UX/UI Lead Designer (World of Tanks: HEAT)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Lead Designer (World of Tanks: HEAT)

Company: Wargaming

Location: Belgrade, Serbia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design Leadership, Gaming Operations

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the UX/UI design strategy and execution for a key product area within the "World of Tanks: HEAT" game.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of UX/UI designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring team alignment with company objectives.

• Define, implement, and continuously improve design processes, standards, and best practices to ensure high-quality and consistent user experiences.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Creative Direction, Game Design, and Development, to integrate user-centric design principles throughout the product lifecycle.

• Utilize player behavior research and data analytics to inform design decisions, optimize user journeys, and achieve product and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity within the gaming industry, requiring a blend of hands-on design expertise and team management. The "HEAT" designation likely refers to a specific product or initiative within the World of Tanks franchise, suggesting a focused area of ownership for the lead designer. The emphasis on "design as part of the team, not a service" highlights an integrated approach to design within the development process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end UX/UI design for specific game features and product areas, from concept to delivery.

• Lead and develop a team of UX/UI designers, including setting goals, providing regular feedback, conducting performance reviews, and facilitating hiring processes.

• Establish and refine design processes, guidelines, and standards to ensure design quality, consistency, and efficiency across the team and product.

• Partner effectively with Creative Direction, Game Design, and Development teams to translate product vision into intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• Champion user-centric design principles and advocate for player needs by leveraging UX research, data analysis, and user feedback.

• Conduct hands-on design work for complex features when necessary, demonstrating strong system thinking and attention to detail.

• Ensure design quality and implementation consistency by working closely with development teams and QA.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing design team environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on individual contribution (hands-on design) and team leadership. The role requires a proactive approach to process improvement and a deep understanding of how design impacts player engagement and business outcomes within a live-service game environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is typically preferred for UX/UI leadership roles. Equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio will be heavily weighted.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a significant portion dedicated to the gaming industry.

• Proven track record of leading and managing UX/UI design teams, with at least 2 years of direct report management experience.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design Expertise: Deep understanding of UX principles, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design, with a strong portfolio showcasing complex digital products.

• Team Leadership & Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, motivate, and develop a team of designers, including performance management and talent acquisition.

• Product Thinking & Strategy: Ability to understand player behavior, translate business and product goals into design solutions, and contribute to product strategy.

• Design Process & Standards: Experience in defining, implementing, and optimizing design workflows, creating design systems, and ensuring design quality.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven ability to work effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

• Professional English Proficiency: C1 level or higher, essential for working in an international team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Game Industry Experience: Direct experience designing for PC, console, or mobile games, with a strong understanding of gaming player psychology and engagement loops.

• UX Research & Data Analysis: Proficiency in conducting and interpreting user research (qualitative and quantitative) and utilizing data analytics to drive design decisions.

• System Thinking & Edge Case Management: Ability to design complex systems, anticipate edge cases, and ensure robust, scalable solutions.

• Familiarity with Game Development Pipelines: Understanding of game development cycles, tools, and common challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "games industry experience is required" and "managing designers as direct reports (required)" highlights the specific demands of this leadership role within a gaming context. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate leadership impact and a deep understanding of player psychology relevant to the gaming genre.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing at least 5 years of UX/UI design work, with a strong emphasis on gaming projects or complex interactive applications.

• Case studies demonstrating leadership in design projects, including team management, process definition, and successful product delivery.

• Examples of how you've translated player research and data insights into tangible design improvements and measurable outcomes.

• Documentation of your approach to defining and maintaining design standards, systems, or style guides.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of how to document and optimize design workflows, from user research and ideation to prototyping, testing, and implementation.

• Provide examples of established design processes or standards that have led to improved efficiency, consistency, or quality in previous roles.

• Showcase experience with iterative design cycles and how feedback loops (user testing, data analysis) are integrated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only display design craft but also leadership acumen, process maturity, and the ability to drive impact through a team. Focus on showcasing how you've structured design efforts, improved team performance, and delivered successful outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a UX/UI Lead Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Belgrade, Serbia, a competitive salary range is estimated between €40,000 - €65,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and specific responsibilities. This range considers the local market cost of living and the specialized nature of game design leadership.

Benefits:

• Extended Paid Time Off: Additional vacation days based on years of service (up to 5 extra days), plus 5 Personal Days, Birthday Leave, Marriage Leave, and Compassionate Leave.

• Health & Wellness: Premium Private Health Insurance, Sick Leave Compensation, Maternity Leave Benefits, and a comprehensive Mental Well-being Program (iFeel).

• Professional Development: Career development and education opportunities, English language clubs, and a platform for learning languages.

• Commuting & Lifestyle: Commuting allowance, FitPass membership, and various employee discounts.

