Head of Game Design

Head of Game Design

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Pentasia

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of innovative online slot games from concept to launch.
  • Company: Join a dynamic new studio in Manchester with a passion for gaming.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, creative freedom, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and mentor future talent.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of gaming and inspire creativity in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in game design, strong C++/C# skills, and a portfolio of released games.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Here at Pentasia, we are currently assisting a key client of ours on a crucial and exciting role for a brand new studio based in Manchester.

Responsibilities and requirements

  • Design and deliver online slot games from concept to release, combining creative vision with mathematical rigour.
  • Core responsibilities span:
  • Game Design – Full documentation: mechanics, UX/UI flows, feature specs, and product requirements.
  • Maths produce developer-ready maths docs.
  • Creative Leadership – Define game loops, design pillars, and creative vision in collaboration with Product and Art leads.
  • Iteration – Playtest, analyse live data, and optimise performance across the product lifecycle.
  • Communication – Align art, engineering, and production teams; support scope and delivery management.

Must-haves:

  • 5+ years game design experience, hands-on slot maths and simulator development, strong C++/C#, Excel proficiency, agile experience, portfolio of released products.

Nice-to-haves:

  • Regulatory knowledge (UKGC/MGA/US/CA), Unity/Unreal, analytics tools, player psychology, live ops, AI tooling, mentoring experience.

Head of Game Design employer: Pentasia

At Pentasia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the heart of Manchester. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and collaborative projects, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a dynamic studio where your contributions directly shape the future of online gaming, all while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a city known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving tech scene.
Pentasia

Contact Detail:

Pentasia Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Game Design

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. We want to see your creative vision and how you’ve tackled game design challenges in the past.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to game design. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine your answers.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Game Design

Game Design
Mathematical Rigour
Documentation Skills
Creative Leadership
Playtesting
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
C++
C#
Excel Proficiency
Agile Methodologies
Regulatory Knowledge (UKGC/MGA/US/CA)
Unity
Unreal Engine
Mentoring Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Creative Vision: When you're crafting your application, make sure to highlight your unique creative vision. We want to see how you can blend creativity with the technical aspects of game design, so don’t hold back on showcasing your ideas and past projects!

Be Detailed in Your Documentation: Since the role involves a lot of documentation, ensure your application reflects your ability to create clear and comprehensive documents. We love seeing well-structured examples of mechanics, UX/UI flows, and feature specs that you've worked on in the past.

Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Game Design, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Use your application to share experiences where you've successfully guided a team or project. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and align different departments towards a common goal.

Tailor Your Application to Us: Make sure to tailor your application specifically for this role at Pentasia. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills and experiences directly to the job description. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get noticed!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pentasia

✨Know Your Games Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and mechanics in game design, especially online slot games. Familiarise yourself with successful titles and be ready to discuss what makes them tick, from gameplay mechanics to user experience.

✨Showcase Your Creative Vision

Prepare to articulate your creative vision clearly. Bring examples of your previous work that highlight your ability to blend creativity with mathematical rigour. Be ready to discuss how you’ve defined game loops and design pillars in past projects.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Head of Game Design, you’ll need to lead teams effectively. Think of examples where you’ve successfully aligned different departments like art and engineering. Highlight your experience in mentoring and guiding teams through the game development process.

✨Be Data-Driven

Discuss how you use data to inform your design decisions. Be prepared to talk about your experience with playtesting, analysing live data, and optimising game performance. Showing that you can back up your creative ideas with solid data will impress your interviewers.

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