Steve Kirk.
Managing Consultant
I have a career spanning over 18 years recruitment experience, and I am now entering my 10th year with Pentasia.
As the longest serving member of our recruitment teams globally, I have brought a wealth of industry knowledge to all facets of our customers businesses across iGaming, Sports Betting, Casino/Slots and Lottery.
I support our Executive Search Business, delivering C-Suite and Head of positions globally whilst also managing our Game Development teams, focused on Senior Game Design, Mathematical and Art positions for Studios and Providers across Europe.
Outside of work, I am a proud father of 2 boys, and enjoy travelling with family and friends as much as I can.
Latest Steve Kirk Jobs.
Games Mathematician / Data Analyst
Posted 5 days ago- London, Hybrid
- Attractive
We are seeking a talented and highly analytical Games Mathematician Data Analyst to join our team. As a Games Mathematician Data Analyst, you will play a key role in analysing and interpreting player data to optimize the performance and profitability of our lottery casino games. You will work closely with the game development team, providing insights and recommendations based on your expertise in mathematics and statistical analysis. You will also create new prize structures and adapt existing prize structures based on regulatory and/or lottery specific requirements of specific territories. Your work will directly contribute to the success of our games and help us deliver an exceptional gaming experience to our players. Key Responsibilities Analyse and interpret player data to understand player behaviour, game performance, and profitability metrics. Develop mathematical models and algorithms to simulate game outcomes and optimize game design elements, such as odds, pay-outs, and game mechanics. Create or adapt prize structures based on performance insights gained. Collaborate with the game development team to provide data-driven insights and recommendations for game design improvements. Conduct statistical analysis on game data to identify trends, patterns, and potential areas for optimization. Monitor and evaluate game performance metrics, including revenue, player engagement and retention rates, and provide actionable recommendations. Conduct research on industry trends, market competition, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and stay ahead in the market. Work closely with the data engineering team to ensure data quality, integrity, and efficient data collection and storage processes. Collaborate with other teams, such as marketing and customer support, to provide data driven solutions and support their initiatives. Stay updated on the latest developments in mathematics, statistics, and gaming trends to continuously enhance your skills and knowledge. Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field. Strong mathematical and statistical modelling skills, with experience in probability theory, stochastic processes, and statistical analysis. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB for data analysis and modelling. Experience in analysing large datasets using SQL or similar querying languages. Solid understanding of casino games and the underlying mathematical principles. Ability to communicate complex mathematical concepts and analysis results effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Attention to detail and ability to work with a high level of accuracy. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and meet deadlines.
Art Director / Head of Art
Posted 16 days ago- London, United Kingdom
- Attractive
We are seeking a talented and experienced Art Director to lead the visual design efforts across various projects. As the Art Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity and aesthetic of their games, including UI design, promotional assets, and other visual elements. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including game designers, developers, and marketing professionals, to ensure that their games deliver a captivating and immersive user experience. Responsibilities: Develop and implement the artistic vision for their games, ensuring consistency and high-quality visual design throughout all aspects of the project. Lead and inspire a team of artists, providing creative direction and guidance to achieve the desired artistic goals. Drive the creation of game UI designs, ensuring intuitive and visually appealing interfaces that enhance gameplay and player engagement. Conceptualize and oversee the production of promotional assets, such as trailers, screenshots, key art, and other marketing materials. Collaborate closely with game designers to ensure that visual elements align with the overall gameplay mechanics and narrative. Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to continually enhance the visual experience of our games. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality visual assets within project deadlines. Conduct regular reviews and provide constructive feedback to artists, fostering their growth and development. Maintain effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including producers, developers, and marketing professionals. Requirements: A strong portfolio demonstrating your exceptional skills in visual design, including UI design, concept art, and promotional materials. Previous experience in the iGaming industry is highly preferred. Proven experience as an Art Director or a similar leadership role, with a track record of successfully delivering visually compelling projects. Extensive knowledge of design principles, typography, colour theory, and composition, with the ability to apply them effectively in an iGaming context. Proficiency in industry-standard design tools and familiarity with game development software (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine). Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team of artists toward a common vision. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions quickly while considering project constraints and goals. A passion for iGaming and a deep understanding of different iGaming genres and player expectations. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and requirements. A bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred, but equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
Senior Game Producer - Slots
Posted 21 days ago- Attractive
RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure an outstanding product and player experience Lead the development of specific games Create innovative game ideas Provide relevant documentation of low-level requirements Prioritise backlog with a strong user focus Present your project progress at regular intervals to stakeholders Very close collaboration with the math design team Work closely with development and UX team, and the Director of Product Collaborate with Business Intelligence to create market analysis Collaborate with Project Management to ensure the timely delivery of road mapped games Support the Account Management team with ad hoc product related customer inquiries REQUIREMENTS At least 3 years of experience in the iGaming industry with strong focus on online slot games Solid experience in the Producer role with a proven track record of delivering digital products Ability to control, track and report project status Ability to work in a fast moving, high pressure environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail Strong communication skills and stakeholder management
Director of Trading
Posted 48 days ago- Greece
- Attractive & competitive package