• Workplace Perks: Personal Gaming Account, complimentary coffee, fruits, and snacks, and access to an on-site canteen with subsidized prices.

• Recognition & Rewards: Seniority Awards and a Referral Program offering rewards for successful talent recommendations.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility and an on-site work mode. The company culture emphasizes a structured work environment that balances productivity with employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from general market data for lead design roles in Eastern European tech hubs and is subject to Wargaming's specific compensation structure. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is a key differentiator for attracting talent in the gaming industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wargaming operates in the dynamic and competitive online gaming industry, known for its demanding pace, focus on player engagement, and rapid technological evolution. As an award-winning online game developer and publisher, Wargaming is a leader in the Free-to-Play (F2P) market.

Company Size: Wargaming is a large, established global company with 15 offices worldwide and a significant employee count, indicating a structured corporate environment with ample resources and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: Established in 1998, Wargaming has a long history and deep experience in game development and publishing, fostering a culture rich in gaming heritage and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Design team is likely structured to support specific game titles or product areas, with a lead designer overseeing a group of individual contributors.

• This role reports to a Design Manager, indicating a hierarchical structure within the broader design department.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: A strong emphasis on using research and data to inform design decisions, aligning with modern product development practices.

• Iterative Process: The nature of game development, especially for live-service titles, implies an iterative design process with continuous feedback loops.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is positioned as an integral part of the development team, not a separate service, suggesting a proactive and collaborative workflow.

Company Website: https://www.wargaming.com/en/

📝 Enhancement Note: Wargaming's long history in the gaming industry suggests a culture that values expertise, innovation, and player satisfaction. The "World of Tanks" franchise is a flagship product, implying a high level of investment and strategic importance for this role. The company's global presence means exposure to diverse markets and international collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a senior leadership role within the UX/UI design discipline, specifically tailored for the gaming industry. It represents a significant step up from an individual contributor role, requiring the ability to manage people, processes, and strategic product design initiatives. The role is critical for shaping the player experience of a major game title.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Lead Designer reports directly to a Design Manager. This structure allows for strategic guidance from upper management while providing direct leadership and mentorship to a team of designers. This reporting line also facilitates cross-departmental communication and alignment.

Operations Impact: The direct ownership of UX/UI design for a key product area means this role has a substantial impact on player engagement, retention, and overall game success. Effective design leadership can translate directly into improved player satisfaction, increased monetization (where applicable), and a stronger brand reputation for the game. Decisions made by this lead will influence the daily experience of millions of players.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior/Principal Design Manager: Potential to move into higher management roles overseeing larger design departments or multiple product areas.

• Specialization in Game Design Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific game genres or player psychology within the gaming sector.

• Cross-Disciplinary Leadership: Possibility to transition into broader product leadership roles, leveraging design expertise to influence overall product strategy.

• Mentorship and Skill Development: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior designers, develop team leadership skills, and stay at the forefront of UX/UI trends in gaming.

• Contribution to Core Products: The chance to significantly influence the evolution of "World of Tanks," a globally recognized gaming franchise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a UX/UI Lead Designer in a company like Wargaming is typically robust. Success in this role opens doors to senior management positions, specialized product ownership, or even broader product strategy roles within the gaming industry. The emphasis on continuous learning and team development suggests a supportive environment for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setup is common in the gaming industry to foster collaboration, team cohesion, and direct interaction among development teams.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Belgrade, Serbia. This location likely offers a vibrant local tech scene and a cost-effective operational base for Wargaming, while providing employees with access to cultural amenities and a growing urban center.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Office environments in game development often feature collaborative spaces designed for brainstorming, team meetings, and cross-functional work sessions.

• Tooling & Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially internal development tools and game engines.

• Team Interaction: The on-site nature facilitates spontaneous discussions, pair design sessions, and direct feedback from peers, game designers, and developers, crucial for the iterative game development process.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are detailed as 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, gaming companies often offer some degree of flexibility within the working day, though critical deadlines may require extended hours. The focus is on delivering high-quality work within a structured schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key for a role involving close collaboration with development and creative teams in a fast-paced industry like gaming. The Belgrade office likely provides a well-equipped workspace designed to support creative and technical professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by the recruitment team to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Design Manager to delve deeper into your leadership experience, design philosophy, and suitability for the team. This will likely include questions about your management style and approach to team development.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A session where you present your portfolio, highlighting relevant case studies, and potentially complete a design exercise or discuss a hypothetical design problem relevant to "World of Tanks: HEAT." Expect to discuss your process, decision-making, and how you handle complex design challenges.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Game Design, Creative Direction, and Development teams to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the game development pipeline.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior leader to confirm cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Leadership: Beyond showcasing your design craft, emphasize projects where you led teams, defined processes, or significantly influenced product strategy.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed, the solutions implemented, and the measurable impact on players or business goals.

