Lead Game Programmer

Kwalee; Royal Leamington Spa; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job description

At Kwalee, we foster an environment where creativity and collaboration come together. Specialising in both the development and publishing of casual and hybrid casual games, we also bring our creative touch to publishing PC & Console titles, ensuring a diverse and exciting gaming portfolio.

By joining our talented team in Bangalore or Leamington Spa, you’ll be part of a space where ideas flow freely, innovation flourishes, and team spirit stays strong. We’ve found that when we’re all together, great things happen. With over 1 billion players already reached, your work will contribute to our shared mission of making the most fun games for the world's players.

Join the team!

As we continue to grow, we are now looking for a Lead Game Programmer to join our mobile games team.

As a Lead Game Developer, you will be responsible for guiding the development process and ensuring high-quality code standards. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, manage time estimations, and lead the implementation of innovative features. Together, you will drive the team toward successful project completion.

This is a permanent role based in our Leamington Spa studio, where our daily in-office collaboration fuels creativity and innovation. If you're not already based locally, we’ll support your move with comprehensive relocation assistance and visa sponsorship, ensuring a smooth transition.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and resolve poor code patterns within game development to ensure optimal performance and maintainability.
• Distribute bugs to the right team members based on their expertise, ensuring efficient issue resolution.
• Implement innovative features from the game engine into submodules (e.g., Addressables) for easier integration by the development teams.
• Improve UML designs across the team to ensure structured system design and architecture.
• Review core technology solutions and provide feedback on code patterns during code reviews.
• Work across departments, facilitating communication, improving processes, and ensuring smooth workflows.
• Communicate effectively about issues across departments, understanding their impact on the wider project and keeping stakeholders informed.
• Adjust time estimates based on team capacity and project needs, ensuring realistic timelines.
• Lead meetings, address challenges, and maintain team morale with diplomacy and problem-solving skills.
• Lead interviews and assess technical and cultural fit when hiring new team members.

Requirements:

• Strong experience in game development with a focus on identifying and resolving poor code practices.
• Proven ability to lead teams, particularly in bug tracking and time estimation.
• Expertise in implementing and optimising game engine features.
• Solid understanding of UML design and technical architecture.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Experience managing personnel situations and addressing challenges with diplomacy.
• Leadership experience, including interviewing and hiring technical staff.
• Based in our Leamington Spa office with 5 days per week on-site.