Studio Technical Director

Sumo’s Lab
42 team is currently working on multiple exciting projects, across a number of game engines and platforms, using cutting-edge technologies to deliver premium quality solutions for our wide variety of clients. This role is an awesome opportunity to support and enhance Lab
42’s ‘Problems Solved’ reputation, in fusing flexibility with fun and to help forge the future direction of the studio. We’re a relaxed and welcoming bunch who believe making games should be fun and rewarding, so if that sounds like your thing, come join us!

Expert knowledge of C++ and C#, and comprehensive experience working in Unreal, Unity and bespoke game engine solutions.

Proven commercial leadership experience in the gaming industry either as a Technical Director, or a Senior/Lead on a major published game title.

Proven ability to communicate engineering vision, status and risk at a senior level, in both internal and external client facing contexts.

Experience working on games for console, PC and mobile.

A consultative approach, working across the whole studio to influence and deliver a variety of projects.

Exceptional people leadership and communication skills, with proven experience managing Lead Programmers.

Comprehensive understanding of software development practices, including awareness of both client and server technology solutions and a forward view of emerging technologies and hardware.

Setting the engineering vision, technical strategy and direction for Lab
42:

Working alongside the Studio and other Discipline Directors to shape the studio strategy and development practices, influencing decisions at senior studio management and stakeholder level.

Setting coding standards, engineering best practice and development methodologies across the whole studio and at individual project levels.

Collaborating with Technical Directors at other Sumo Digital studios to develop and align technical practice where possible, including our AI adoption strategies.​Contributing to acquiring and developing projects, and accountable for the engineering delivery of projects run at the studio:

Working with the Studio Directors, other Discipline Directors and external partners on project pitches, interpreting high-level client requirements to agree scope, approach and costing.

Delegating high-level requirements to project team Lead Programmers and providing guidance on scheduling, scoping and the best technical approach to implementation.

Driving engineering quality and efficiency across multiple projects, checking and challenging code and systems against agreed standards, including active engineering work on active projects.

Acting as the senior technical escalation point and sounding board for Lead Programmers with project specific issues, reviewing technical proposals to identify and mitigate risk.

Providing hands-on technical support when appropriate.

Leading, building and developing the code team at the studio:

Setting engineering team goals and performance expectations, and providing effective and constructive feedback to the studio code team, along with initiatives to improve performance and engagement where necessary.

Leading the adoption of appropriate usage of AI technologies across the whole Studio, working across disciplines, not just in engineering.

Coaching and mentoring programmers at all levels, and guiding staff in their development within the Sumo Career Pathway.

Working with the Studio Director and other Discipline Directors to define the recruitment strategy for the studio from the code team perspective.

Working with the People team to identify, attract and hire top talent.

What we offer:

Sumo understands the importance of having control over your benefits. That's why we offer a flexible, personalised benefits package…