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.
Senior Game Mathematician - Slots
Posted 1 day ago- Attractive
The Snr Game Mathematician will work closely with the Senior Management and Game Design Teams to develop concepts and statistical documents for unique gambling games. Such games may be traditional video slot games, table games or multiplayer casual-mobile style games that will contain a gambling element. This role will be working collaboratively with the other disciplines to ensure that slot games are not only entertaining but also fair and financially viable for the casino. Playing a vital role in balancing the interests of players and the casino while complying with industry regulations. You will leverage their passion for playing various genres of games as well as developing their expert knowledge of player psychology to help devise unique and engaging Game content. You will help to create and maintain comprehensive documentation, create detailed experience flowcharts, wireframes, and detailed moment-to-moment gameplay experiences with distinct clarity. Additionally, you will assist in the brainstorming, creation, and review of new game features for the Company’s future product line. Experience Ability to build a greater knowledge of real money casino games, player psychology and the ability to help in the creation of ideas and designs for specific markets and players; Understanding of the basic mathematical fundamentals of gambling games; Passion for games and mobile gaming, including an understanding of mobile gambling products and trends; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Familiarity with software tools used for game development and analysis; Ability to work in a collaborative, multi-team environment, including product managers, engineers, artists, marketing, and support service personnel; Good organisational, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Highly desirable Experience designing games, including math or similar products that come into being through various channels, including original concepts, competitively relevant products, and business or market needs; Knowledge or experience with various game development pipelines & methodologies; Involvement within teams developing products is highly recommended; Knowledge about games and/or the casino industry, including the current market landscape; Experience working with multiple disciplines, including artists, mathematicians, software developers, etc., in creating games or products. Day to day Collaborate with the slots team to assist in the design and creation of unique gambling games; Use mathematical models to create game rules, pay tables and volatility settings; Consistently demonstrate an increasing knowledge of the gaming market and an empathy for all player types; Help with the Mathematical Analysis of existing and new games to analyse the probability of winning and the expected return to the player for each game. Calculate the house edge and volatility of the games to ensure profitability for the casino. Optimising game parameters to achieve desired player engagement and revenue targets; Ensure the integrity of the random number generator (RNG) used in slot games to guarantee fair and unpredictable outcomes; Stay up-to-date with gaming regulations and ensure that all games meet legal requirements and standards; Collect and analyse data from slot games to make data-driven decisions for game improvements; Monitor and interpret player behaviour and game performance to identify areas for enhancement; Conduct playtesting and quality assurance to identify and address issues with game mechanics or payouts; Ensure that the game provides a satisfying player experience while adhering to the intended mathematical model; Maintain detailed documentation of game specifications, mathematical models, and testing results; Participation in team brainstorming; Contributing to the review of other designers’ games and concepts; Contributing to the evolution of the team’s process and best practices; Market and data analysis of current trends; Assist with strategising future product plans and lines.
Game Producer
Posted 2 days ago- London, United Kingdom
- Attractive
Our client is seeking a highly creative individual, able to think outside of the box to bring new, fresh ideas to the table whilst being able to execute their vision with the team. You’re a flexible, multi-tasking professional with strong people skills who can work closely with different teams by providing clear guidelines and key success factors at all stages of game development. You are open-minded, eager to learn new things and challenge yourself and your collaborators to create games which constantly push the boundaries of game development. Experience 5+ years of experience as a Game Producer within the iGaming industry. Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written); Team player with the ability to explain the vision to the team and get everyone onboard; Data-driven and results-oriented approach; Positive, open-minded, analytical, hands-on individual; You are balanced between instinct and data-driven decision-making; Results-driven, positive, open-minded, solution-oriented person with an analytical mind You have a keen eye for detail; You enjoy working in a fast-moving environment while being able to maintain accuracy and attention to detail; Strong organisational & planning skills; Understanding of consumer behaviour and industry trends; Ability to communicate, present and influence key stakeholders at all company levels, including executive and C-level staff; Proven ability to juggle multiple projects at a time, while maintaining sharp attention to detail; Extensive knowledge of the slot vertical; Self-motivated and able to thrive in a results-driven environment. Day to day; Act as a creative lead in the game development from ideation to completion; Create new concepts and ideas for gaming projects; Work with the executive management team to craft the vision of gaming titles, develop schedules and resource requirements to achieve the set objectives; Work closely with the development team, game studios, business and marketing teams to provide and maintain the creative vision and business value of the product; Keep abreast of current and future gaming trends, development tools and processes, target platforms, competitive products, and the shifting regulatory landscape.
