Lead Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Content Designer Company: Fortis Games Location: Remote - Romania Job Type: Full-Time Category: Game Design Operations / GTM Operations (Content) Date Posted: 2025-09-12T19:36:49 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid-Senior to Lead) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of 3-5 content designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment to drive the creation of engaging game levels and events.
• Spearhead the design, prototyping, and implementation of compelling game content using internal Unity-based tools and data-driven workflows, ensuring alignment with strategic gameplay objectives.
• Act as a key liaison between content design and other critical disciplines, including product management, art, and engineering, to ensure cohesive player experiences and product vision.
• Champion the integration of player feedback and analytical data into the content design lifecycle, balancing creative vision with measurable improvements for player engagement and retention.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Lead Content Designer," the responsibilities and required skills lean heavily into operational aspects of content creation within a game development context. This includes team management, workflow coordination, and data-driven decision-making, which are core to GTM and operations roles. The "Operations" category is interpreted through this lens of managing the content creation pipeline and team performance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to a team of 3-5 content designers, supporting their professional growth and ensuring the quality of their output.
• Design, prototype, and implement engaging game levels and events, utilizing internal Unity-based tools and adhering to data-driven workflows for content optimization.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Artists, and Engineers to ensure content design aligns with overall game design goals, player motivations, and technical constraints.
• Analyze player feedback, game metrics, and performance data to iteratively refine level designs, balance gameplay, and enhance player engagement and retention.
• Coordinate content creation workflows using tools such as Google Sheets to organize content pipelines, progression systems, and production schedules, ensuring efficient project delivery.
• Ensure all content design efforts are aligned with Fortis Games' company values, specifically focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and fostering long-term player engagement within game communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative direction and operational management. The emphasis on "data-driven workflows," "interpreting feedback and metrics," and "coordinating workflows using Google Sheets" points to a need for strong process management skills, typical of operations roles. The scope includes managing a team, which is a key leadership and operational responsibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often beneficial for understanding design principles and technical integration.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or mentoring capacity within a game development team, showcasing the ability to guide and develop designers.
• Proven track record in designing, prototyping, and implementing engaging game content, with a preference for experience in casual, simulation, or mobile game genres.
• Experience working with game development engines, ideally Unity, and a strong understanding of its editor-based tools for level creation.
• Proficiency in managing and analyzing data using spreadsheet software (e.g., Google Sheets, Excel) for workflow organization, content pipeline management, and performance tracking.

Required Skills:

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, guide, and develop a team of designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering a positive work environment.
• Level Design & Prototyping: Expertise in designing, building, and iterating on game levels and events that are fun, balanced, and player-centric.
• Unity Engine Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Unity's editor and ideally its internal tools for content creation and implementation.
• Data-Driven Design: Skill in interpreting player feedback, game metrics, and analytics to inform and refine design decisions.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively partner with product managers, artists, engineers, and other stakeholders.
• Workflow Coordination: Ability to organize and manage content pipelines, progression systems, and production schedules using tools like spreadsheets.
• Iterative Design: Proven ability to brainstorm, test, and refine content rapidly based on feedback and performance data.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with abstract data structures and their application in game design.
• Experience with accessibility standards and inclusive design principles in game development.
• Enthusiasm for and understanding of casual, simulation, or mobile game markets and player bases.
• Strong understanding of player motivations and how to translate them into engaging gameplay loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section emphasizes leadership and collaboration, core to operational management. The mention of "Spreadsheets" and "data-driven workflows" directly aligns with operational process management. The preference for specific game genres suggests a need for understanding market-specific content operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate clear examples of game levels or content designed and implemented, showcasing a progression from concept to polished execution.
• Include case studies that highlight how player feedback and data analysis were used to iterate and improve content, detailing the specific metrics and outcomes.
• Showcase examples of workflow organization or pipeline management, potentially through diagrams, documentation snippets, or descriptions of how content was tracked and progressed.
• Present evidence of team leadership or mentoring, such as examples of feedback provided, team project successes, or contributions to team process improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates may be asked to provide or discuss documentation related to content creation workflows, including how progression systems were designed and managed.
• Examples of how production schedules for content delivery were organized and tracked using tools like spreadsheets would be highly valued.
• Demonstrations of how feedback loops were established and utilized for content refinement will be important.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Lead Content Designer" role with operational responsibilities, a portfolio demonstrating not just design output but also process management, team coordination, and data utilization is crucial. This aligns with the expectations for operations professionals who document and optimize workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the "Lead" title, 5-10 years of experience, and a fully remote role in Romania, the estimated salary range for a Lead Content Designer would typically fall between €35,000 - €60,000 per year (gross). This range is based on average salaries for experienced game designers and team leads in the Romanian tech market, considering the cost of living and industry demand.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Remote Work Stipend: Support for home office setup and ongoing remote work expenses.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, conferences, and skill enhancement relevant to game design and leadership.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and national holidays.
• Equity/Stock Options: Potential for ownership in a growing early-stage company.
• Team Building & Social Events: Virtual and in-person opportunities to connect with colleagues.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate different time zones within Romania and potential overlap with international team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research of similar roles in Romania. The benefits listed are standard for tech companies, particularly those with a remote-first or hybrid approach, and are tailored to support operations professionals in maintaining productivity and well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Games / Interactive Entertainment Company Size: Early-stage, "mighty organization" (likely under 100 employees, potentially growing rapidly). This implies a dynamic, agile environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to shape processes and infrastructure from the ground up. Founded: Fortis Games is an early-stage company, suggesting a startup culture focused on rapid iteration, innovation, and building a strong foundation. The leadership team comprises industry veterans, bringing established expertise and vision.

