for the design department.
Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and career development opportunities to support each team member’s growth.
Help oversee the design pipeline and ensure timely delivery of key design objectives.
Collaborate with production to maintain balanced scope and sustainable schedules.
Contribute to studio-wide initiatives, hiring efforts, and cross-disciplinary reviews.
Advocate for a healthy, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that reflects Gardens’ values.
Guide the team through ambiguity and ensure progress on high-value, complex initiatives.
Regularly evaluate team health and take action with empathy and authenticity to improve engagement and effectiveness.

Benefits

Competitive Salaries and Pay Transparency
Stock Options
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage (100% for Individuals and 90% for Dependents)
Life Insurance, Short Term & Long Term Disability, and numerous other benefits
401k contributions (USA) / RRSP plan + DPSP contributions (Canada)
Paid Parental Leave
Biannual Company Retreats
Continued Education Allowance
A fully-distributed studio across North American Timezones (US & Canada)
Benefits and perks listed may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Gardens and the country in which you work.