Lead Props Artist in Manchester

Founded in 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is one of the largest global independent studios, dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA games. CIG prides itself in thinking outside the box, encouraging creativity and developing ground‑breaking technology. CIG believes in raising the bar for the gaming industry and the community as a whole.

About the Role: The Props team produce a variety of foreground assets for locations, features, cinematics, and marketing. Our staple is intricate hard‑surface props such as furniture and dressing assets, but we also produce a variety of soft furnishings and organic assets – as well as complex interactable objects. Many of the assets we create are used by players and AI so need to be highly detailed, functional, and beautiful!

As Lead Props Artist, you will be responsible for guiding and mentoring a talented team of artists, setting the quality bar, and working closely with Art Direction and other departments to ensure our props meet the highest visual and technical standards.

What does our Lead Props Artist do?

• Lead the creation of a diverse array of high-quality props, setting the artistic and technical benchmark for the team.
• Champion and elevate the quality of artwork across the team, both visually and technically, through regular reviews and feedback.
• Collaborate with other departments to produce assets with specific design and technical requirements.
• Partner with Art Directors and Producers to plan workloads, allocate tasks across the team, and ensure deliverables are met to schedule and quality targets.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Props Artists, conducting regular reviews, providing constructive feedback, and supporting the professional growth of each team member.

What would we expect from our Lead Props Artist?

• Exceptional ability to produce and review highly detailed, well optimised hard surface models, with a keen eye for quality across the team.
• Deep understanding of the artistic and technical fundamentals of game art production, with the experience to guide others and uphold standards across the department.
• Expert knowledge of material creation, high poly modelling and texture baking, with the ability to coach and upskill artists at all levels.
• Strong understanding of soft furnishing and organic asset creation, with the ability to oversee and provide direction on a wide range of asset types.
• Define, own, and communicate metrics and technical setup on assets, ensuring the full team works to consistent and well‑documented pipelines.
• Be a proactive and inspirational leader, motivating the team, rising to challenges, and problem solving to keep production running smoothly.

Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.