Lead Narrative Designer

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 the role requires you on-site frequently we can discuss relocation to Nottingham (if the role requires this, it’s outlined in the advert below).  Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.

Lead Narrative Designer

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 -  has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Narrative Designer to join our highly talented Narrative team.

Role overview 

As Narrative Lead, you are a key member of the studio’s leadership group, responsible for the day-to-day leadership and delivery of the Narrative team’s output. Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Narrative Director, you translate creative vision and narrative strategy into high-quality, efficient, and technically robust execution.

You lead the Narrative team in planning, prioritisation, and delivery, ensuring work meets project goals, production constraints, and the studio’s creative standards. You collaborate closely with other discipline leads to align narrative development with design, art, and production, enabling smooth integration across the project.

You lead by example in upholding the studio’s behavioural standards, setting clear expectations and acting as a mentor to the team. You foster a culture of craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and care for the professional growth and wellbeing of your team. This role is can be on site or hybrid from out Nottingham studio, or fully remote within the UK.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
• 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

• Champion your team – Use planning, scoping and pipelines to ensure the narrative team can use their time be creative.
• Advocate for narrative design – You’ll be a creative too and you will want to write and add to the narrative content and understand the nuances of writing for video games.
• Economy and Efficiency –You will make important (and sometimes tough) decisions, to balance scope against value, and against team bandwidth.
• Quality first – you will plan for re-writes, iteration, rehearsal, VO prep & direction, support QA and collate feedback, limited re-records, and polish. 
• Deadlines matter – You will work to and set deadlines. 
• Understanding the Vision – You work with Director(s), absorbing their vision and aspirations for the game, asking for clarity, sanity checks, and identifying gaps where they exist.
• Implementing the vision – You’ll understand the game vision, and you’ll manage the narrative design that will compliment that experience, giving unique context, tone and drama where most appropriate.
• A delegator – you will delegate and encourage trust and autonomy within the team. 
• A collaborator - You will work collaboratively with the Writers 
• You will participate in recruitment processes, acting as Hiring Manager and onboard new starters.

Requirements

• Acknowledged competency in technical discipline to the level of senior (minimum requirement).
• Although no previous experience in people management required.
• Demonstrable people skills.
• A good understanding of the Studio’s people culture and values.
• Strong organisational abilities. 
• Willingness to take decisions and provide leadership.
• Demonstrable interest in people management.
• Willingness to learn management skills, both ‘on the job’, and internal and external course attendance.
• Previous experience of covering for line manager in times of absence or high workload.
• Excellent communication ability within the team, across multiple disciplines.
• Acts as a role model and ambassador for the team and the studio with potential to develop external diplomatic/negotiating skills. 

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.