The Director of Trading is leading the Trading division to deliver a market-leading trading product offering and a best in class customer experience. The person filling the role is responsible for taking the division to the next level by planning effective and achievable strategies and overseeing all trading operation, including but not limited to pricing, risk management and trading strategy. Responsibilities Leads a team of approximately 200 traders and analysts, providing a clear and transparent vision and direction to ensure optimal performance based on company targets, with a long term vision (sustainable approach) Develops and implements trading strategies that drive profitability, growth and top tier customer experience Assumes full responsibility of sportsbook margin by managing effectively pricing and risk management Analyzes market trends and customer behavior to identify opportunities for growth and improvement Continually evaluates trading procedures and reorganizes the trading workflow by exploring new business information systems and technologies to improve performance and streamline processes Scaling up trading operations to support growth strategy/expansion Work closely with other teams within the company to ensure that the trading is offering a compelling and competitive product and that the trading activities are aligned with overall company goals, while ensuring end to end competitive proposition Owns the Trading HC and budget, always ensuring efficiency and effectiveness Working closely with the Trading & Platform teams to enhance capabilities of proprietary betting platform Stays up to date with the latest developments in the industry, including new technologies, regulatory changes and emerging trends to ensure that the company remains competitive and compliant. Qualifications 5+ years’ experience in a trading management role within an ideally B2C online betting operator Degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering or related field Proven track record of success in developing and implementing trading strategies that drive profitability Excellent leadership skills and ideally experienced in managing, motivating and developing high performing individuals and large scale, diverse teams, supporting an international operation Strong understanding of sports betting markets and sportsbook product lifecycle Familiarity with sportsbook trading software and risk management tools Ability to handle multiple simultaneous projects while effectively balancing scope, resourcing, time, and quality Exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills Superb organizational, communication and interpersonal skills Can do, positive and lead-by-example approach Core Competencies Business Acumen: Able to understand the current state of the business and the trends of the industry. Evaluates business plans against strategic business mandates and re-positions his strategy based on the internal and external environment Stakeholder Management: Anticipates and balances stakeholders’ expectations with the agreed objectives. Evaluates the effectiveness of the stakeholders’ engagement initiatives. Influences stakeholders using multiple communication methods and channels. Strategic Agility: Takes into account key financial indicators & system wide implications for better decision making; Predicts obstacles and challenges for long-term growth to identify mitigating strategies; Shows flexibility at shifting strategic priorities when appropriate. Leadership Acumen: Provides coaching and guidance to enhance others’ skill development; Encourages and fosters an open feedback culture; Inspires others to stretch beyond what they could do; Nurtures commitment to the organization’s vision, values, purpose and direction.
Head of Games
Posted 48 days ago- London, United Kingdom
- Attractive
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Games to lead the creation of new Live Casino Games and Game Show concepts. Reporting into the CTO, the Head of Games will be responsible for storytelling and creating new game concepts for their innovative Live Casino product portfolio. You will be working with the Technology and Studio teams to innovate their gaming content using the best creative and technological solutions available. You will be working with internal teams as well as leading TV production companies and studios to ensure best possible results.Responsibilities: Lead the vision and creation of Game Concepts and Storytelling Work with the Product team to ensure accurate and good quality of specifications, project management, delivery plan and documentation Collaborate with Product and Technology teams as well as external service providers to create a full game design including technology, game logic, mathematics and visual delivery Collaborate with Commercial and Marketing teams to prepare sales and marketing materials and organise game launch related promotions Make no compromises in ensuring that the quality of the existing and future game portfolio is best in the industry Continuously drive the improvement of the game creation and delivery processes across the technology, studio and external teams Research the market including products, customers, competitors, trends – stay on top of the latest industry trends and technology innovation Requirements: Extensive background in creating iGaming Game Concepts, leading Game Design and Delivery process Demonstrable portfolio of game concepts / games Ability to work with product and technology teams, game mathematicians as well as external studios / service providers to achieve best possible product Demonstrable ability to build strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders Strong communication skills, ability to communicate effectively with different types of teams Experience in a fast-paced software delivery environment Passion for games, gaming and creation of entertaining content Excellent understanding of current trends in the iGaming industry, latest innovations and a vision for what is next
Senior Game Designer (Slots) - Remote
Posted 48 days ago- Attractive
Our client is looking for an experienced and creative Games Designer to join their team. You will be responsible for creating engaging and innovative game concepts, designing gamemechanics, and developing prototypes.This role requires a passion for creating entertaining and immersive gaming experiences, aswell as the ability to work collaboratively with a team of developers, artists, and otherstakeholders.Key responsibilities include: Conceptualize and develop new game ideas, concept and vision - managing the full lifecycle from ideation through to agreement through to successful production Build on these ideas to provide detailed specifications which align with technologies and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with the development team to define the games’ mechanics, levels and features. Collaborate with all teams - technology and commercial in addition to product - in order to gain agreement on games Write detailed required design documents - including game rules, mechanics, flow charts - which support game production Testing and iterating on game designs to improve player experience, providing detailed feedback to improve Communicating design ideas and receiving feedback from the development team. Staying up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in technology. About you Extensive years in a Production Team Leadership / Product Owner Role developing for-money slot gambling experiences. Proven experience in delivering multiple shipped titles in a Slot Game Designer role creating AAA slot gaming products for online markets. You have a real interest playing games - particularly slots and casino games. You have a strong understanding of how probabilistic maths models affect player experience and impact retention. You are adaptable to an ever moving industry - keen to stay up to date with trends You are a self-starter, with excellent organisation and time-management You have excellent written and verbal communication; wireframing, documentation and presentation skills Proficient in JIRA or other project tools