Lead Game Designer (Unreal Engine 5)

TL;DR

Lead Game Designer (Gamedev): Leading a team of designers to deliver high-quality gameplay systems and features for a major boxing video game with an accent on team management, design standards, and product vision. Focus on balancing delivery priorities with team development, ensuring gameplay consistency, and translating strategic direction into actionable design outputs.

Location: Hybrid role based in Sheffield, UK. Relocation benefits are available for eligible candidates.

Company

hirify.global is a Sheffield-based game studio founded in 2020, dedicated to creating authentic, high-quality boxing video games using innovative proprietary technology.

What you will do

• Lead and mentor a team of designers, overseeing performance, development, and wellbeing.
• Define and support the gameplay vision across systems, mechanics, and features.
• Ensure alignment with player experience goals, including engagement, progression, and retention.
• Translate product and creative direction into clear, actionable design outputs.
• Oversee the quality and consistency of design documentation and communication.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, art, UX, production, and product teams to resolve dependencies.

Requirements

• Strong experience in game design, particularly systems or feature design.
• Proven experience mentoring others or readiness to take on people management responsibilities.
• Ability to balance delivery with team leadership responsibilities.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Must be based in or able to relocate to Sheffield, UK.

Nice to have

• Experience with Unreal Engine 5.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working hours and hybrid work model.
• 23 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays and Christmas shutdown.
• Private healthcare including optical and dental.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Learning days and individual entertainment budget for team events.
• Free snacks, fruit, and drinks in the studio.