AddressAbout Dambuster Studios
Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design, Dambuster is a vibrant and ambitious UK-based studio best known for creating the smash hit Dead Island 2. We are always seeking individuals who can embrace our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.
Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation and sponsorship for some of our positions (if the role is eligible, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our studio is in Nottingham City Centre. Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment.
Narrative Team Lead
Dambuster Studios - creators of the TimeSplitters series alongside Second Sight, Haze, Homefront: The Revolution, and the number one smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Narrative Team Lead to join our highly talented Narrative team.
Work options for this role
Hybrid or full studio.
Role Overview
- You'll be dedicated to creating an environment in which each member of the NARRATIVE TEAM can do their best work and continue to improve their craft.
- You will regularly check in with each member of the team, conduct their official appraisals, provide constructive feedback on their work, champion their training requirements and promotions, clarify the team’s priorities, remove blockers in their path, help them identify and address any professional issues, organise team-building events, and guide their career development.
- You will be able to make important (and sometimes tough) decisions, but you're always a champion for your team: we're making games, not breaking people.
- You'll be responsible for ensuring that your team's work is implemented to a high and consistent quality bar, on time, and to scope. You are always on the lookout for potential obstacles, and you're in the habit of flagging them early and often.
- You will work with the Narrative Director to provide the team with clear and actionable feedback and align them behind a shared vision.
- You will oversee audio and performance capture, working with producers to ensure the entire process is planned and managed effectively.
- You will be responsible for maintaining accurate, up-to-date documentation that gives other teams the narrative information they need in an intuitive and easily digestible form.
- You’re familiar with Jira and Confluence, and able to point other teams to whatever narrative information they may need on every character, scene, conversation, journal, location, quest, item, hub, and prop.
- Working with Production and the Narrative Director, you will create or refine workflows and processes to improve the way the Narrative team works together and collaborates with other disciplines.
What we’re looking for
- You take pride in your TEAM LEADership and people management skills. While you will be a valued member of the Writers Room, your focus will be supporting, managing, and enabling your team to do their best work.
- You are dedicated to improving the professional lives and skill sets of your direct reports. You are passionate about leadership, mentoring, and attentive management.
- You are dedicated to helping your team do its best work, but you’re happy to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in when necessary.
- You know writers and what makes them tick, what helps them to grow, and what frees them up to deliver.
- You have experienced several complete AAA video game development life cycles, so you understand the constraints and concerns of game and level design.
- You are diplomatic and professional at all times. You’re comfortable presenting the NARRATIVE TEAM's vision to coworkers of any seniority level, and you are also a good listener who welcomes constructive feedback from any source.
What we can offer you
- Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
- Relocation and visa support
- Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
- Annual pay reviews
- Company pension contribution that increases with service
- Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
- Studio funded learning and development opportunities
- Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
- Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
- Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
- Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
- Quarterly company funded cross-team events
- Free financial advice
- Employee referral bonus scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday
Equal Opportunities Statement
Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.
We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.
