Head of Development

1 Month ago • All levels • Game Production

Job Summary

Job Description

The Head of Development at Lighthouse Games will be responsible for shaping and executing strategic initiatives, overseeing ambitious projects, and leading a talented team. Key duties include developing and managing project plans, ensuring successful game delivery, liaising with publishers and investors, managing budgets, identifying and mitigating risks, guiding cross-functional teams, and ensuring development meets industry standards. The role requires extensive experience in game production and launches, strong stakeholder management, project and team leadership, and financial expertise. The successful candidate will be passionate about games, data-driven, and possess excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Must have:
  • Extensive AAA game production experience
  • Strong stakeholder management skills
  • Proven leadership of large cross-functional teams
  • Expertise in budget management and resource allocation
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Good to have:
  • AAA console development experience
  • Experience with Unreal Engine

Job Details

Description

Lighthouse Games is a new AAA studio in Leamington Spa. We are defined by our pedigree of talent, and serious ambition to build a new best-in-class game. When you join us at Lighthouse, you will be able to create the best work of your career, in an environment that feels truly collaborative. You will learn from the best, and work alongside the future greats of the gaming industry.

As our Head of Development you will be responsible for shaping and executing strategic initiatives that drive our studio forward. Overseeing our ambitious project and talented team, the position ensures that all efforts align with the company’s vision and goals. By championing innovation and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, this position plays a key part in enhancing efficiency and creativity. Ultimately, it contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the studio, ensuring its continued growth and excellence in the industry.

Key Duties Include

  • Develop and manage project plans, ensuring milestones and deliverables align with stakeholder expectations.
  • Take ownership of the execution and successful delivery of a complex and highly ambitious AAA game, ensuring progress translates into tangible results. This role requires a hands-on approach, turning plans into action and driving teams forward to meet goals effectively and efficiently.
  • Act as the primary liaison for publishers and investors, providing regular updates, reports, and risk assessments.
  • Oversee budgets, allocate resources efficiently, and collaborate with finance teams to optimize spending.
  • Identify project risks early, develop contingency plans, and proactively address potential delays.
  • Guide cross-functional teams, fostering a productive, innovative, and collaborative work environment.
  • Ensure development meets industry standards, coordinating testing and iteration based on feedback.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, driving best practices within the team.
  • Maintain thorough documentation, generate progress reports, and conduct post-mortems for future improvements.

Requirements

  • Extensive Industry Experience – Proven track record in game production and game launches, with experience leading multiple shipped AAA titles across various platforms.
  • Strong Stakeholder Management – Ability to manage relationships with publishers, investors, and internal leadership, ensuring alignment on vision, budgets, and timelines.
  • Project & Team Leadership – Experience leading large (100+), cross-functional development teams, fostering collaboration, and driving projects from concept to release.
  • Financial & Budget Management – Expertise in budget planning, resource allocation, and cost control to ensure projects are delivered on time and within financial constraints.
  • Risk Assessment & Problem-Solving – Ability to identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively resolve issues before they escalate.
  • Excellent Communication & Negotiation Skills – Ability to clearly convey project status, challenges, and priorities to internal teams and external partners.
  • Passion for Games & Industry Trends – Up-to-date knowledge of market trends, player expectations, and emerging technologies to drive innovation and success.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making – Ability to analyse performance metrics, user feedback, and market data to inform strategic decisions and improve development processes.

Desirable

  • Experience in AAA Console Development
  • Experience working on an Unreal driven project
  • Must exhibit a current passion for games and a strong sense of aesthetics applicable to producing AAA products

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About The Company

Lighthouse is a game development company, and our ambition is to create a studio that embodies what it means to be at the bleeding edge of video game development – a studio that enables developers to create the best work of their career, in an environment that feels truly collaborative.


We are a home for ambitious developers who value collaboration and possess a determination to deliver quality. We want talent to flourish in our state-of-the-art studio and welcome experienced developers with a passion for mentoring. Our studio is a great environment for new talent to grow and develop their careers because they will be part of an outstanding studio with a long, bright future, where they can learn from the best. 


As a growing AAA development studio, we are actively searching for talent and by joining Lighthouse you will work with some of the leading lights in AAA game development, who will support you in creating the best work of your career in an environment which fosters openness and respect.

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