Head of Development

Lighthouse Games; Royal Leamington Spa; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering AAA studio where your creative vision will shape the future of gaming. As Head of Development, you'll lead a talented team, driving the execution of ambitious projects while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. This role is perfect for someone passionate about games, eager to leverage their extensive industry experience to deliver exceptional gaming experiences. With a focus on strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement, you'll play a crucial role in the studio's growth and success. If you're ready to make a significant impact in the gaming industry, this opportunity is tailor-made for you.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading AAA game production and launches.
• Experience managing large cross-functional teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans aligning with stakeholder expectations.
• Oversee budgets and resources, ensuring projects meet financial constraints.

Skills

Game Production

Stakeholder Management

Project Leadership

Budget Management

Risk Assessment

Communication Skills

Data-Driven Decision Making

Passion for Games

Job description

Lighthouse Games is a new AAA studio in Leamington Spa. We are defined by our pedigree of talent, and serious ambition to build a new best-in-class game. When you join us at Lighthouse, you will be able to create the best work of your career, in an environment that feels truly collaborative. You will learn from the best, and work alongside the future greats of the gaming industry.

As our Head of Development you will be responsible for shaping and executing strategic initiatives that drive our studio forward. Overseeing our ambitious project and talented team, the position ensures that all efforts align with the company’s vision and goals. By championing innovation and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, this position plays a key part in enhancing efficiency and creativity. Ultimately, it contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the studio, ensuring its continued growth and excellence in the industry.

Key Duties Include

• Develop and manage project plans, ensuring milestones and deliverables align with stakeholder expectations.
• Take ownership of the execution and successful delivery of a complex and highly ambitious AAA game, ensuring progress translates into tangible results. This role requires a hands-on approach, turning plans into action and driving teams forward to meet goals effectively and efficiently.
• Act as the primary liaison for publishers and investors, providing regular updates, reports, and risk assessments.
• Oversee budgets, allocate resources efficiently, and collaborate with finance teams to optimize spending.
• Identify project risks early, develop contingency plans, and proactively address potential delays.
• Guide cross-functional teams, fostering a productive, innovative, and collaborative work environment.
• Ensure development meets industry standards, coordinating testing and iteration based on feedback.
• Stay updated on industry trends, driving best practices within the team.
• Maintain thorough documentation, generate progress reports, and conduct post-mortems for future improvements.

• Extensive Industry Experience – Proven track record in game production and game launches, with experience leading multiple shipped AAA titles across various platforms.
• Strong Stakeholder Management – Ability to manage relationships with publishers, investors, and internal leadership, ensuring alignment on vision, budgets, and timelines.
• Project & Team Leadership – Experience leading large (100+), cross-functional development teams, fostering collaboration, and driving projects from concept to release.
• Financial & Budget Management – Expertise in budget planning, resource allocation, and cost control to ensure projects are delivered on time and within financial constraints.
• Risk Assessment & Problem-Solving – Ability to identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively resolve issues before they escalate.
• Excellent Communication & Negotiation Skills – Ability to clearly convey project status, challenges, and priorities to internal teams and external partners.
• Passion for Games & Industry Trends – Up-to-date knowledge of market trends, player expectations, and emerging technologies to drive innovation and success.
• Data-Driven Decision Making – Ability to analyse performance metrics, user feedback, and market data to inform strategic decisions and improve development processes.

Desirable

• Experience in AAA Console Development
• Experience working on an Unreal driven project
• Must exhibit a current passion for games and a strong sense of aesthetics applicable to producing AAA products