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Studio Technical Director

Founded in 2016, Sumo Nottingham specialise in first and third-person action titles, racing games, original IP and console & PC development.

The studio works with acclaimed partners and beloved franchises to develop incredible AAA titles and deliver memorable gaming experiences.

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.

We’ve got a series of incredible projects on the horizon and we’d love for you to join us to help bring our games to life.

The Sumo Nottingham team is currently working on several exciting projects, using cutting-edge technologies to deliver unique and compelling new multiplayer action games and further burnish our reputation for great driving experiences. This role is an awesome opportunity to not only make some cracking games but to help forge the future direction of the studio. We’re a relaxed and welcoming bunch who believe making games should be fun and rewarding, so if that sounds like your thing, come join us!

Working to define and develop the technical strategy and direction for the Nottingham studio:

• Working alongside the Studio Director and other Discipline Directors to develop the studio strategy and development practices.
• Establishing technical best practices and development methodologies at the whole studio and at individual project level.
• Communicating with Technical Directors at other Sumo Digital studios to develop and align technical practice where possible.

Contributing to acquiring, developing, and ensuring delivery of projects run at the studio:

• Working with the Studio Director and other discipline directors on project pitches, scoping and costing.
• Supporting project team Lead Programmers in scheduling and scoping.
• Working alongside the code team to drive both quality and efficiency.
• Acting as a sounding board for Lead Programmers with project specific issues.
• Providing hands-on technical support when appropriate.

Building and developing the code team at the studio:

• Working with the Studio Director and other Discipline Directors to define the recruitment strategy for the studio from the code team perspective.
• Working with the recruitment team to identify, attract and hire top talent.
• Gathering and providing effective and constructive feedback to the studio code team, along with solutions for improvement where necessary.
• Providing guidance for staff through their development within the Sumo Career Pathway.

What we’re looking for:

• A solid knowledge of C++
• Proven commercial leadership experience in the gaming industry either as a Technical Director, or a Senior/Lead on a major AAA game.
• Experience working on games for console or PC.
• A consultative approach, working across the whole studio to deliver a variety of projects.
• Exceptional management and communication skills.
• Sound understanding of software development practices.

You will report to the Nottingham Studio Head and will work alongside the other discipline directors in Art, Design and Production. You will also forge relationships with Technical Directors across all Sumo Digital studios to promote sharing of technologies, learning and technical staff. The Lead Programmers of each game team in the studio will report to you and support you in your work.

Sumo Nottingham is a community of game loving, talented people and we believe that diverse teams make the best games. We welcome applications from everyone.

· Annual Bonus

· Share Incentive Plan

· Competitive Pension

· Flexible Working

· Employee Referral Bonus

· 27 Days Holiday, including your birthday and duvet day

· 5 Learning Days

· Access to 4,000 Udemy Courses

· Wrap Parties & Gifts

· Competitive Mat/Pat and Adoption leave

· Comprehensive Benefits package including a dental option

· Alternative Travel Prize Draw

· The Sumo Game Jam

· Big Family Events

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

· Life Drawing

· Yoga Classes

· Career Development

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Life Assurance 4x Salary

· Income Protection of 75%

· Relocation Support to the UK

· Visa Sponsorship

· Career Development support through recognised discipline pathways

· 5 Learning and Development Days to use as you choose

· Regular Game Jams and Creative Jams

· Access to a wealth of training materials from leading content providers such as Udemy, Epic, Gnomon Workshop and the GDC Vault

· Internal project showcases for knowledge sharing across Sumo Digital

· Take advantage of a big selection of titles within our Game & Book Libraries

· Long service and game completion awards

· Studio tuck shop

· Free fruit and drinks

· Cake and savoury buffets on Friday mornings

· Last Friday of the month drinks and games

· Awesome Christmas party

· Summer Family Big Day Out

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.

Sumo Nottingham is situated just outside of the bustling city centre and is easily accessible by public transport, by road and on foot, with the Nottingham Cycle Superhighway on its doorstep. A stone’s throw from the city’s train station, the studio has excellent links to London and other cities around the UK. The Studio features many onsite facilities, including a fully kitted-out Game Room, complete with consoles and games library. Sumo Nottingham has everything needed for our teams to create the world’s best games!

Nottingham is one of the UK's greenest cities and has an incredibly rich history. A perfect place to soak up some culture, witness a variety of sporting events (for which, Nottingham was named as the Home of Sport by Visit England in 2015) or experience some of the city’s finest food and drink offerings. So much so that since 2010, the city has been awarded a prestigious Purple Flag award annually in recognition of providing a diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture. The city has a wealth of offerings to suit a wide array of interests, including:

o Legendary historic attractions and museums

o Beloved national heritage sites

o Famous theatres

o Walking and cycling trails

o Renowned culinary scene

o The Peak District to the North of the city and the Vale of Belvoir to the East

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.