Director, Product Design & Strategy

Penn Interactive (PI) is an interactive gaming company headquartered in Philadelphia. PI is the digital arm of PENN Entertainment (NASDAQ: PENN), the largest regional casino operator in the U.S.). Our mission is to challenge the norms of the gaming industry by building an immersive interactive gaming experience that is responsible, innovative, and fun. We are committed to helping our team members grow and succeed.  We believe that hiring talented individuals that love what they do will help us win!

About the Role & Team

The Director of Product Design & Strategy at PENN Entertainment is a critical leadership role positioned to significantly influence the user experience across our diverse and expanding digital platforms, including theScore, ESPN Bet, iCasino, and Penn Play. Reporting directly to the Head of Design & User Experience, this leader is not only tasked with elevating design and strategy but also plays a pivotal role in aligning these elements with our overarching omni-channel strategy.

In this capacity, the Director will work closely with the Head of Design & User Experience to craft a seamless user experience that bridges the gap between our digital offerings and the vast physical footprint of PENN Entertainment, which includes numerous entertainment venues, gaming facilities, and interactive experiences across the United States. This role requires a visionary approach to integrate digital and physical realms, enhancing the cohesion and synergy between all points of customer interaction.

As part of a forward-thinking leadership team, the Director will interface directly with product managers, engineering leads, and marketing teams to ensure that design strategies not only resonate with our users but also support the business objectives at both digital and physical levels. The role is designed for a leader who is adept at navigating complex ecosystems and is passionate about creating holistic, innovative user experiences that drive engagement and loyalty.

About the Work

• Lead the development and implementation of design strategies that enhance user experience and engagement across all digital platforms.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and marketing teams to ensure that design strategies effectively contribute to product goals and overall business strategy.
• Oversee and guide the design process from concept through to execution, ensuring design excellence and consistency across all product touchpoints.
• Establish and nurture a culture of innovation within the design team, encouraging creative solutions and advancements in design technology and methodologies.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the market, including user needs, competitive landscape, and emerging design trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Manage and expand a team of design professionals, fostering an environment of professional growth and excellence.
• Represent the design team in strategic meetings, articulating design insights and rationale to senior stakeholders and across the organization.
• Other duties as required.

About You

• Proven Leadership : 10+ years in product design with strategic leadership experience, ideally within entertainment, gaming, or technology sectors. Demonstrated capability to manage and inspire multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strategic Design Expertise : Demonstrated ability to merge user-centered design principles with business strategy to develop innovative solutions. Proven track record in building high-quality B2C mobile products in an agile environment.
• Operational Excellence : Experience managing design operations in a fast-paced, agile setting. Proficient with the latest design tools, platforms, and adhering to industry best practices.
• Communication & Collaboration : Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, adept at building relationships and collaborating across various teams and stakeholders to align goals and drive results.
• Innovative Thinking: Pioneering mindset with the foresight to anticipate market shifts and lead design initiatives that support PENN’s growth. Skilled in integrating research and analytics to guide product direction.
• Agility and Execution : Ability to seamlessly transition between strategic planning and tactical execution. Skilled in setting clear goals and objectives, advocating for design priorities to leadership, and ensuring alignment with broader business strategies.
• Relationship Management : Established ability to forge and sustain influential relationships at all organizational levels. Skilled in fostering a team environment focused on achieving business objectives.
• Remote Team Management: Experience in leading remote workgroups and maintaining a productive and inclusive team culture remotely.
• Cultural Leadership : Proven ability to cultivate a positive, inclusive work environment that empowers design teams to thrive and produce their best work.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Fun, relaxed work environment.
• Education and conference reimbursements.
• Parental leave top-up.
• Opportunities for career progression and mentoring others.

#LI-HYBRID #LI-REMOTE

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Recently being recognized as a top workplace in the United States, we believe people work their best when they can be themselves. We are looking for hungry, innovative thinkers to help us challenge the status quo of the gaming industry.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion are vital to all of our processes, programs, and structures. Your story, who you are, and your experience matter here.