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- Tasks: Lead design and delivery of gameplay systems for AAA titles while mentoring a creative team.
- Company: Climax Studios, an award-winning digital experience developer with over 30 years of history.
- Benefits: Excellent holiday package, private medical insurance, and ongoing training for career growth.
- Other info: Dog-friendly studio with regular social events and a relaxed working environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team in a stunning studio and make a real impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Lead Designer on AAA titles with strong collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Climax Studios was established over 30 years ago, with an extensive history in developing all kinds of digital experiences across all formats, and has won multiple awards along the way. You’ll be based out of our brand new, state of the art studio at Lakeside North Harbour set in stunning 130-acre landscaped grounds in Portsmouth.
We are looking for an experienced Lead Designer to join our team, driving high-quality gameplay systems on AAA titles while supporting client collaboration and pitch development. The Lead Designer will be required to work on-site and will report to the Design Director. This role requires a designer who is both creatively driven and technically grounded, capable of leading a team, owning feature delivery, and working hands-on in-engine to bring ideas to life.
Requirements- Proven experience as a Lead Designer or Senior Designer on AAA titles
- Shipped multiple titles, with ownership of core gameplay systems or features
- Strong track record of driving design from concept through implementation to ship
- Deep understanding of gameplay systems, player experience, and iteration processes
- Confident working hands-on in engine (Unreal preferred, not required)
- Strong cross-discipline collaboration
- Experience working with external stakeholders or clients
- Ability to contribute to and present pitches and early concepts
- Comfortable challenging assumptions and advocating for the best player experience
- Own and drive the design and delivery of key gameplay systems and features in alignment with the project vision
- Lead a team of designers, ensuring clarity, quality, and consistency of output
- Establish and maintain strong iteration loops, using playtesting and feedback to refine the experience
- Make clear, informed design decisions in evolving production environments
- Collaborate closely with engineering, art, and production to ensure feasible, high-quality implementation
- Identify risks, solve problems proactively, and ensure design work meets milestone expectations
- Create and maintain clear, actionable design documentation
- Conduct design reviews and provide constructive, actionable feedback
- Mentor designers while maintaining high standards and accountability
- Own client-facing design communication where required, supporting both development and new business opportunities
- Support the creation of pitches, prototypes, and vertical slices
- Excellent holiday package
- Regular social events
- A friendly, focused, ambitious and relaxed working environment
- Ongoing training and development, with career progression
- Group Private Medical Insurance provided by BUPA
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private Dental Insurance
- Group Income Protection
- Company Pension Scheme
- Cycle To Work Scheme
- Eye-Care Vouchers
- Bring your doggo to work! We're a dog friendly studio, bring your pooch in to meet us.
- Bean to cup coffee machine in the studio.
- Fresh fruit and healthy snacks provided daily, breakfast and some not so healthy snacks.
- In-house clubs and socials. From board games, tennis, football to D&D nights, there are lots of opportunities to socialise.
- Regular Socials including Project Wrap Parties, team and studio events, Christmas and annual Summer parties and some great charity fundraising events.
Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavour to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.
Location: Europe, United Kingdom, Portsmouth
Locations
Lead Designer in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Climax Studios
Contact Detail:
Climax Studios Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Designer in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Lead Designer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up to date and highlights your best work on AAA titles. We want to see your creative flair and technical skills in action, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. We suggest you rehearse how you’d present your design ideas and past projects. Confidence is key, and we want to see you shine when discussing gameplay systems!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team at Climax Studios.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Designer in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience as a Lead Designer or Senior Designer on AAA titles. We want to see the projects you've shipped and how you've owned core gameplay systems. Be specific about your contributions!
Be Creative and Technical: We’re looking for someone who’s both creatively driven and technically grounded. In your application, share examples of how you’ve balanced these two aspects in your previous roles. It’ll show us you can lead a team while getting hands-on in-engine.
Collaboration is Key: Don’t forget to mention your experience working with cross-discipline teams and external stakeholders. We value collaboration, so share how you’ve successfully worked with engineers, artists, and clients to bring ideas to life.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our friendly and ambitious team at Climax Studios!
How to prepare for a job interview at Climax Studios
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in game design, especially around gameplay systems. Brush up on your experience with AAA titles and be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve led design efforts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead a team and mentor designers. Think about times when you’ve driven a project from concept to completion, and be ready to share how you ensured quality and consistency in your team's output.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since this role involves working closely with various disciplines, come prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with engineers, artists, and external stakeholders in the past. Highlight your communication skills and any experiences where you’ve navigated challenges in cross-discipline projects.
✨Pitch Perfect
As the Lead Designer, you’ll need to present ideas clearly. Prepare a mini-pitch for a design concept you’re passionate about. This will not only demonstrate your creativity but also your ability to advocate for the best player experience, which is key for this role.