Narrative Team Lead

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate 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 and many of our roles can be offered on a hybrid or fully remote working basis – each role is different, so please refer to the advert below for further information. 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 number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Narrative Team Lead to join our highly talented Narrative team.

Role overview

• We can offer this role either on-site, hybrid or remote within the UK. To be considered for hybrid or on-site, you will need to live within 50 miles of our studio (we can offer financial support with relocation).

• 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 work with the Narrative Director to provide the team with clear and actionable feedback and align them behind a shared vision.

• 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.

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

• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

• Ensure that your team's work is implemented to a high and consistent quality bar, on time, and to scope. Actively identify potential obstacles and flag them early and often.

• Oversee audio and performance capture, working with producers to ensure the entire process is planned and managed effectively.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation that provides other teams with the narrative information they need in an intuitive and easily digestible form.

• Use Jira and Confluence to ensure narrative information is accessible, covering every character, scene, conversation, journal, location, quest, item, hub, and prop.

Requirements

• 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 co-workers of any seniority level, and you are also a good listener who welcomes constructive feedback from any source.

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.