Lead Level Designer

Activision Blizzard; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent game development studio in Guildford is looking for a Lead Level Designer to guide the creative direction of campaign levels for major titles. This role involves leading a talented team, collaborating across disciplines, and ensuring high-quality gameplay experiences. Candidates should have extensive experience in AAA Game Design and a solid understanding of level design principles with proficiency in Unreal Engine. This hybrid position combines in-studio and remote work, offering flexibility and the chance to contribute to iconic gaming franchises.

Qualifications

• Extensive industry experience working in AAA Game Design.
• Previous experience as a Lead Designer managing and mentoring a team.
• Prior experience with technical scripting, ideally in C or similar.
• Solid understanding of combat design and AI behaviours.
• Experience working with proprietary engines and toolsets.

Responsibilities

• Guide the creative direction of campaign levels from concept to final polish.
• Lead a team of designers in building gameplay-driven levels.
• Collaborate closely with narrative, art, engineering, and production.
• Define and uphold best practices in level design and player readability.

Skills

Game Design

Level Design

Communication

Team Leadership

Tools

Unreal Engine

C#

Lua

Job description

Job Title: Lead Level Designer

Requisition ID: R026314

Job Description:

Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since inception in 2009 the studio has delivered iconic titles including Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII (2017) and most recently Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

As industry leaders in first-person shooter development our commitment to excellence is reflected in every detail of our games from highly polished multiplayer experiences to emotionally engaging single-player campaigns. At Sledgehammer Games we believe in pushing boundaries redefining the possibilities of interactive storytelling and setting new standards for visual and gameplay fidelity. Together we aim to deliver world-class gaming content that continues to set the bar for quality innovation and player engagement.

We are excited to invite a talented and passionate developer to join our growing team as a Lead Single Player Level Designer based in our Guildford UK this role you will work collaboratively with our talented teams across the globe including our locations in the United States Australia Canada and the United Kingdom. If youre ready to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your skills can make a real impact we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.

To learn more about our studio please visit us at

Please note: This is not a remote role. This is a hybrid position based in our Guildford Studio offering flexibility with a combination of in-studio and remote workdays. Permanent remote work is not available for this position.

Your Mission

As a Lead Single Player Level Designer your mission is to guide the creative and technical direction of our campaign levels from early concept to final polish. Youll lead a talented team of designers in building cinematic gameplay-driven levels that deliver emotional impact and unforgettable player experiences that will be enjoyed by millions of gamers across the globe.

You will champion design quality mentor others and collaborate closely with narrative art engineering and production to bring the studios creative vision to life.

• Act as the level design leader for Single Player content made by Sledgehammer Games.
• Lead by example through hands-on creation of high-quality level content
• Define and uphold best practices in level design pacing and player readability.
• Translate creative direction into clear actionable design goals and documentation. Hold regular reviews and provide iterative feedback to the team to meet the required quality bar.
• Build effective working relationships with key creative and production partners across Sledgehammer Games helping to ensure consistency of output from the studio.
• Work with stakeholders across other Activision studios to ensure content developed fits with creative pillars.
• Provide leadership mentorship and career development for level designers of varying experience levels.
• Work with user research during playtests to identify iterative improvements and changes.
• Learn understand and improve the tools and workflow for the team.
• Work with production teams to provide estimates and schedules for the Design team.
• Communicate progress and resolution of issues with the ability to set guidelines for peers and support teams.
• Represent the teams work at global SHG all-hands meetings when required.
• Partner with the recruitment team to identify key hires taking an active role in building the core team.
• Over time become a key creative leader at the studio with a highly visible presence at team all-hands and other studio events visiting other studios when required.

Minimum Requirements

• Extensive industry experience working in AAA Game Design. Able to provide a professional portfolio that demonstrates prior experiences.
• Previous experience as a Lead Designer with experience of managing and mentoring a team (2 designers)
• Prior experience with technical scripting ideally through text-based languages (C, C#, Lua or similar) or Unreal’s Blueprints. A curiosity to learn and grow technical skills is strongly valued.
• Expansive knowledge of game design with appreciation and understanding for the other disciplines.
• Strong grasp of combat design, AI behaviours, player guidance and geometry building flow and layout
• Solid understanding of level design with ability to clearly discuss modern trends.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to pitch concepts clearly and concisely and which demonstrate critical thinking.
• Experience working with proprietary engines and toolsets including Unreal.
• Analytical problem-solver with a passion for iteration and continuous improvement.
• Passion and enthusiasm for narrative-driven Single Player games with a broad range of game experience.
• An egoless attitude that encourages feedback and constructive critique and enjoys working in a collaborative iterative and agile process.
• Experience taking major AAA console and PC games from concept to completion.
• Open to working in / relocating to Guildford UK

Extra Points

• Ideally shipped at least one title as a Lead Designer
• Experience working on projects involving multiple internal and external partners and with established franchises where close collaboration with publishing owners is required.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification when in fact they often do! At Activision Blizzard we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

Our World

At Activision we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. Were driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Tony Hawks Pro Skater and Guitar Hero. As a leading worldwide developer publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products our press start is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative fun thrilling and engaging entertainment experiences.

Were not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; were forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate creative and diverse teams within our organization.

Were in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater this could be your opportunity to level up.

Ready to Activate Your Future

The video game industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

Sledgehammer Games is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Key Skills

Administrative Skills, Facilities Management, Biotechnology, Creative Production, Design And Estimation, Architecture

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1