At Keywords, we are using our passion for games, technology and media to create a global services platform for video games and beyond. Our aim is to become the “go to” provider of technical services.

We enable leading content creators and publishers to leverage our expertise and capacity across the lifecycle of interactive content. In so doing we empower our clients to remain lean and agile, and to focus on creating the most engaging experiences.

Keywords is trusted and relied upon by many of the world’s leading video game companies to work alongside them during concept, development and live operations by leveraging the breadth and depth of our industry leading service lines every step of the way. www.keywordsstudios.com

The Culture & Engagement Manager for Create UK is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping, driving, and sustaining a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture across Keywords’ eight UK game development studios. Distinct from HR operations, this role is focused on employee engagement, belonging, and retention—building an environment where talented people can thrive and deliver their best work.

Working in close partnership with studio leadership and the UK HR team, the Manager will lead regional strategies and initiatives that foster trust, strengthen cultural alignment, and enhance employee well-being and satisfaction. The role will serve as the voice of employee engagement at regional level, embedding a consistent approach while respecting the unique identity of each studio.

Full scope of tasks including but not limited to:

Culture & Engagement

• Develop and execute a regional culture and engagement strategy that reflects Keywords’ values and supports studio success.
• Design and deliver engagement initiatives that build belonging, trust, and collaboration across multi-site teams.
• Partner with studio leaders to champion cultural consistency while respecting site-level identities.

Employee Voice & Insights

• Lead the regional eNPS process end-to-end: survey design, deployment, data analysis, reporting, and action planning.
• Facilitate employee listening sessions, focus groups, and pulse surveys to surface actionable insights.
• Provide clear recommendations to leadership teams based on employee feedback and trends.

Talent Development & Retention

• Collaborate with studio leaders to design and implement development initiatives that enhance skills, careers, and long-term retention.
• Work closely with HR partners to identify at-risk talent and support proactive retention strategies.
• Champion recognition, career pathways, and employee growth opportunities across the region.

Well-being & Employee Experience

• Lead initiatives that improve employee well-being, inclusivity, and psychological safety across studios.
• Ensure studio leaders are equipped to foster supportive, respectful, and engaging environments.
• Build and maintain networks of cultural ambassadors and champions within studios.

Collaboration & Influence

• Partner with the UK HR team on shared goals while maintaining a clear focus on culture, engagement, and employee experience.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Regional Director and studio leadership teams on engagement and culture matters.
• Drive consistency and best-practice sharing across studios, creating a connected and thriving regional community.

Reporting & Travel

• Reports to the UK Regional Director, with dotted-line collaboration to UK HR Director.
• Regular travel required between 8 UK studios to maintain presence and visibility.

Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in a people-focused leadership role within a multi-site organisation (games, creative industries, or technology sector preferred).

• Proven track record in designing and delivering successful engagement, culture, or talent development strategies at scale.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting employee feedback, survey data, and retention metrics.
• Excellent facilitation skills with ability to run focus groups, workshops, and listening sessions.
• Strong influencer and collaborator with the ability to partner effectively with HR, leadership, and employees at all levels.
• Deep understanding of employee engagement, belonging, and cultural transformation in a fast-paced, creative environment.
• Passion for people, culture, and building workplaces where individuals can thrive.

Personal Attributes

• Inspirational and empathetic leader who builds trust quickly.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to listen deeply and act decisively.
• Data-driven yet people-first, balancing insights with intuition.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-moving industry and multi-site environment.
• Culturally aware and inclusive, with a genuine passion for games and creative industries.

Measures of Success

• Improved eNPS scores and engagement survey results year-on-year.
• Reduction in staff attrition across UK studios.
• Positive feedback from studio leaders on cultural initiatives.
• Clear evidence of career development pathways being adopted across studios.