Lead Level Designer (Game Development)

TL;DR

Lead Single Player Level Designer (Game Development): Guiding the creative and technical direction of campaign levels from early concept to final polish with an accent on building cinematic, gameplay-driven experiences that deliver emotional impact. Focus on championing design quality, mentoring a team of designers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring the studio’s creative vision to life.

Location: This is a hybrid position based in our Guildford, UK studio, offering flexibility with a combination of in-studio and remote workdays. Permanent remote work is not available. Candidates should be open to working in or relocating to Guildford, UK.

Company

Sledgehammer Games, a leading developer under hirify.global, is renowned for its work on the Call of Duty franchise, delivering iconic first-person shooter titles with a commitment to excellence and interactive storytelling.

What you will do

• Act as the level design leader for Single Player content created 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.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and career development for level designers.
• Partner with the recruitment team to identify and hire key talent for the team.

Requirements

• Extensive industry experience working in AAA Game Design, with a professional portfolio.
• Previous experience as a Lead Designer, with experience managing and mentoring a team of 2+ designers.
• Prior experience with technical scripting, ideally through text-based languages (C++, C#, Lua, or similar) or Unreal's Blueprints.
• Expansive knowledge of game design, including combat design, AI behaviours, player guidance, and geometry building.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to pitch concepts clearly.
• Experience working with proprietary engines and toolsets, including Unreal.
• Open to working in or relocating to Guildford, UK.

Nice to have

• Shipped at least one title as a Lead Designer.
• Experience working on projects involving multiple internal and external partners.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment focused on world-class gaming content.
• Opportunity to push boundaries and redefine interactive storytelling within the industry.
• Contribute to delivering unrivaled gaming experiences for millions of players globally.
• Be part of a team driven by innovation and sophisticated technology.
• Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encouraging all qualified individuals to apply.