Director, Studio Vision & Product Strategy [Assassin’s Creed]

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director, Studio Vision & Product Strategy [Assassin’s Creed] Company: Ubisoft Location: Québec City, QC, Canada Job Type: Full-time Category: Studio Strategy & Product Vision Date Posted: September 22, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (10+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the definition and execution of Ubi Québec's studio transformation strategy, focusing on establishing a robust product culture centered around the player experience.
• Drive strategic positioning by leveraging market and player insights, monitoring industry trends, and translating this analysis into actionable plans and communication strategies for the studio.
• Lead change management initiatives to embed a product-centric mindset across all development stages, guiding teams in adopting player feedback integration, iterative development, and value-driven prioritization.
• Implement and deploy essential product rituals, including feature reviews, internal and external playtests, and silent/game reviews, to ensure continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Establish and utilize tools for monitoring product value through player feedback and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), defining product maturity indicators to track progress and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in shaping the future direction of Ubi Québec's game development culture, with a strong emphasis on product management best practices and strategic leadership within the gaming industry. The "Director" title indicates a significant level of responsibility and influence over studio-wide processes and team dynamics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate a clear vision for product culture, designing a comprehensive transformation roadmap with expert leadership to guide the studio's evolution.
• Contribute to strategic positioning by conducting thorough market and player insight analysis, monitoring emerging trends, and translating these findings into actionable plans and communication strategies for internal stakeholders.
• Champion change management by embedding a player-centric product culture throughout the entire development lifecycle, guiding teams to adopt practices such as direct player feedback integration, iterative refinement, and value-prioritized decision-making.
• Oversee the deployment and refinement of core product rituals, including regular feature reviews, comprehensive internal and external playtesting sessions, silent reviews, and game reviews, to ensure consistent quality and player satisfaction.
• Implement and manage robust systems for monitoring product value, utilizing player feedback mechanisms and key performance indicators (KPIs), and defining clear product maturity indicators to measure progress and identify areas for enhancement.
• Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration by partnering closely with design, UX, data, production, and creative teams, bridging knowledge gaps and promoting a unified, cross-functional product approach.
• Cultivate a high-performing team environment by promoting team dynamics where every member feels valued, engaged, and supported in their professional growth and development.
• Anticipate future needs and effectively prioritize product solutions in close collaboration with Creative, Production, and Technology leads, ensuring alignment with studio objectives.
• Actively participate in critical strategic decision-making processes as an integral member of the studio steering committee.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic vision setting, hands-on process implementation, and strong people leadership. The emphasis on "player-centric culture," "value creation," and "cross-disciplinary collaboration" suggests a modern approach to game development operations, requiring a leader adept at driving cultural change and fostering innovation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field such as Game Design, Product Management, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a relevant creative discipline is highly advantageous.

Experience: Senior-level experience (10+ years) in product management, user experience (UX) leadership, game production, or organizational transformation within the technology or entertainment sectors.

Required Skills:

