Programme Lead

The King's Trust; Barrow-in-Furness; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development studio in Barrow-in-Furness is searching for a Graphics Team Lead to oversee the development of high-fidelity rendering features and mentor a skilled team. Applicants should possess proven graphics programming experience, with strong proficiency in C++ and knowledge of Unreal Engine. This role offers a hybrid work setup and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, healthcare support, and various employee perks aimed at fostering a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

23 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Remote working options

Learning and development opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading engineering teams in graphics programming.
• Deep understanding of AAA game development and rendering technologies.
• Ability to discuss visuals and aesthetics with artists.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Graphics team for AAA fidelity.
• Oversee rendering feature delivery and project scoping.
• Ensure high-quality code through best practices.

Skills

Graphics programming experience

C++ proficiency

Familiarity with HLSL

Unreal Engine 4/5 experience

3D maths knowledge

Performance optimization skills

Communication and documentation

Proactive mindset

Job description

Job Overview

Lead and mentor the Graphics team at Steel City Interactive, ensuring world‑class gameplay and AAA‑fidelity rendering performance across our products.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Graphics team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Oversee the planning, scoping, and delivery of Rendering features and shaders that support our stated goal of AAA fidelity.
• Liaise with tech art and other disciplines to help art and design teams on multiple projects.
• Lead the establishment of pragmatic performance budgets in collaboration with other teams.
• Profile and optimise existing code and systems.
• Review and approve technical documentation and architectural decisions.
• Ensure high-quality code through best practices and automated testing.
• Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in Graphics development.
• Contribute to the technical direction and culture of the studio.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in graphics programming.
• Deep knowledge of key technologies used in graphics programming for AAA games, such as C++ and HLSL.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5. Rendering pipeline knowledge would be advantageous.
• An eye for aesthetics – the ability to discuss with artists what works visually and how to make it fit into a game.
• Proven experience with debugging and data and performance optimisation.
• Strong understanding of 3D maths and data structures.
• Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Self‑driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
• A genuine passion for games and game development.
• Prior experience in line management or leading engineering teams.

Benefits

• Healthy work‑life balance: 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
• Opportunity to lead a major enterprise‑wide programme.
• Studio benefits: flexible working hours, support for family life, private healthcare (including optical & dental), free snacks, fruit and drinks, dog‑friendly studio, free parking, health & wellbeing support, company sick pay, 2 days paid mental health leave per year, access to 24/7 doctors, employee assistance programme, £300 wellbeing stipend every January, learning days, unlimited access to Udemy courses, additional financial support: technology scheme (up to £750), discount club at over 350 stores, discretionary cost of living payments, relocation benefits, electric car vehicle scheme, bonus, connection and perks: wrap parties & company paid outings, individual entertainment budget for team events.
• Remote (Monthly visit), hybrid or onsite options available.