Principal Designer (Game Design)

TL;DR

Principal Designer (Game Design): Leading the design vision for immersive gaming experiences with an accent on management and simulation games. Focus on driving high-quality game features, mentoring design teams, and balancing complex game systems.

Location: Hybrid (minimum 3 days per week in studio) or Onsite in Cambridge, UK. Relocation support is available.

Company

An independent video game developer and publisher known for crafting immersive management simulation games with high artistic quality.

What you will do

• Take ownership of design for major feature areas or lead design across the entire project.
• Collaborate with the Game Director to translate the game vision into compelling player experiences.
• Provide line-management and mentorship to design team members to develop their careers.
• Drive quality using playtests, player feedback, and QA reporting.
• Design game features, create in-game content, and balance complex game systems.
• Coordinate with Production to ensure effective feature prioritization and work scheduling.

Requirements

• Commercial game design experience in a senior role with a track record of delivering major features.
• Deep game knowledge across various genres, especially management and simulation games.
• Experience managing and motivating design teams.
• Strong understanding of player psychology and various game design theories.
• Excellent presentation skills for communicating ideas to stakeholders.
• Must be based in or able to relocate to the UK.

Nice to have

• Specific experience working on management games.
• Knowledge of UX/UI design principles.
• Experience supporting and growing live games.

Culture & Benefits

• Creative, collaborative, and inclusive environment with a strong focus on mental and physical wellbeing.
• Competitive package including success-based annual bonus and share option schemes.
• Private family healthcare and life assurance.
• Flexitime working hours and enhanced maternity/paternity leave.
• In-house subsidized catering and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Comprehensive relocation support package.