Team Structure:

• The content design team is small, comprising 3-5 designers reporting to the Lead Content Designer.
• The Lead Content Designer will likely report to a Director of Game Design or Head of Product.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Management, Art, and Engineering departments, necessitating strong cross-functional operational coordination.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using analytics and player feedback to inform and refine content. This requires robust data collection and analysis processes.
• Agile Development: Likely employing agile methodologies, requiring efficient workflow management, iterative cycles, and adaptable planning.
• Community-Centric: A core company value is building a sense of belonging through games and communities, influencing how content is designed and managed to foster player engagement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's early stage and focus on "how game companies work" suggests an operational emphasis on building efficient, scalable processes. The "team first mentality" and "diversity, equity and belonging" values indicate a culture that values collaboration and inclusive operational practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into leadership within the specialized field of game content operations. It's a bridge between hands-on design and operational management, requiring proficiency in both creative execution and team/process oversight. Reporting Structure: The Lead Content Designer will report to a higher-level design or product leader, managing a team of individual contributors. This structure allows for direct impact on team performance and content quality. Operations Impact: The Lead Content Designer has a direct impact on the player experience and, by extension, the success of the game. By ensuring efficient content creation pipelines and high-quality, engaging levels, they contribute to player retention, community growth, and ultimately, revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership in Design: Progression to roles like Design Director, Head of Content, or VP of Product, overseeing larger teams and broader strategic initiatives.
• Operations Management Specialization: Transitioning into roles focused purely on operations management within gaming, such as Head of Production, Director of Operations, or leading specialized GTM operations teams.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to move into broader product management or studio leadership roles, leveraging a deep understanding of content and player engagement.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning in areas like player analytics, team management, agile methodologies, and advanced game design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within game development leadership, with a strong emphasis on operational skills that are transferable to broader management or specialized operations roles. The "early but mighty" nature of the company suggests accelerated growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This indicates a distributed team structure, requiring strong asynchronous communication protocols and an emphasis on self-management and digital collaboration tools. Office Location(s): Remote - Romania. This implies the primary focus is on candidates within Romania, potentially to leverage local talent pools and comply with employment regulations.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: Expect a heavy reliance on digital tools for communication, project management, and content collaboration (e.g., Slack, Discord, Jira, Google Workspace, Unity).
• Autonomy & Accountability: A remote environment necessitates a high degree of autonomy and personal accountability for managing workflow and meeting deadlines.
• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with diverse teams across different functions, requiring adaptability in communication styles and problem-solving approaches.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week with flexibility. For remote roles, this often means core hours for team synchronization and flexibility around individual work patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role emphasizes the need for robust operational processes that support asynchronous work, clear documentation, and effective digital communication. The company's focus on "how game companies work" suggests a deliberate approach to building an effective remote work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Design Director or similar) focusing on leadership experience, design philosophy, and team management approach.
• Technical/Design Interview: This may involve a portfolio review, discussing past projects, and potentially a practical design exercise or a deep dive into using Unity-based tools and data analysis.
• Cross-functional Interview: A session with peers from Art, Engineering, or Product Management to assess collaboration skills and alignment with other disciplines.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or founder to discuss company vision, strategic alignment, and overall cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, mentoring designers, and improving team processes or output.
• Detail Design Process: For each project, explain your design decisions, the iterative process, and how you utilized tools like Unity and spreadsheets.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and leadership, focusing on player engagement, retention, or efficiency improvements.
• Highlight Workflow Management: Include examples or explanations of how you organized content pipelines, managed production schedules, or implemented data-driven workflows.
• Prepare for Design Challenges: Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios or complete a small design task related to level creation or content balancing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a design challenge that might involve creating a short level concept, balancing a specific game mechanic, or outlining a content production pipeline for a new feature.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if explaining it to a diverse team.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would integrate feedback and data into your design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a lead role with operational components will heavily scrutinize leadership, process management, and analytical skills alongside creative design. A portfolio and preparation should emphasize these operational aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unity Engine: Core platform for level design, prototyping, and content implementation. Proficiency with its editor and internal tools is critical.
• Google Sheets / Excel: Essential for workflow coordination, content pipeline management, progression system design, production scheduling, and basic data analysis.
• Project Management Software: Likely tools like Jira, Trello, Asana, or similar for task tracking, sprint planning, and managing the content production lifecycle.

