At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting-edge technology. Come be a part of what’s next.
Game/Gameplay Director to own Design across our SPIN Team's (Strategic Prototyping & Incubation) slate of projects. Reporting to the Executive Producer, you will oversee mechanical design as part of a leadership team; from hands-on to high level. You will direct the design team and will be the final point of accountability for the design quality of all of SPIN’s projects.
The right candidate must be willing to operate at both ends of two spectrums: from high-level direction to hands-on UE5 implementation, and from pre-production prototyping to final-quality, shippable product. You must be capable of operating across these spectrums across a wide-ranging portfolio of products.
We're looking for deep expertise in Action-Adventure, 3C’s, Systemic, and Open/Semi-Open World design with a Narrative and Realization focus. However, a candidate must also be prepared and comfortable with design across a wide variety of genres, from Narrative to Sports as an example. Touch-based UX on the Netflix Controller (NGC) is a major part of our work that any Game/Gameplay Director must be comfortable with.
A key expectation is the ability to hold a normalized high bar for craft and attention to detail across multiple games in various stages of development simultaneously, while applying your team accordingly to manage quality and focus. It is critical that you are an avid gamer across various platforms, playing and forming opinions on new releases while staying updated on emerging trends as they appear.
THE TEAM
SPIN (Strategic Prototype & Incubation) is Netflix's in-house team dedicated to prototyping and incubating new game experiences across a wide range of genres. We empower small teams of exceptional developers to build breakout experiences, bias towards hands-on action, and are energized by the learning that comes from bold experimentation at an agile pace. As part of Netflix, we strive to hire the best and value integrity, excellence, respect, inclusion, and collaboration.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee the Full Portfolio: Hold accountability for the design quality of all the projects running in parallel, and act as the final point of escalation when design issues arise
- Develop Design Vision: Champion and continuously iterate on the core design vision for each project in collaboration with project leadership
- Go Hands-On: Work directly in Unreal Engine 5 to prototype, tune, or adjust gameplay features and systems when a project requires direct design input
- Cross-Genre Design Direction: Guide design across a wide variety of genres, adapting your approach to fit the genre, and audience
- Collaborate Across Disciplines: Partner closely with other discipline directors to align vision, scope, and process across all projects
- Build and Maintain Design Standards: Establish consistent design documentation, review processes, and quality bars across SPIN's portfolio of projects
- Own Design Leadership: Manage, mentor, and set direction for all designers across SPIN projects, providing clear, consistent creative and managerial feedback that elevates their work
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
- At least 15 years of experience in the games industry, including at least 5 years in a Game Director role
- Has shipped at least one title as Game Director
- Deep expertise in action-adventure
- Demonstrated ability to work across a wide variety of genres beyond action-adventure
- Hands-on proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, with the ability to directly implement or tune gameplay features when needed
- Proven experience managing multiple projects and design teams in parallel
- Strong track record of delivering clear, consistent creative and managerial feedback that elevates the work of others
- Comfortable operating at both a high strategic level and a low, detailed implementation level depending on project needs
- Thrives in a fast-moving, prototype-first environment where scope and direction can evolve quickly
- Strong communicator who can translate complex design ideas for engineers, artists, and stakeholders alike
REQUIRED APPLICATION DETAILS
- Resume
- Portfolio examples are welcomed
LOCATION
This is a remote position based in Toronto or Montreal. However, candidates must be willing to travel for work-related events around the world.
Generally, our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top of market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $210,000.00 - $390,000.00.
Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Supplemental Health and Dental Plans, Mental Health support, a RRSP Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more detail about our Benefits here.
Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.
Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.