• Product Management Expertise: Proven track record in product strategy, roadmap development, and lifecycle management, with a deep understanding of player-centric methodologies.
• Leadership & Vision: Recognized leadership capabilities with a demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and guide diverse development teams toward a shared vision.
• Change Management: Expertise in driving organizational transformation and embedding new cultural practices, particularly in fostering product-centricity and continuous improvement.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze market trends, player insights, and competitive landscapes to inform strategic positioning and actionable plans.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Exceptional ability to foster collaboration and bridge communication gaps between creative, production, technical, marketing, and publishing teams.
• Player Focus: Deep commitment to a player-centric culture and a keen sense for value creation throughout the development process.
• Communication & Coaching: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong coaching and mentoring abilities to support team development.
• Curiosity & Adaptability: High degree of curiosity about product systems and challenges, with the ability to drive change effectively in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Gaming Industry Experience: Direct experience within the video game industry, understanding its unique development cycles, player communities, and market dynamics.
• Data Analysis & KPIs: Proficiency in utilizing data analytics, player feedback, and KPIs to measure product performance, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate value.
• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Familiarity with agile development frameworks and their application in product management and game development.
• Portfolio Development: Experience in building and presenting product portfolios that showcase strategic thinking, process improvements, and measurable results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior experience" and emphasis on "recognized leadership expertise" point towards a candidate who has a substantial history of successfully managing complex projects and leading teams through significant change. The blend of product management, UX, and organizational transformation skills is crucial for this strategic role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Vision Documentation: Examples of developed product vision statements, transformation roadmaps, and strategic plans that clearly articulate goals and actionable steps.
• Player Insight Integration: Case studies or documentation demonstrating how player feedback, market research, and data analysis were used to inform product decisions and drive value.
• Process Improvement Case Studies: Detailed examples of implemented process changes or new methodologies (e.g., player feedback loops, iterative prioritization) that led to measurable improvements in product quality, efficiency, or player satisfaction.
• Team Development & Empowerment: Evidence of initiatives or strategies implemented to foster team growth, collaboration, and a positive work environment, showcasing leadership impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Documentation or case studies illustrating successful partnerships with diverse teams (Design, Production, Tech, Marketing) to achieve common product goals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrations of how you have designed, documented, and optimized development workflows to enhance product culture, efficiency, and player focus.
• Implementation & Automation Methods: Examples of successfully implementing new product management tools, rituals, or automation techniques to streamline processes and improve output.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Documentation of how you have established metrics, monitored KPIs, and analyzed performance data to track product maturity and the impact of strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement, the responsibilities strongly imply that candidates should be prepared to discuss and showcase their experience in strategic planning, process implementation, and change management through concrete examples. A strong narrative around how they have driven product culture and delivered value will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Director-level position in Québec City, Canada, with 10+ years of experience in a specialized field like studio vision and product strategy within the gaming industry, a competitive annual salary range would typically fall between CAD $150,000 - $220,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior leadership roles in the Canadian tech and entertainment sectors, adjusted for the cost of living in Québec City and the specialized nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Company-matched pension or RRSP contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional Development: Budget allocation for training, conferences, and continuous learning opportunities.
• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance in-office and remote work.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services.
• Gaming Perks: Access to Ubisoft games, employee discounts, and potential for involvement in game testing.
• Relocation Assistance: Support for candidates relocating to Québec City.

Working Hours: Ubisoft generally operates on a standard full-time work week, likely around 40 hours. However, given the hybrid model and the nature of the role, there may be an expectation for flexibility to meet project deadlines and strategic objectives, which is common in the gaming industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimates based on industry data for similar roles and locations. Specific compensation will be determined by Ubisoft based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and internal compensation structures. The benefits package is typical for a large, established company in the tech/gaming sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development and Publishing. Ubisoft is a global leader known for creating critically acclaimed and commercially successful franchises, fostering innovation in interactive entertainment. Company Size: Ubisoft is a large, multinational corporation with thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a well-established corporate structure, extensive resources, and a global presence. This scale means opportunities for cross-studio collaboration and exposure to diverse projects. Founded: Ubisoft was founded in 1986, signifying a long history of experience and adaptation within the dynamic video game industry. This longevity suggests a stable company with a proven ability to navigate market changes and technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to studio leadership and will work closely with heads of Creative, Production, and Technology. It also requires strong partnerships with franchise, marketing, and publishing teams.
• This position involves leading and mentoring a team, implying direct reports within a product strategy or vision-focused group.
• Collaboration is expected to be extensive, both within the studio's core development teams and across external departments to ensure alignment and successful product launches.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using market insights, player feedback, and KPIs to inform strategic decisions and product development.
• Agile & Iterative Development: A culture that encourages continuous learning, experimentation, and iterative refinement of game features and development processes.
• Player-Centricity: A core philosophy that prioritizes understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of the player base.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: A commitment to breaking down silos and fostering seamless collaboration between different disciplines to achieve collective goals.

Company Website: https://www.ubisoft.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Ubisoft's vast size and long history provide a stable yet dynamic environment. The emphasis on player-centricity, data, and cross-functional work aligns with modern best practices in game development operations, requiring a leader who can navigate a large organization while driving focused cultural change.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to an Executive or Director level within operations or product strategy. It carries significant responsibility for shaping the strategic direction and operational culture of a major game development studio. The scope of influence extends across multiple departments and impacts the success of flagship franchises like Assassin's Creed.

