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Lead Level Designer
2 years ago
We build ground-breaking games and content for some of the world’s biggest publishers including Microsoft, Sony, Apple and Sega. Sheffield is our largest studio and headquarters, situated just north-east of the city centre, where we’ve built and contributed to some of the world’s best-loved game franchises.
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!
The Role @ Sumo
We are looking for a Lead Level Designer to help us develop a AAA open-world action game. You will take the components made by other teams and guide your team of level designers to create a compelling player experience.
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 are responsible for realising the design vision through engaging world maps, 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 Vision, working closely with the Design Director and the Art Director. Your role has a major emphasis on people management, creativity, communication, problem solving, and mitigation.
You will be the advocate for the player.
In your new role you will:
- Guide the creative vision for the world maps and review moment-to-moment gameplay.
- Work closely with other design leads to create cohesion between the game’s mechanics, narrative, and tools.
- Regularly update directors and stakeholders, collating feedback into tasks for your team
- Be the players’ advocate: Understand their needs and ensure that the world maps created by your team contribute to an engaging player experience.
- Establish best practices for the level-design team.
- Recognise the individual abilities of each member of your team, mentoring them through regular catchups and formal appraisals.
- Work with the recruitment team to grow Sumo’s team of talented level designers.
- Create a positive inclusive work environment that will grow team motivation and performance.
To be successful we would like you to have:
- 5+ years minimum experience in Level Design or relevant role.
- Significant involvement in the level design of multiple game titles, with preferably a full cycle on a AAA title (or equivalent) at Senior level or higher.
- A proven ability to present ideas to a wide variety of audiences, both technical and non-technical, in a succinct manner.
- Prior experience in leading/managing/mentoring a team will be advantageous.
- An ability to collaborate with different disciplines and audiences.
- An appreciation for existing games and an awareness of modern gaming trends; particularly in the open-world genre.
- Bonus points if you have experience with action, sandbox, open-world, or multiplayer games.
- A drive to inspire and cultivate talent.
- A forward-thinking attitude towards inclusivity and mental health.
- Knowledge of UE4/UE5.
What We Offer:
· 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 and 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
Where do we stand on diversity?
At Sumo Digital, we know that diversity and inclusivity will make our teams (and the amazing work that they do) better! We encourage and welcome ALL applications.
More About The Sumo Sheffield Studio:
Our environment is relaxed, friendly and built upon the basis of every team member having the opportunity to shine and have a realisable input into the games we create. We are a very happy ship with lots of incredibly nice people that partake in shared interest groups, lunchtime clubs, charity fundraising events and lots of socialising.
We are proud to be located in Sheffield, just off J34 of the M1 offering easy road and rail access from Leeds, Manchester and the Midlands. Sheffield itself enjoys wealth of facilities including world class sporting facilities, stunning theatres and galleries, the National Video Game Museum, shopping, restaurants and incredible parks and green spaces - all on the doorstep of the beautiful Peak District National Park. We love it here.
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