Design Manager (Product Design Producer, Art Lead)

What is the project and why should you care?

Software development company and digital solutions provider. The company has created over 40 cutting-edge products spanning 20 different markets.

Our team of around 670 tech-savvy professionals successfully delivers scalable projects custom-made to the customers’ needs.

We also strive to create a culture centered around personal and professional growth for employees, in a positive and welcoming environment.

We are looking for a Design Manager to oversee and direct the creation of engaging, high-quality designs across various projects. This role involves leading the team from concept to final execution, ensuring that design strategies align with the project’s creative vision and business goals. The candidate will be responsible for overseeing both UI design and artwork production (2D, illustrations) while guiding the team through complex design workflows.

You will be an excellent fit for this position if you have:

Leadership Requirements:

• Proven leadership experience in managing and guiding small teams (up to 5 people) is highly important. The role requires more than just managerial oversight; it demands a hands-on creative leader with strong taste and understanding of artwork.
• Experience working in gaming, betting, or entertainment industries is preferred but not a strict requirement. The candidate needs to have experience guiding creative projects within these fields or other similar entertainment contexts.
• Candidates without leadership experience may still be considered if they have an exceptionally strong portfolio that demonstrates their capability to manage a design process and integrate creative elements effectively.

Portfolio Requirements:

• Portfolios with individual projects that showcase both UI design and artwork integration (2D/3D/illustrations) are essential. They must reflect the candidate’s ability to see and direct the bigger picture, combining various design elements into one cohesive project.
• Complex, detailed design work is a must. Portfolios with decorative UI projects are especially valued, as they demonstrate attention to fine details.
• Flat, corporate, fintech, crypto, payments, or overly simplified web design portfolios will not be considered relevant to this role.
• While freelancing is not a complete red flag, candidates must show that they have worked within teams, received direction from Art Directors, and collaborated effectively with others.

What We’re Looking For:

• Someone who can see the whole picture and guide a project from the ground up.
• Creative individuals with strong taste in artwork who can provide valuable insights and direction to the team.
• A balance between leadership and hands-on design, ensuring that the candidate understands both how to manage teams and how to execute complex design tasks themselves.
• Gaming or entertainment industry experience is a plus, but not a dealbreaker.

If you’re a passionate designer and leader ready to guide a team through exciting, high-stakes design projects, we would love to hear from you.

Here are some of the things you’ll be working on:

• Lead and manage a small team of designers and artists, ensuring the quality of their work aligns with project objectives and creative direction.
• Work extensively with Figma to create and maintain design systems, focusing primarily on UI design while also overseeing artwork production such as 2D illustrations. 3D and graphic design are less crucial but still relevant.
• Provide direction for the creation of detailed, decorative UI elements, ensuring all design components are cohesive.
• Develop design strategies for gaming, casino, and sporting projects, offering clear references for what constitutes high-quality versus low-quality work..
• Offer feedback and guide the team, utilizing your deep understanding of artwork, illustrations, and studio workflows to ensure consistency and innovation in design styles.
• Oversee the design process from scratch, ensuring that all elements (UI, 2D, 3D) are integrated into a cohesive product.