Lead Designer

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 23 April 2026
LOCATION
Portsmouth
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Creative & Design
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Gameplay Systems AAA Titles Design Unreal Engine Cross-discipline Collaboration Client Communication Proactive Problem Solving Design Documentation

FULL DESCRIPTION

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] is looking for an experienced Lead Designer to join their team, driving high-quality gameplay systems on AAA titles while supporting client collaboration and pitch development. The Lead Designer will be required to work on-site and will report to the Design Director.

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Lead Designer or Senior Designer on AAA titles

  • Shipped multiple titles, with ownership of core gameplay systems or features

  • Strong track record of driving design from concept through implementation to ship

  • Deep understanding of gameplay systems, player experience, and iteration processes

  • Confident working hands-on in engine (Unreal preferred, not required)

  • Strong cross-discipline collaboration

  • Experience working with external stakeholders or clients

  • Ability to contribute to and present pitches and early concepts

  • Comfortable challenging assumptions and advocating for the best player experience

Responsibilities

  • Own and drive the design and delivery of key gameplay systems and features in alignment with the project vision

  • Lead a team of designers, ensuring clarity, quality, and consistency of output

  • Establish and maintain strong iteration loops, using playtesting and feedback to refine the experience

  • Make clear, informed design decisions in evolving production environments

  • Collaborate closely with engineering, art, and production to ensure feasible, high-quality implementation

  • Identify risks, solve problems proactively, and ensure design work meets milestone expectations

  • Create and maintain clear, actionable design documentation

  • Conduct design reviews and provide constructive, actionable feedback

  • Mentor designers while maintaining high standards and accountability

  • Own client-facing design communication where required, supporting both development and new business opportunities

  • Support the creation of pitches, prototypes, and vertical slices

Benefits

  • Excellent holiday package

  • Regular social events

  • A friendly, focused, ambitious and relaxed working environment

  • Ongoing training and development, with career progression

  • Group Private Medical Insurance provided by BUPA

  • Group Life Insurance

  • Employee Assistance Programme

  • Private Dental Insurance

  • Group Income Protection

  • Company Pension Scheme

  • Cycle To Work Scheme

  • Eye-Care Vouchers

Perks

  • Bring your doggo to work! We're a dog friendly studio, bring your pooch in to meet us.

  • Bean to cup coffee machine in the studio.

  • Fresh fruit and healthy snacks provided daily, breakfast and some not so healthy snacks.

  • In-house clubs and socials. From board games, tennis, football to D&D nights, there are lots of opportunities to socialise.

  • Regular Socials including Project Wrap Parties, team and studio events, Christmas and annual Summer parties and some great charity fundraising events.

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