Analytics & Reporting:

• In-game Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools used to track player behavior, engagement, and progression (e.g., GameAnalytics, Firebase Analytics, custom solutions).
• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel charts for presenting insights from player data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how player data integrates into community management or marketing systems might be beneficial. Automation might refer to scripting within Unity or using tools to streamline design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Unity and spreadsheets, combined with the need for data analysis, points to a technology stack focused on game development efficiency and player data utilization. Understanding how these tools support operational workflows is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Belonging & Inclusivity: A commitment to creating inclusive game experiences and a supportive team environment where everyone feels valued.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using analytics and player feedback as primary inputs for design and operational choices.
• Efficiency & Optimization: Constantly seeking ways to improve workflows, streamline processes, and enhance productivity.
• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open, direct, and thoughtful communication across all disciplines and team levels.
• Team First Mentality: Prioritizing collective success and mutual support over individual accolades.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with product, art, and engineering to achieve shared goals.
• Feedback-Rich Environment: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement in both content and processes.
• Agile & Iterative: A culture that embraces rapid iteration, experimentation, and learning from both successes and failures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values directly relate to operational excellence, emphasizing data, efficiency, and collaboration, which are foundational to successful operations teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: As an early-stage company, establishing and refining content creation processes and team workflows will be a significant initial challenge.
• Balancing Vision and Execution: Ensuring the creative vision for the game is translated effectively into engaging content while managing team resources and timelines.
• Remote Team Management: Leading and motivating a distributed team requires strong communication strategies, trust-building, and effective performance management.
• Data Integration & Interpretation: Effectively collecting, analyzing, and acting upon player data to drive design decisions in a potentially nascent data infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Gaining experience in shaping the overall direction of game content strategy and team development.
• Process Improvement: Opportunity to design and implement core operational processes for content creation in a growing company.
• Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of game design, player engagement strategies, and community building within the casual/simulation/mobile game space.
• Leadership Skills: Developing advanced team management, mentoring, and cross-functional leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for leadership roles in growing companies and offer significant opportunities for professional development in operational strategy and team management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading and mentoring a team of designers. How do you foster a collaborative and productive environment, especially in a remote setting?" (Focus on team management, communication, and process for remote teams.)
• "Walk us through a complex level design you led. How did you balance creative vision with player feedback and data analytics? What tools did you use for workflow management and iteration?" (Highlight your design process, data utilization, and operational tools.)
• "How do you prioritize tasks and manage production pipelines for your team, especially when working with cross-functional dependencies like art and engineering?" (Emphasize project management, workflow efficiency, and collaboration strategies.)
• "Fortis Games values building a sense of belonging. How would you ensure your team's content contributes to player engagement and fosters a positive community experience?" (Connect your design philosophy to company values and player-centric operations.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Fortis Games and our approach to game development?" (Research their stated values and leadership team.)
• "How do you align your work with company values like diversity, equity, and belonging?" (Prepare examples of inclusive design practices or team management.)
• "Describe your ideal team dynamic and how you foster healthy collaboration in a remote setting." (Focus on communication, trust, and efficient digital interaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the problem, your role, the process (including operational aspects like workflow management), the solution, and the results (quantified where possible).
• Highlight Leadership: Dedicate specific sections or talking points to demonstrate your team leadership and mentoring experience.
• Showcase Process & Tools: Explicitly discuss how you used tools like Unity and spreadsheets to manage content creation, track progress, and analyze data.
• Connect to Fortis: Tailor your presentation to align with Fortis Games' focus on player engagement, community, and their specific game genres.
• Practice Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful projects efficiently, focusing on key achievements and operational insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design expertise but also strong operational leadership, process management, and data-driven decision-making skills, which are crucial for a "Lead" role in a company focused on how things are done.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Content Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Fortis Games careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating leadership, data-driven design iteration, and effective workflow management. Showcase how you've used tools like Unity and spreadsheets to organize and execute content creation.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience, team management achievements, and proficiency with game design tools and analytical processes. Use keywords from the job description such as "team leadership," "level design," "Unity," "data analysis," and "workflow coordination."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific examples that showcase your ability to lead a team, manage content pipelines, and leverage data to improve player experiences. Prepare to discuss your approach to remote team collaboration and your understanding of the casual/simulation game market.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fortis Games' mission, values, and the leadership team's background. Understand their focus on "how game companies work" and building a sense of belonging. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate 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.