Lead Designer — AAA Games, Flexible Hybrid Work

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 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.