• Highlight Process & Collaboration: Detail how you collaborate with developers, game designers, and other stakeholders. Showcase your systems thinking and how you manage design standards.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your design solutions and leadership initiatives.

• Tailor to Wargaming: Research "World of Tanks" and its player base. Show an understanding of the game's existing UX/UI and how your approach would enhance it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Game Mechanics: Familiarize yourself with the core gameplay of "World of Tanks" and potential UX challenges associated with its interface, progression systems, or new features.

• Think Systemically: Be ready to discuss how design decisions impact the broader game ecosystem and player experience.

• Prepare Leadership Examples: Have specific anecdotes ready to illustrate your experience in managing designers, resolving conflicts, fostering growth, and improving team processes.

• Communicate Your Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, design rationale, and how you would approach problem-solving in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate both your design leadership capabilities and your fit within the specific demands of the gaming industry. A strong portfolio that highlights leadership and impact, coupled with thoughtful preparation for design and behavioral questions, will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello for project management, task tracking, and team communication.

• Design System Management: Familiarity with tools and methodologies for creating and maintaining design systems (e.g., Storybook, Zeroheight, or internal Wargaming systems).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience using analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand player behavior, track key metrics, and inform design decisions.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with BI tools for data visualization and reporting (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to communicate insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation: While not directly CRM-focused, understanding how user data is managed and impacts design is beneficial. Experience with any tools that facilitate user feedback loops or A/B testing within a game environment would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the specific stack for game development can be proprietary, a strong foundation in core design and collaboration tools is essential. The ability to leverage data analytics for design insights is increasingly critical in the gaming industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player base, ensuring that design decisions prioritize player experience and satisfaction.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive for high standards in design craft, implementation, and overall product quality, reflecting Wargaming's reputation for delivering top-tier gaming experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of multidisciplinary teams, where open communication, mutual respect, and shared ownership are paramount.

• Innovation & Iteration: A culture that encourages experimentation, embraces feedback, and continuously seeks to improve and evolve the game and its user experience.

• Data-Informed Decisions: A commitment to using player data and research insights to guide strategic and tactical design choices, ensuring objectivity and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Design is embedded within product teams, working hand-in-hand with game designers, developers, and artists throughout the development lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of direct, constructive feedback and open dialogue to foster alignment and problem-solving.

• Process-Oriented: A focus on establishing and refining efficient design processes to streamline workflows and ensure consistent delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Wargaming likely emphasizes passion for gaming, a commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit essential for large-scale game development. Understanding and aligning with these values will be key for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Navigating the complexities of satisfying diverse player expectations while meeting Wargaming's commercial objectives.

• Managing Team Growth and Development: Leading a growing team requires continuous effort in mentorship, skill development, and maintaining team cohesion.

• Evolving Game Design Landscape: Keeping pace with rapidly changing player preferences, technological advancements, and competitive pressures in the gaming market.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the specific technical limitations and development pipelines of game engines and platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend major gaming and design conferences to stay abreast of trends and network.

• Internal Training Programs: Access to Wargaming's career development resources, including leadership training and specialized skill-building programs.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Design Managers and senior leaders within Wargaming.

• Exposure to AAA Titles: The chance to work on and influence the direction of globally recognized, high-stakes gaming titles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges within a leading gaming company. The focus on continuous learning and development ensures that designers can evolve their skills and careers within the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a design team through a challenging product launch or feature implementation. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives when making design decisions? Provide an example." (Demonstrate strategic thinking and understanding of product goals.)

• "Walk us through your process for defining and implementing design standards or a design system for a complex product like a game." (Showcase process maturity and systemic thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Wargaming and the 'World of Tanks' franchise specifically?" (Show research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with game designers, developers, and other departments? Describe a situation where cross-functional collaboration was critical." (Assess your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the results. Use a consistent structure.

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly point out where you led the team, made strategic decisions, or influenced the direction of the project.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively – mockups, prototypes, flowcharts, data charts – to illustrate your points.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, trade-offs made, and how you handled specific challenges or feedback.

• Practice Your Delivery: Ensure you can articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design expertise but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the gaming industry. Be ready to discuss your experience with player psychology and data-driven decision-making.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Lead Designer position:

• Submit your CV and a comprehensive portfolio through the Wargaming careers portal. Ensure your CV is in English.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant gaming industry experience and leadership achievements. Prioritize case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage design teams and drive product success.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience in UX/UI design and team management, using keywords from the job description such as "UX/UI Design," "Team Leadership," "Product Thinking," and "Gaming Industry."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and preparing answers to common leadership and design strategy questions. Research Wargaming and "World of Tanks" to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Wargaming's mission, values, and current game portfolio. Understand the "World of Tanks" franchise and its player community to better align your responses with the company's context.

⚠️ 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.