Coconut Lizard is at the cutting edge of technology and creativity, delivering co-development video game services to our global triple-A clients. Our successful studio is growing, and we are now looking for a Lead Designer to join the expanding design team. Founded in 2015, and part of the Keyword Studios Group since 2020, we are based in Newcastle/Gateshead area and we work on multiple exciting projects at any one time, offering plenty of variety and involvement. We offer our talented team a professional, fun and supportive working environment and we are passionate about what we do.
The Role – Lead Designer
Effectively carry out line-management duties for designers in your charge, including career progression, mentoring, reviews, discipline and others when necessary.
Review and feedback latest build to ensure that it conforms with the design vision and the core mechanics of the game.
Communicate the project objectives, strategies, and general information to all team members to give visibility to the advancement of the development of the game.
Use your experience to enact positive change within the design team, contributing to the game design and features to inspire and guide the other designers.
Be part of the senior Design leadership; mentor others, bring your experience to bear, and help steer the department’s direction.
Communicate with clients to ensure all parties have full awareness of current and projected objectives, difficulties, and deadlines.
Take part in discussions with prospective clients regarding potential projects.
Liaise with the Production team to assess progress towards short- and long-term objectives.
Liaise with other discipline leads and seniors to maintain awareness of progress and impediments.
Actively participate in the decision-making process with management and oversee the necessary adjustments to ensure that the game meets expectations.
Promoting and building a strong cooperative culture between disciplines.
Participate in the selection, on-boarding and mentoring of team members.
Create a work environment that is motivating for team members and which fosters development and creation.
Carry out all other related tasks for the department.
Requirements
Essential Skills:
6+ years in a Senior or Lead Designer role on at least two AAA titles.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent ability to organize and structure your own work and that of the team (follow ups, control, schedule).
Mentoring and developing individuals within a team.
Client focus (internal and external).
Strong analytical skills.
Reliable and responsible.
Possess a passion for making games.
Thrives as part of a team.
Ability to adapt to changing situations with a flexible and professional attitude.
Hungry to learn and expand your areas of expertise.
Desirable Skills:
Experience supervising a design team.
Management and planning skills.
Scripting experience.
Art package experience (2D or 3D).
Good working knowledge of Unreal.
Benefits
Benefits & Perks – just some of the many offered by Coconut Lizard:
25 days holiday (+ bank holidays + extra for length of service)
Company Pension Scheme
Flexible working hours
Private Medical Insurance Scheme & Eye Care Scheme
Employee Share Scheme
Anti-crunch ethos - an amazingly professional, fun and supportive working environment!
Annual Bonus – be rewarded for great teamwork!
Free Parking
Tech and Bike Scheme
Company Share Scheme
Company Socials, Project Launch/Wrap Parties + Annual Studio Events
We offer a flexible working policy - this role will have the option to be studio based, hybrid or remote.
Initial interviews will be help by video call.
Don't meet every single requirement? Not a problem - please apply. At d3t we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace and culture. If this opportunity excites you but your current skills or past experience don't align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to still apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles within our team.
