Design Director in Manchester

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

Cloud Imperium Games is looking for a talented Design Director to be responsible for leading the Design Vision for Star Citizen and/or Squadron 42 in our Manchester studio. Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We’re currently developing Star Citizen, a record breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make videogame history.

About the role: This role requires a dedicated and dynamic individual who can excel as a creative designer, content architect and motivational team leader. As a creative, the Design Director collaborates with Game and Creative direction to provide both inspiration and high-level direction for new experiences that complement the established themes, settings, narrative framework and gameplay systems of the project. As an architect, the Design Director ensures that content is built to standards and works to define reliable workflows within the framework of existing game systems. As a team leader, the Design Director builds and curates a professional cohort that takes initiative, drives innovation, communicates clearly and executes development with care and distinction.

What does a Design Director at CIG do?

• Work alongside the other directors and the Senior Game Director to maintain the high standards of Design needs for Star Citizen and Squadron 42.
• Develop new approaches to Design that push the boundaries of the Star Citizen universe.
• Hire, mentor and manage senior members of the Design Team, helping them to refine their skills, move along their career paths and build up the teams under them.
• Guide the team through priority changes and gameplay iteration, updating goals and maintaining focus and team morale.
• Collaborate with other departments including sound, artists, UI/UX and engineers to ensure a great player experience.
• Work directly with production to ensure that schedules and plans meet business and project needs.

What do we expect from our Design Director?

• A proven background in a Design Leadership position and shipped AAA content.
• Capability to build and grow a highly effective creative team through all stages of development.
• Experience in identifying technical and developmental risks and obstacles, creating innovative solutions to overcome them while promoting new and innovative ways of working.
• Ability to create and optimize design pipelines and workflows.

Diversity Statement: CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.

Fraud Statement: We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat-based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment. If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at info[@]cloudimperiumgames.com with any information you may have.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!