Outsource 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.

**Outsource Lead (Art)**
Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit _Dead Island 2_ - has an exciting opportunity for an **Outsource Lead (Art)** to join our highly talented Art team.

**Role overview**

The **Outsource Lead (Art)** takes overall responsibility for the creation and quality of artwork undertaken by external vendors for Dambuster Studios. They manage relationships and act as the key communication conduit between in-house and outsource art teams. Strong people management skills are desirable as the scope of outsourcing may scale over time.

**Key duties & responsibilities**
- Immerse yourself in the game’s creative vision and collaborate with leadership to set asset specifications.
- Coordinate and manage relationships with external vendors to ensure timely delivery and high-quality output.
- Source, vet, and set up vendors for success.
- Proactively manage the outsourcing process, including onboarding, maintaining communication, and setting standards with external studios and artists.
- Regularly evaluate and improve performance and quality of external partners to ensure alignment with project standards.
- Take overall responsibility for creation of briefs, feedback, and integration of assets into the game.
- Clearly communicate feedback on assets to outsource partners, balancing quality with timely delivery.
- Manage and raise risks and issues where appropriate to production or relevant parties.
- Develop and maintain pipelines to streamline outsourcing and improve efficiency.
- Ensure all art assets created by external vendors meet legal requirements, avoiding copyright or trademark infringements.
- Oversee the asset feedback process to maintain aesthetic and technical quality.
- Provide bug support triage and resolution for art assets created by the outsourcing team.

**Core skills & experience**
- Intricate knowledge of game art asset creation across software like Maya, 3ds Max, Zbrush, Photoshop, Substance, Unreal Engine.
- Highly proficient in clear, unambiguous communication of ideas.
- Ability to create images to illustrate ideas using reference screenshots and illustration techniques.
- Capable of creating clear, well-organised documentation tailored to the target audience.
- Strong understanding of game art production (modelling, mapping, texturing, technical considerations) and their relationship to the overall game product.
- Broad understanding of art fundamentals such as proportion, composition, and colour.
- Proven experience in performance management of outsource vendors.

**What we can offer you**
- Core hours 9.30am - 4pm, with flexibility on the remaining hours.
- Workstyle: studio or hybrid (if hybrid, you must live within 50 miles of the studio)
- Relocation and visa support (if applicable).
- Holiday allowance increases with service (up to 30 days plus statutory public holidays).
- Annual pay reviews.
- Increased company pension contributions with service.
- Enhanced maternity leave pay for 26 weeks (for qualifying expectant mothers).
- Clear career progression pathways.
- Studio-funded learning and development opportunities.
- Modern game development environment equipped with the latest technologies.
- Nottingham city centre location with great transport links.
- Fully subsidised Virgin gym membership (Nottingham).
- Annual Christmas party, summer BBQ, and quarterly cross-team events.
- Weekly office treats, including Monday breakfasts and Friday pastries.

**Requirements**:

- 5+ years of experience in a AAA game engine (essential).
- Experience in outsourcing and managing external art teams (essential).
- Strong portfolio showcasing high-quality game art assets (essential).
- Bachelor’s degree in Game Art, Design, or related fields (desirable).

**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 positio