Head of Technology

Head of Technology

Permanent full-time on-site role in Wellington, NZ – 32 hours per week – $140,000 - $160,000 NZD based on experience. International applicants are welcome to apply, but must keep in mind the visa requirements for immigration. 

We're Dinosaur Polo Club, an award-winning video game studio of thirty lovely people making games in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. Following the release of Mini Metro we released our second game, Mini Motorways. The last couple of years have seen our delightful studio grow, and we’re working on something new and exciting. 

At Dinosaur Polo Club we value a healthy work-life balance where our dinos can flourish both inside and outside of the studio. We have a creative team, opportunities for growth, and a wholesome, supportive studio environment (check out our workplace benefits below!) 

We value diversity and believe that our team should be as varied and wonderful as the people who play our games all around the world. Differences such as disabilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity and any other aspects of various cultures and identities are important perspectives that contribute to an inclusive, well-rounded, and engaging work environment. We know we’re creating better games when we have varied perspectives and experiences contributing to them. Women, LGBTQ+ community, Māori and Pasifika  – we want to hear from you!  

About the Role 

We are seeking an experienced people leader to take on the role of Head of Technology for our thriving game development studio. As the Head of Technology, you will play a pivotal role in championing our Dinos and enabling them to do their best work. The technology team includes our game programmers and quality assurance. 

We’re looking for someone who is ready to raise the bar when it comes to people leadership in game development. From your diverse experiences, you’ll have an arsenal of tools and practices at your disposal to mix and match for the specific opportunities and challenges we experience. 

Key Accountabilities 

• Developing a high-performing tech team, with a focus on the needs of the studio. 

• Driving positive engagement and job satisfaction, with a focus on the needs of the tech team. 

• Ensure the technology team is well resourced to meet project requirements. 

• Anticipating and developing strategies to mitigate technical risks in the development process. 

In delivering on the Key Accountabilities, you’ll be responsible for: 

• Team Management - Conduct regular 1-1’s with your team, address and resolve conflicts, listen to the needs of your team and provide feedback. Carry out performance reviews and pay and promotion conversations. Provide clear and transparent expectations of the tech team. 

• Upskilling - Mentoring and development internally and in the wider game development community. 

• Game Development Process - Assist in defining and refining cross-discipline production practices. 

• Communication - ensuring clear and effective communication in the tech team and across disciplines.  

• Culture - Ensure the tech team is contributing positively to the studio culture. 

• Studio Management - Contribute to wider studio management initiatives. 

Adjustments to these responsibilities may be required based on the specific needs and focus areas of the studio as well as the strengths and interests of the successful applicant. 

You’ll Bring 

• High level of emotional intelligence including listening to understand, being comfortable giving and receiving feedback, awareness of your emotions and having dispute resolution capabilities. 

• A dynamic and varied career which spans both game development and technical management. 

• An open-minded approach and willingness to do things differently. 

• Knowledge of the game development cycle and understanding of the nuance in agile development practice. 

• An ability to guide and champion technical delivery and appreciation for how technology teams complement multi-disciplinary projects. 

• A focus on continuous improvement and growth. 

• Experience in managing complex, cross-disciplinary and dynamic workplaces. 

Some of the skills and experiences we're looking for: 

• 5+ years managing teams through a variety of complex challenges. 

• Shipped games experience, ideally cross-platform. 

• Strong understanding of games programming, although we don’t expect you to be a technical expert. 

What we can offer you: 

• A lovely bunch of skilled and enthusiastic team members for you to work alongside. 

• Generous training allowance for things such as conferences, workshops, online courses and self-directed learning. 

• Dedicated training days. 

• A four day work week - no Mondays! 

• Support structure including regular one-on-ones. 

• Team activities such as a pot-luck lunch, movie nights at the studio, holiday functions and more. 

• Healthy snacks, yummy treats, and close proximity to some of Wellington’s best eateries! Plus an impressive array of locally made tea and coffee. 

• Quarterly personal discretionary wellness allowance. 

• Quarterly bonuses based on studio performance. 

• Monthly workplace massages. 

• Flexible workplace with core hours and optional work-from-home days. 

Keen to apply? 

If you believe you fulfil 60% of the requirements and this strikes you as an exciting opportunity, we encourage you to apply. 

Click the button below and submit a CV and a cover letter outlining why you feel this would be the role for you. This position is permanent, full-time and on-site in beautiful Wellington, New Zealand so you’ll either be living in Wellington or be willing to relocate. Relocation packages are available. We’re looking forward to hearing from you. 

We are partnering with Kin to help us recruit this important and exciting role. If you have questions prior to applying, please feel free to contact Jamie (she / her) at jamie.edmundson@kin.co.nz 

Or if there is anything we can do to allow for easier participation in the interview process, please let us know at careers@dinopoloclub.com.