As a global gaming company, we’ve helped millions to fight their way through fearsome mobs in Minecraft Dungeons, battle each other and the environment in Rust Console Edition and most recently worked with Bethesda Game Studios to craft new adventures for Vault Dwellers around the world in Fallout 76.

Most recently, we worked with Rockstar Games to bring the beloved western experience Red Dead Redemption and its horror companion Undead Nightmare together for the first time on the Nintendo Switch and modern PlayStation systems

We’re looking for a Lead Game Designer to join our award winning team in Middlesbrough (UK), home to the beautiful North Yorkshire coastline and countryside. 

As a Lead Game Designer at Double Eleven, you’ll be transforming your and your team’s vision into coherent designs and direction. We seek individuals with experience overseeing a full game or large areas therein, that can also bring their experience working with and coaching other Designers. You’ll collaborate closely with other designers, artists and gameplay code teams to shape and integrate your vision/s. You may also work with and assist production, to help task and track the project’s development, as well as oversee the work of Designers on the team.

You’ll work at our new HQ in Middlesbrough, UK.

Strictly no agencies (sorry guys). Ramya Shreekanth is the recruiter point of contact on this role and you can direct your questions to her.

We strive to avoid crunch. Overtime is optional and always paid, and we offer flexible working hours to allow you to enjoy a normal family life whilst making great games. 

We can sponsor a visa for this role and offer a full relocation package (see below benefits!). We can support UK relocation and have a dedicated People team on standby to assist you and your family with every step to us.  

Interested? We kindly ask all applicants to submit a portfolio to support their application. 

WOULD YOU ENJOY

• Joining a development studio in a very senior, decision-making Design capacity
• Playing a key role in the creation of memorable player experiences in an ongoing live service environment
• Working with a team that has a great reputation in the industry, and only works on projects where it can do a great job and continues to grow
• Being a key contact in our partnership with a world-renowned developer and publisher, on a household-name franchise

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Reporting to the Design Manager, you will establish and support the creative direction of a project in conjunction with our publishing partner.
• As Lead Designer, you will direct, support and review the work of a team of experienced gameplay, level and technical designers.
• You will be relied on to make strong decisions on content direction, quality and work priorities that meet the best needs of the player, the team and our publishing partner.
• You will work in close partnership with all department leads (Art, Code, Production, QA) to create, oversee and deliver a staged plan to completion for the game.
• As the Lead Designer, you will set the example for quality and professionalism for the Design team. As their overall manager, you will oversee their career progress and champion their development needs so they are allowed to deliver to their full creative potential.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Strong experience working as a Senior or Lead Games Designer on at least one shipped AAA game, with responsibility to senior stakeholders.
• Stellar team leadership skills. You will embrace the opportunity to take your designers on new challenges every day, helping them to grow their skills and confidence in their craft and making sure they deliver to the best of their ability.
• Experience of working shoulder to shoulder with other department leads, presenting a dependable front to support the whole team through the inevitable ups and downs of development cycles.
• Experience in action RPG gameplay design and narrative design, and a strong familiarity with key franchises across all platforms in that genre.
• Exceptional and inclusive communication skills, with a knack for giving guidance, sharing information clearly, and bringing the right people into the conversation at the right time so that they can collaborate, contribute and take ownership of game features.
• We also hope that you could bring your own unique experiences and skill-sets to our business

SKILLS OR INTERESTS CONSIDERED A BONUS

• Experience working on both PC and current-gen console platforms
• Experience of building and directing successful action RPG content, including levels, characters, missions and moment-to-moment gameplay
• Narrative design and writing skills
• Experience working on live service products and/or managing and designing for a game’s long tail of post-launch content
• Experience working closely with a production team, ensuring that your team’s features are kept on track through effective discussion, tasking, scoping and iteration
• Public speaking and presenting to the team as well as senior internal and external, stakeholders
• Someone who is confident in a public forum and able to represent the company and our games at shows, press events and expos at home and abroad is invaluable

QUALIFICATIONS

• All relevant qualifications considered

WHAT TO EXPECT

Some of our benefits include:

• Start your day any time between 8:00am and 10:00am
• 35 working hours per week with a flexible 1 hour lunch break 
• 29 days of holiday leave (20 days leave + 8 bank holidays + your birthday!)
• 8+ days discretionary annual leave during the end of year holiday break 
• 1 day off if you’re moving house  
• 5 additional days holiday for 5 years service and a further 5 days holiday added for your epic 10 years service milestone 
• A regularly benchmarked salary
• A personalised development plan mapped against our clear progression framework
• Vitality Private Healthcare, discounts and rewards for you and your family (upon the successful completion of your 6 month probationary period)
• Potential for annual performance bonuses and end of year bonuses
• Fast decision-making to allow you to  thrive  
• Cutting edge tools and workflows so you can focus on creativity
• State of the art studio facilities (VR setup, games room, book library, high spec kitchen area and more)   
• Free juice, hot drinks and fruit.
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee referral bonus (up to £2000!)
• UK relocation package which includes financial compensation and one to one support finding accommodation / schools etc
• Opportunity to attend and speak at global events as a Double Eleven Ambassador
• Many free parties to celebrate the summer sun, winter season and game milestones 
• In-studio wellbeing programmes and support
• Opportunity to contribute to our internal Employee Diversity and Equality Network
• Free game codes, game swag and merchandise
• Free on site parking 
• Team charity events 
• Sponsored studio activities such as football, game jams etc.  (and new suggestions are always welcome)  
• Opportunity to join our monthly, family-friendly  “Bus Tour” where we visit fun and interesting places across the North East with lunch included. Previous activities have included ice skating, crazy golf, rock climbing and a visit to Forbidden Corner in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
• Maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependent leave available 
• Christmas Saving Scheme 

WAYS TO REACH US 

If you have a general query or an alternative way to apply, please do not hesitate to contact our Recruitment team at jobs@double11.com.