Lead Designer

Stellar Entertainment Software; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Holiday accrual

Access to cutting-edge hardware

Discretionary bonus scheme

Private healthcare incl. dental & eye

Pension plan

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Team incentives & social events

Job summary

The Studio in Guildford is seeking a Lead Designer to shape the creative vision of upcoming AAA titles from concept to ship. You will guide the design process, inspire the team, and ensure every detail delivers an outstanding player experience.

This role sits at the intersection of creative direction and team leadership, working with the CCO, Tech Director and Production to translate ideas into shippable features. Flexible hybrid working with on-site presence in Guildford.

Qualifications

• Experience shipping multiple AAA PC and Console titles as a Lead Designer.
• Strong understanding of core design disciplines: systems design, level design and game feel.
• Broad knowledge of titles across genres and eras; player-first mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and grow a team of designers across disciplines.
• Turn innovative ideas into compelling gameplay experiences with player focus.
• Create and maintain clear design documentation including pillars and feature specs.
• Prototype and iterate features using playtesting feedback.
• Collaborate with engineering and art leads to scope features realistically within budget and schedule.
• Track market trends to keep games fresh and ahead of the curve.
• Build relationships with external partners and represent design in reviews.

Skills

Lead design experience

Team leadership

Gameplay design

Mentoring

Prototype & iteration

Communication

Unreal Engine

Design documentation

Tools

Unreal Engine

Job description

The Studio

We are a video game development studio with offices in Guildford, UK and Utrecht, Netherlands. Sitting within the heart of thriving communities of game developers and publishers, we focus on quality and excellence, and our partners and players are always at the front of everything we do.
Games are not just about gameplay. We believe in the importance of balancing every single aspect of a game that you, as a player will interact with; what you see, how you play and how it makes you feel.
It couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us as we embark on a new unannounced arcade racing project, pushing the boundaries of all aspects of the game to create a truly AAA experience.

The Role

We’re looking for someone with experience working in a fast paced, AAA environment to join us as a Lead Designer, where you will play a key role in shaping the creative vision of our titles from the beginning of our projects through to shipping. You will guide the design process, inspire the team, and ensure that every detail of our game amazes our players.
This role sits at the intersection of creative direction and team leadership, working closely with the Chief Creative Officer, Technical Director and Production to turn ideas into shippable features.

As our Lead Designer you will:

• Lead, mentor and grow a team of designers across disciplines such as systems, level, and technical design, providing regular feedback and career development support.
• Turn innovative ideas into compelling gameplay experiences, keeping the player at the centre of every decision.
• Create and maintain clear design documentation, including high-level pillars and feature specifications for the wider team to reference.
• Prototype and iterate on features, using playtesting and feedback to refine them before they go into full production.
• Collaborate with engineering and art leads to scope features realistically, balancing creative ambition against technical constraints, budget and schedule.
• Know the market: Track market trends and competitor titles to keep our games fresh and ahead of the curve.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with our external partners, representing the design team in reviews and presentations.

Requirements

• Experience shipping multiple AAA PC and Console titles as a Lead Designer.
• A strong understanding of core design disciplines, including systems design, level design and game feel.
• A genuine passion for games and a broad knowledge of titles across genres and eras.
• A player-first mindset, always advocating for the end experience.
• A proven track record of leading and motivating teams, with a curious, open approach that brings out the best in people.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design intent clearly to both creative and technical colleagues.
• Hands‑on experience with Unreal Engine.
• The ability to give and receive constructive criticism, and to make tough calls when priorities conflict.
• Calm, decisive and empathetic approach, especially around key milestones.

Bonus Points For

• Programming or scripting knowledge, such as C++ or Blueprints.
• Familiarity with art packages such as Photoshop.

Some things to note before you apply

• This role will be based in our Guildford studio, a minimum of 3 days per week
• Applications will close at 15:00 BST on Friday 6th November 2026. All applications will be responded to after this date.

Benefits

What you can expect from us

• Flexible hybrid working (we work 3 days per week on-site)
• Holiday Accrual Scheme
• International AAA game projects;
• Access to cutting‑edge hardware;
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Private Healthcare Plan incl. Dental and Eye care
• Pension Plan
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme - Wellness Support
• Regular Team Incentives and Social Events

We’re on an important journey with our team mates, candidates and industry partners to tackle barriers to equality and promote diversity, inclusion and accessibility across the markets we work in. If you need any support during the interview process or any feedback on our processes, please let us know.