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Lead Level Designer - Remote/Hybrid
1 year ago
With a rich history of developing multiple AAA franchises such as Little Big Planet and Crackdown, as well as contributing to genre-defining titles like the Forza Motorsport and Hitman series, Sumo Sheffield’s vast development experience spans multiple genres and platforms.
As winners of the TIGA Star Employment Award for 2021, recipients of the GI Biz 2020 Best Places to Work Award and listed as one of the UK’s 100 Best Large Companies to Work for in 2021, Sumo Digital has enjoyed 18 years of stability and growth since its formation in 2003 and continues to strive for excellence across every single project.
The team have a track record of working on some of the world's biggest and best games and received two BAFTAs for their work on Sackboy: A Big Adventure. As the scale and exclusivity of projects continues to grow, there’s never been a more exciting time to join the Sumo Sheffield family!
The Role @ Sumo
We are looking for a Lead Level Designer to help us develop a brand-new AAA IP; an ambitious open world title that has a unique focus on expressive traversal.
This is a fantastic opportunity for those who enjoy shaping a creative vision while nurturing the development of talented Level Designers. As a Lead Level Designer, you will be responsible for realising the design vision through an engaging world, while maintaining your team’s morale and getting the best out of each designer.
You will actively participate in the creation and the development of the game’s vision, working closely with other Leads and Directors. Your role focuses on creativity, collaboration and problem solving.
What will you do?
- You will oversee and direct the development of the world and all associated content, ensuring it is adhering to the creative vision.
- Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to create an exciting, innovative and engaging gameplay experience.
- Maintain a close relationship with the environment art team to create a cohesive and believable world.
- Recognise the individual abilities of each member of your team, helping tailor their work to get the best out of them.
- Mentoring a large level design team through constant feedback, regular catch ups and formal appraisals.
- Regularly update the directors and stakeholders, collating feedback into tasks for your team.
- Establish and evangelise the level design best practices to the whole team.
- Help production schedule and resource work for your team throughout the project.
What you need to have:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the confidence to present work, ideas and feedback to the rest of the team.
- A proactive and iterative attitude towards world building and game design.
- Level design experience on several titles, including at least one AA/AAA title.
- Experience managing a team of 3 or more people.
- A forward-thinking attitude towards inclusivity and an active interest in mental health.
- Bonus points if you have experience with open worlds, expressive traversal mechanics or Unreal Engine 4/5.
What we offer:
. Defined Annual Bonus Scheme
. ULEV car scheme
. Monthly allowance to spend on enhancing benefits
. Salary Sacrifice Pension
. Flexible Working
. 21 days free-use holiday
+ your birthday off
+ 5 learning days including 1 volunteer day
+ a duvet day
+ Christmas shutdown from Christmas Eve to New Year
+ Bank Holidays
+ extra allowance accrued for longer service
. Free dental insurance
. Life Assurance 4x Salary
. Income Protection of 75% for 5 years
. Enhanced Mat/Paternity & Adoption pay
. Employee Assistance Programme:
. Help at Hand - Remote GP, Mental Health & Physio appointments
. Free financial & home buying support consultations
. Cycle to Work Scheme
. Payroll Giving Scheme
. Access to 4,000 Udemy Courses
. Career Development Pathway
. Wrap Parties.
. Project Completion Awards
. Game/Creative Jams
. Big Family Events
. Studio social activities, e.g. running, board games, film, yoga, life drawing…
. Prism – Sumo’s employee diversity focus group
. Free fruit and drinks in our studios
. Employee Referral Bonus
Where do we stand on diversity?
At Sumo, we want to enable everyone to bring their full, authentic selves to work every single day. We acknowledge that the games industry is far from perfect and a global organisation with people all over the world, from all kinds of backgrounds, we know it’s part of our duty to provide everyone at Sumo with a safe, accepting and affirming working environment.
We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
More about Sumo Sheffield
Sumo Sheffield is located just outside the city centre in Sumo Digital’s HQ, just off J34 on the M1 and a stone’s throw from the city’s primary shopping and leisure complex. With a multi-building campus comprised of industry-leading facilities, an onsite gym and subsidised canteen, Sumo Sheffield provides everything needed for all teams to create the world’s best games.
Sheffield is the fifth largest city in the UK and is easily accessible by road and rail from Leeds, Manchester and the Midlands. The city enjoys a wealth of facilities to suit a wide array of interests, including:
o World-class sports facilities
o Iconic theatres and galleries
o Multiple retail and shopping experiences
o Diverse and renowned restaurants and eateries
o The award-winning National Video Game Museum
More about Sumo Digital
Sumo Digital is an award-winning international family of studios. Recent releases from Sumo Digital studios include: BAFTA-Award winning Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Hood: Outlaws & Legends, Control Ultimate Edition on Google Stadia, Apple Arcade Award-winning Little Orpheus, Hot Shot Racing, WST Snooker and Spyder.
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