Director of Design

Keywords Studios, a global leader in creative, engineering and technical services to the video games industry. We collaborate with world's biggest and best studios and publishers to help bring unforgettable gaming experiences to life. Our team in Japan partners with both domestic and international clients to design, prototype, and deliver innovative gameplay experiences that delight players across platforms and genres.Position OverviewAs Director of Design Services, you will lead the Game Design function at Keywords Japan, working with Keywords' Japanese and other international studios to shape the creative direction of Japanese client projects and ensuring design excellence across productions. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced game designer who combines creative vision, production insight, and strong client engagement skills.You will be responsible for working closely with the client and, driving internal design teams, collaborating closely with producers, developers and other designers within Keyword's studios, and ensuring quality and efficiency in delivery. You will also represent Keywords Japan in client pitches, helping to shape project proposals and transform creative briefs into compelling, feasible design solutions.Creative LeadershipDefine and uphold creative standards and design methodologies across all game design projectsLead the conception, prototyping, and iteration of new gameplay ideas for client and internal R&D projects and client pitchesPartner with clients to understand creative goals, pitch innovative game design solutions, and refine them through collaborative iterationClient and Stakeholder EngagementRepresent the design team in client meetings and project pitchesTranslate client requirements into actionable design documentation and production plansProvide clear communication and creative leadership to cross-functional teams (art, engineering, production, QA). Team Development and ManagementDrive the growth of the game design team, providing mentoring and fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and creative excellenceEstablish performance standards, review processes, and training programs for designers at all levelsOperational ExcellenceDevelop and implement frameworks for design quality control, documentation, and delivery standardsCollaborate with producers and studio leaders to ensure project scope, costs, and timelines align with design intent and client expectationsIdentify process improvements that enhance creative output while maintaining production efficiencyRequirementsEssential10+ years of experience in Game Design, including several shipped titles and proven experience in senior or lead design rolesStrong ability to conceptualize, document, and communicate complex gameplay systemsExcellent collaboration and presentation skills, with experience interfacing directly with clientsDeep understanding of the game development lifecycle and production pipelinesFluency in English and high level of Japanese (N1) proficiency requiredDesirableExperience working with international teams or cross-cultural projectsBackground in building or managing multi-disciplinary creative teamsBenefitsKeywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICYKeywords Studios is strongly committed to protecting your personal information. By sending your CV/Resume, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and consent to your data being managed and retained in accordance with our data privacy and retention policy https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice/.Role Information: ENStudio: WizcorpLocation: Asia Pacific, Japan, TokyoArea of Work: Game DevelopmentService: CreateEmployment Type: Full Time, PermanentWorking Pattern: Hybrid