At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT operations and infrastructure for a creative game development studio.
- Company: Join Cast Iron Games, a people-first studio focused on craft and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment without crunch culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a vibrant creative community.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Who We Are
At Cast Iron Games, we build technically ambitious games in a calm, focused environment, where every team member has a voice. Based in Tileyard North, we collaborate with high quality partners on high-quality projects, guided by clarity, consistency, and mutual respect. We’re a young and growing studio, but our team is made up of experienced developers who’ve worked across AAA and independent titles. Together, we’re building a supportive, balanced environment where great work happens without crunch.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Studio Lead IT Manager to oversee all technology infrastructure and IT operations for our game development studio. This role is critical to ensuring our creative teams have the reliable, high-performance systems they need to build exceptional games. You’ll lead IT strategy, manage technical infrastructure, and build systems that scale with our studio’s growth.
Responsibilities
- Infrastructure & Systems Management
- Design, implement, and maintain studio-wide IT infrastructure including networks, servers, workstations, and cloud services
- Manage version control systems, build pipelines, and development tool chains specific to game development
- Ensure high availability and performance of critical systems including source control, asset management, and collaboration platforms
- Oversee data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning
- Team Leadership & Support
- Lead and mentor our team with the best IT support, fostering a culture of excellent service and technical excellence
- Provide strategic technical guidance to studio leadership on technology investments and infrastructure planning
- Collaborate with development teams to understand and meet their technical requirements
- Manage relationships with external vendors, service providers, and technology partners
- Security & Compliance
- Work with and implement and maintain robust cybersecurity measures to protect intellectual property and sensitive data with the Group
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, data protection regulations, and company security policies
- Manage access controls, authentication systems, and security monitoring
- Conduct regular security audits and risk assessments
- Budget & Resource Management
- Develop and manage the IT department budget, optimizing costs while meeting studio needs
- Evaluate and procure hardware, software, and services
- Plan for technology refresh cycles and infrastructure upgrades
- Track and report on IT metrics, performance, and project delivery
What We’re Looking For
- Prior experience in IT management
- Expertise in Windows and Linux server administration, networking, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Experience with version control systems (Perforce, Git) and build automation tools
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and data protection frameworks
- Proven track record of managing IT teams and delivering complex technical projects
- Excellent communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
Bonus Points
- Previous experience in game development or other creative industries
- Experience with DevOps practices and infrastructure as code
- Relevant certifications (ITIL, CISSP, AWS/Azure certifications, etc.)
Why Cast Iron Games
- A people-first studio with a clear focus on craft, clarity, and collaboration
- A high-trust team where experience is valued and voices are heard
- A respectful, experienced team with a strong engineering culture
- The opportunity to ship performance-optimised, cross-platform games you’re proud of
- Projects that offer real variety. Different game engines, new challenges, constant growth
- Creative surroundings at Tileyard North, with a supportive creative community
- Competitive salary, flexible hours and professional development support
- Opportunities to lead with clarity, autonomy, and real impact
- No crunch. No egos. Just good code, good people and good games
What to Expect / Key Benefits
- Start your day any time between 8:00am and 10:00am
- 35 working hours per week with a 1-hour lunch break (with the opportunity to flex down to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours)
- 25 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday
- 1 day leave for your birthday and 1 day leave if you’re moving house
- Length of service increases are 1 day per year of service up to maximum of 8 additional days
- Up to 8 days discretionary annual leave during our end of year break
- Potential for annual performance bonus
- Free breakfast options, juice, hot drinks and fruit
- Employee referral bonus (up to £2000!)
- Group Life Assurance – 4 x annual salary payable to nominated beneficiaries through an expression of wishes form.
- Income Protection – covers you up for up to 50% of monthly salary for 2 years (after a 26 week deferred period, i.e. when SSP runs out)
- Critical Illness Cover – lump sum of 1 x annual salary on diagnosis of a critical illness
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- EV & Hybrid Car Scheme
- Tech Purchase Scheme – split the cost of Tech or Home electronics through salary deduction, interest free
- Healthcare Cash plan – claim back the cost of everyday healthcare, dental, physio, chiropractor, opticians, podiatry etc
- Private Medical Insurance with Vitality
- Reward Gateway with cashback and discounts on 900+ retailers
- Employee Assistance Programme including Virtual GP service
- Wellbeing Centre based on Mind, Move, Munch and Money
Studio Lead IT Manager IT · Wakefield - Tileyard North employer: Cast Iron Games
Contact Detail:
Cast Iron Games Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Studio Lead IT Manager IT · Wakefield - Tileyard North
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming industry, especially those at Cast Iron Games. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your IT management experience, especially in game development. Include any projects you've led or tech solutions you've implemented. This will give you an edge when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss how you can support creative teams and manage IT infrastructure effectively. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your leadership style.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Cast Iron Games. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Studio Lead IT Manager IT · Wakefield - Tileyard North
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gaming: When you're writing your application, let your love for games shine through! Mention any relevant experience or projects that showcase your enthusiasm for the industry. We want to see how you connect with our mission at Cast Iron Games.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Studio Lead IT Manager role. Highlight your experience in IT management and how it aligns with our needs. We appreciate when candidates take the time to show us they understand what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We value clarity and want to easily see how your background fits with our studio's goals.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Cast Iron Games!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cast Iron Games
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Windows and Linux server administration, networking, and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these technologies in past roles, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the challenges at Cast Iron Games.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Studio Lead IT Manager, you'll be expected to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed IT teams in the past, focusing on fostering a culture of excellent service and technical excellence. Highlight any specific instances where your leadership made a significant impact.
✨Understand the Game Development Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the unique IT needs of game development. If you have experience with version control systems like Perforce or Git, or build automation tools, be ready to discuss how these fit into the game development process. This will demonstrate your understanding of the industry and its requirements.
✨Prepare for Security Discussions
Cybersecurity is crucial in protecting intellectual property and sensitive data. Be prepared to talk about your experience with implementing robust cybersecurity measures and compliance with industry standards. Discuss any relevant certifications you hold, as this will bolster your credibility in this area.