Lead Designer

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 23 April 2026
LOCATION
Liverpool
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

Lead Designer

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] is looking for an experienced Lead Designer to join their team in Liverpool, driving high-quality gameplay systems on AAA titles while supporting client collaboration and pitch development. The role requires a creatively driven and technically grounded designer capable of leading a team and working hands-on in-engine.

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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