Reporting Structure: The Director will report to senior studio leadership (e.g., Studio Head, VP of Production) and will be a key member of the studio's steering committee. They will also likely manage a team of product strategists, analysts, or related roles.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the studio's ability to deliver high-quality, player-focused games. By transforming the product culture, the Director influences development priorities, efficiency, player satisfaction, and ultimately, the commercial success and brand reputation of Ubisoft's titles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Studio Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles within Ubisoft, such as VP of Product, Head of Studio, or lead strategic positions for larger franchise initiatives.
• Cross-Studio Mobility: Opportunities to transfer expertise and lead similar transformation efforts at other Ubisoft studios globally.
• Specialization in AAA Game Development: Deepen expertise in product strategy and organizational transformation within the high-stakes environment of AAA game development.
• Mentorship & Team Building: Develop leadership skills by building and mentoring a high-performing team, cultivating future leaders within the operations and product domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career advancement within a leading global entertainment company. The emphasis on transformation and strategic leadership suggests a path for individuals looking to make a substantial impact and grow into broader executive responsibilities within the gaming industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Ubisoft operates on a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. This indicates modern office facilities designed to support both focused individual work and team-based creative sessions. Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Québec City, QC, Canada. Ubisoft has multiple studios worldwide, but this specific position is tied to the Ubi Québec studio.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be collaborative and dynamic, fostering interaction among creative, production, and technical professionals.
• Access to industry-standard development tools, software, and technologies will be provided.
• Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse range of talented individuals, including game designers, producers, artists, and engineers, will be abundant.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the flexibility offered by the hybrid model. Given the nature of game development and strategic leadership, there may be periods requiring extended hours to meet critical deadlines or project milestones, a common characteristic of the gaming industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, signaling Ubisoft's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, while still valuing in-person collaboration for strategic initiatives and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and CVs to assess basic qualifications and fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve into experience, leadership style, and understanding of product strategy and transformation. Candidates should be prepared to share specific examples of past successes.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members, peers, and potential collaborators (e.g., Creative Directors, Production Leads) to evaluate cross-functional collaboration skills and cultural fit.
• Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic plan, a transformation proposal, or a case study demonstrating their approach to a specific product challenge relevant to Ubisoft's operations. This is a critical stage for showcasing strategic thinking and leadership impact.
• Final Interview: A final discussion with senior studio leadership to confirm overall fit and alignment with the studio's vision and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Showcase achievements with quantifiable results whenever possible. Highlight how your strategic initiatives led to improved player satisfaction, team performance, or product value.
• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Present clear examples of how you’ve developed and executed product visions, roadmaps, and transformation strategies.
• Highlight Leadership & Change Management: Provide evidence of your ability to inspire teams, manage change effectively, and foster a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Showcase Player-Centricity: Illustrate how you’ve integrated player feedback and insights into the development process.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio or presentation logically, perhaps by key responsibility area or by project, ensuring a clear narrative flow.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Ubisoft's Games: Familiarize yourself with Ubisoft's key franchises, particularly Assassin's Creed, and understand their target audiences and strategic positioning.
• Prepare for Transformation Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach transforming a studio's product culture, including identifying key challenges, stakeholders, and implementation steps.
• Practice Communication: Rehearse articulating your strategies and ideas clearly and concisely, as you will need to communicate effectively with diverse teams and leadership.
• Anticipate Strategy Questions: Prepare to answer questions about market trends, player engagement, and how to balance creative vision with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on strategic leadership, change management capabilities, and a deep understanding of product development in the gaming industry. A well-prepared candidate will be able to articulate their vision and demonstrate past successes with concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools: While specific tools aren't listed, a Director in this role would typically be proficient with or oversee the use of:

• Project Management Software: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for workflow management and tracking.
• Product Management Platforms: Tools for roadmap planning, backlog management, and feature prioritization.
• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace for communication and team collaboration.
• Data Analytics & BI Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or custom internal tools for analyzing player data, KPIs, and market trends.
• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for developing and delivering strategic presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Platforms: For creating dashboards and reports on studio performance, player engagement, and product health.
• Player Feedback Aggregation Tools: Systems for collecting, organizing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative player feedback from various channels.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing in a CRM sense, understanding CRM principles for player relationship management and community engagement could be beneficial. Automation tools for workflow streamlining and data integration might also be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of project management, collaboration, and data analysis tools is expected. The ability to leverage technology to implement and monitor product strategies and cultural transformations is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player First: A fundamental value that places the player experience at the center of all decisions and development efforts.
• Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to pushing creative and technical boundaries, striving for high quality, and embracing new ideas and approaches.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together seamlessly across disciplines.
• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning, adapting, and constantly refining processes, methodologies, and products.
• Empowerment & Growth: Supporting individual professional development and empowering team members to take ownership and contribute to collective success.
• Inclusivity & Respect: Cultivating a healthy, inclusive, and respectful work environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encourages breaking down silos between creative, production, technical, marketing, and publishing teams to ensure alignment and shared ownership.
• Constructive Feedback Culture: Promotes open and honest feedback exchange to drive improvement and innovation.
• Proactive Communication: Emphasizes clear, timely, and transparent communication across all levels and departments.
• Shared Ambition: Builds team dynamics around a common purpose and shared goals, fostering collective pride and motivation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ubisoft's culture appears to be aligned with modern, progressive workplace values, emphasizing player satisfaction, innovation, and a collaborative, supportive team environment. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their personal values and working style align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Driving Cultural Transformation: Leading a studio-wide cultural shift towards a stronger product-centric approach requires navigating resistance to change, aligning diverse stakeholders, and maintaining momentum over time.
• Balancing Creative Vision with Market Demands: Synthesizing artistic ambition with player expectations and market viability is a constant challenge in game development.
• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing relationships and aligning priorities with various internal teams (Creative, Production, Tech, Marketing, Publishing) and external partners.
• Adapting to Evolving Industry Trends: Staying ahead of rapid changes in player behavior, technology, and competitive landscapes within the global gaming market.
• Measuring Impact of Strategic Initiatives: Quantifying the success and ROI of cultural and process changes can be complex, requiring robust metrics and analytical skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training programs focused on advanced product management, strategic leadership, change management, and the gaming industry.
• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend major gaming and technology conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior Ubisoft executives or to mentor emerging talent within the company.
• Cross-Studio Exposure: Gaining exposure to different development methodologies and challenges by collaborating with or visiting other Ubisoft studios worldwide.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through managing teams, leading strategic initiatives, and participating in executive development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to organizational change and strategic execution, but these are balanced by substantial growth opportunities within a leading global company. The ability to effectively navigate these challenges will be key to success and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define and implement a 'player-centric culture' across a game development studio, and what are the key metrics you would use to measure its success?" (Focus on process, player feedback integration, KPIs)
• "Describe a significant organizational transformation you led. What were the main challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Highlight change management, leadership, stakeholder communication)
• "Imagine you need to align the creative vision of a flagship franchise with evolving market demands and player expectations. How would you approach this strategic challenge?" (Showcase strategic thinking, market analysis, cross-functional collaboration)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Ubisoft and the Assassin's Creed franchise specifically? How do you see your role contributing to its future success?" (Demonstrate research, passion, understanding of brand)
• "How would you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a diverse development team, aligning with Ubisoft's stated values?" (Focus on leadership style, team building, cultural fit)
• "How do you approach measuring the impact of new processes or strategic initiatives on team performance and product quality within a large organization?" (Highlight analytical skills, data-driven approach, ROI)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation around a narrative that details a challenge, your proposed solution, the implementation process, and the resulting impact.
• Visualize Data: Use charts, graphs, and dashboards to present KPIs and demonstrate the value or impact of your work.
• Highlight Collaboration: Show examples of how you partnered with different teams and stakeholders to achieve objectives.
• Focus on Key Responsibilities: Tailor your examples to directly address the core responsibilities of the Director role, such as vision setting, change management, and player focus.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions related to your experience, your approach to specific challenges, and how you would adapt to Ubisoft's environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation focusing on concrete examples, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities will be crucial. Candidates should be ready to articulate their vision for product culture and demonstrate their ability to drive significant change within a large, creative organization like Ubisoft.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your resume and cover letter through the Ubisoft Careers portal linked in the job posting.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experiences in product management, strategic vision, organizational transformation, and leadership within creative industries, using keywords from the job description. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to drive a player-centric culture and implement new processes.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of senior-level experience, focusing on achievements and quantifiable results in product strategy, leadership, and change management. Highlight any experience with AAA game development or similar complex creative projects.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your vision for studio transformation and product culture. Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy, change management strategies, and how you measure success using data and player feedback. Prepare detailed examples for potential case study or presentation requirements.
• Company Research: Deeply research Ubisoft, its game portfolio (especially Assassin's Creed), and its company culture. Understand their approach to game development, player engagement, and innovation to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.