This job might no longer be available.

Lead Level Designer

We build ground-breaking games and content for some of the world’s biggest publishers including Microsoft, Sony, Apple and Sega. Sumo Newcastle joined the Sumo Digital family in January of 2018. As a former CCP Games studio, we have a solid history of cutting-edge development, and now with Sumo, a spectacular future of ‘AAA’ game development for some of the biggest and best publishers in the world.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Sumo, winners of the Develop: Star Awards 2019 Best Studio and GI Biz 2020 Best Places to Work; big things are on the horizon and we want you to be part of our continued journey. Join us!

We are looking for a talented Lead Level Designer to join us on a new and exciting IP. Aimed squarely at individuals looking for a challenge, this is a fantastic opportunity for those who want to leave their mark on the game while helping to structure a growing department of exceptionally talented designers.

In your new role you will:

• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to create exciting, innovative and engaging gameplay environments.
• Help develop and evolve the tools, processes, and pipelines that the level design team will use.
• Champion the game’s vision through all stages of development.
• Collaborate with production to plan and deliver the level design workload for the project.
• Use player-feedback and design direction to hone the gameplay experience.
• Mentor and develop less experienced members of the level design team.
• Embody the passion of the design department.

To be successful you will have:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good motivational skills and the ability to inspire greatness from your team.
• Extensive knowledge of level design theory.
• A relentless passion for all aspects of gaming.
• A minimum of 3 years‘ experience and shipped at least 1 title in a senior or lead role.

· Annual Bonus

· Share Incentive Plan

· Competitive Pension

· Flexible Working

· 27 Days Holiday, including your birthday. a duvet day and Christmas

· 5 Learning Days

· Access to 4,000 Udemy Courses

· Game & Book Libraries

· Wrap Parties

· Alternative Travel Prize Draw

· The Sumo GameJam

· Big Family Events

· Studio clubs, inc. running, board games, film…

· Life Drawing

· Yoga Classes

· Free fruit & drinks

· Employee Referral Bonus

· Career Development

· Competitive Mat/Paternity & Adoption

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Life Assurance 4x Salary

· Income Protection of 75%

· Relocation Support to the UK

· Visa Sponsorship

We are a diverse mix of fantastic people, although some groups are still under-represented in our studios. We are working to remove obstacles that can make it difficult for those groups to progress their careers in the games industry. We welcome applications from under-represented people in the gaming industry, including, but not limited to BAME, LGBQT+, women, people with physical disabilities, neurodiversity or mental health issues, and parents or carers.

Sumo Digital is one of the UK's most prolific game developers, enjoying over fifteen years of stability and growth. We have UK studios in Sheffield, Newcastle, Nottingham, Leamington Spa, The Chinese Room in Brighton and Red Kite Games in Leeds, along with Sumo Video Games in Pune, India.

We offer a superb benefits package including generous holidays and flexi-time. We care about our people, with an emphasis on the work/life balance and out of office events such as our legendary annual Sumo ‘Big Day Out’, plus epic Christmas parties and much more! Our regular studio Game Jams are a highlight - winning concepts can go on to commercial release, so far including Snake Pass and Spyder for Apple Arcade.

We are proud to be in the North-East of England, in our new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities in Riga. Newcastle was voted the number one place that travellers should visit in 2018 by Rough Guide and has everything that a major European city has to offer; culture, heritage, lively bars and fantastic retail. It is an exciting cosmopolitan city while also boasting plenty of beautiful outdoor space including several beaches less than an hour’s drive away.

Our environment is relaxed, friendly and built on every team member having the opportunity to shine and have real, meaningful input into the games that we create. We pride ourselves on our positive atmosphere and sociable team who regularly partake in shared interest groups, lunchtime and after-work clubs, and charity fundraising events.