SVP of Operations - Manila
Posted 10 days ago- Manila, Philippines, Asia
- Attractive
We are seeking a dynamic and highly organized person to provide day-to-day structure while the company maintains its fast pace of growth. You will join a team of founders, innovators, and leaders in their field supporting the day-to-day operations and management of the company. The SVP of Operations will be directly responsible for the oversight and operational management of the Account Management, Compliance, and Market Analysis teams, while supporting various department heads and guiding company-wide management functions. This role is central to ensuring the company runs efficiently, cohesively, and in line with its strategic objectives. This candidate is the internal engine and driver of consistency, execution, and alignment. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, execution-focused leader who excels in people management, process improvement, and building operational excellence across departments through individual managers. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Mentor and help your colleagues reach individual success by keeping them focused and organized. Bring solid management to the business so it can achieve its goals. Assess performance and personnel and possess the ability to make hard choices when changes are necessary. Lead and manage the operations through oversight of Account Management, Compliance, and Market Analysis groups ensuring goals, outputs, and service standards are met and aligned with the company’s business strategy. Ensure all departments—technical and non-technical—are working in coordination through better communication. Foster a culture of collaboration and unified direction across the organization. Drive and ensure consistent execution of day-to-day business functions, including coordination of reporting and client deliverables. Execute on goals to ensure company plans, commitments, and operational targets are met. Track deliverables across departments to ensure consistent, high-quality output. Identify and implement improvements through streamlining of internal processes and workflows. Oversee team performance, staff development, and departmental KPIs. Ensure consistent annual reviews, professional growth frameworks, and team cohesion. Provide operational support to function areas including HR, IT, Finance, and Project Management. Ensure policies, systems, and corporate processes are working effectively and consistently across the company. JOB COMPETENCIES: Senior management experience within a high-growth business or within a fast-paced Fin-tech setting. Be willing to roll-up your sleeves and participate in company expansion efforts. Experience working within compliance-related or compliance-focused industries. Proven ability to be organized to manage multiple projects and multi-disciplinary teams while balancing and making decisions related to competing priorities across departments. Outgoing personality and strong execution skills with a bias for action and follow-through. Exceptional organizational, time management, and coordination abilities . Ability to manage and oversee high-volume workflows with strong attention to detail Adept at developing and maintaining operational processes, KPIs, and staff development. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, can lead with clarity and influence others effectively. Master’s degree in business administration or management or uniquely equivalent experience highly desirable. Bachelor’s degree in business administration or management required. Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Philippines; knowledge of local business culture is an advantage.
Bid Director - Lottery
Posted 22 days ago- Attractive
The Bid Director will be responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end bid process, from initial opportunity assessment to contract award. This includes developing winning bid strategies, creating comprehensive bid documents, and ensuring compliance with client requirements, and the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and persuasive proposals. The role would also involve managing client relationships, leading cross-functional teams, analyzing market trends, providing reports on bid activity, all while working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Key Responsibilities: Bid Management: Monitoring and prioritizing all bid opportunities Leading and managing the entire bid process, from opportunity identification and qualification to contract award. Developing and implementing bid strategies that align with company goals and client needs. Managing cross-functional bid teams, ensuring effective collaboration and communication. Ensuring compliance with client requirements and internal policies, including all RFPs and tender requirements. Bid Development: Creating compelling, detailed, costed and persuasive bid proposals that highlight our value proposition, by understanding and resolving complex technical, strategic and business issues. Developing high-quality competitive bid content by gathering information from various sources: Collaborate with internal stakeholders (business development, sales, technical, marketing, product, finance, legal, project management/delivery etc.) to ensure bids are accurate and meet client needs. Identify and manage potential suppliers and subcontractors. Conducting market research and competitive analysis to identify potential opportunities and develop winning strategies. Client Relationship Management: Serving as the primary point of contact for client inquiries and facilitating communication throughout the bid process. Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, potential partners and internal stakeholders. Performance Analysis and Reporting: Tracking bid outcomes and analyzing success rates to identify areas for improvement. Utilize data and insights to continuously improve bid quality and processes. Preparing regular reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key metrics and lessons learned. Other Responsibilities: Contributing to the development and improvement of bid governance, processes and procedures. Developing a systemic capability to respond to RFPs, like a playbook (including building and maintaining accurate documentation and data base related to bid submissions up to date) Providing guidance and mentorship to junior bid team members. Ensuring compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and client requirements. May lead presentations and negotiations with clients. Required Skills and Experience: Extensive experience in bid management, in the lottery industry, in Europe and/or US markets Strong understanding of the bid process, including bid development, strategy, and negotiation. Excellent bid writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment, and with internal and external teams to achieve common goals Strong business acumen Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Detailed knowledge of lottery products and services, all channels in the industry
Bid Director
Posted 24 days ago- Attractive
The Bid Director will be responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end bid process, from initial opportunity assessment to contract award. This includes developing winning bid strategies, creating comprehensive bid documents, and ensuring compliance with client requirements, and the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and persuasive proposals. The role would also involve managing client relationships, leading cross-functional teams, analyzing market trends, providing reports on bid activity, all while working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Key Responsibilities: Bid Management: Monitoring and prioritizing all bid opportunities Leading and managing the entire bid process, from opportunity identification and qualification to contract award. Developing and implementing bid strategies that align with company goals and client needs. Managing cross-functional bid teams, ensuring effective collaboration and communication. Ensuring compliance with client requirements and internal policies, including all RFPs and tender requirements. Bid Development: Creating compelling, detailed, costed and persuasive bid proposals that highlight our value proposition, by understanding and resolving complex technical, strategic and business issues. Developing high-quality competitive bid content by gathering information from various sources: Collaborate with internal stakeholders (business development, sales, technical, marketing, product, finance, legal, project management/delivery etc.) to ensure bids are accurate and meet client needs. Identify and manage potential suppliers and subcontractors. Conducting market research and competitive analysis to identify potential opportunities and develop winning strategies. Client Relationship Management: Serving as the primary point of contact for client inquiries and facilitating communication throughout the bid process. Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, potential partners and internal stakeholders. Performance Analysis and Reporting: Tracking bid outcomes and analyzing success rates to identify areas for improvement. Utilize data and insights to continuously improve bid quality and processes. Preparing regular reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key metrics and lessons learned. Other Responsibilities: Contributing to the development and improvement of bid governance, processes and procedures. Developing a systemic capability to respond to RFPs, like a playbook (including building and maintaining accurate documentation and data base related to bid submissions up to date) Providing guidance and mentorship to junior bid team members. Ensuring compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and client requirements. May lead presentations and negotiations with clients. Required Skills and Experience: Extensive experience in bid management, in the lottery industry, in Europe and/or US markets Strong understanding of the bid process, including bid development, strategy, and negotiation. Excellent bid writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment, and with internal and external teams to achieve common goals Strong business acumen Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Detailed knowledge of lottery products and services, all channels in the industry
Head of Game Design / Snr Slots Mathematician
Posted 35 days ago- South Australia
- Attractive & competitive package
In this role you will work as part of the math's team to create new math's for the Pragmatic games estate. You will create math profiles for our games. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to come up with your own game concepts. In this role you will be leading an eventual small team of mathematicians to create new math's for the Pragmatic games estate. As a Head of Game Design it is your responsibility to come up with market leading game designs that are as exciting as they are fresh. You must be able to work with a team and consult and coach on any math problems they might have on the games . We want someone that is not afraid to think outside of the box regarding game design. What you will be doing: Create exciting game design and math models for the slot market Creates own programming tool to verify the math models and analyse all game play characteristics Responsible for all math model calculations for assigned games, including base game/free games, bonus features, and all RTPS, hit rates, standard deviations, and other metrics as needed Ability to work with a math team to develop new math profiles Consulting and coaching math team on their math and game designs Present slot game ideas to VP of slot design Building prototypes & working with proto team to build them Producing detailed math profile documents Matching with server developers What we need from you: Strong math background. Experience with programming- the ability to run simulations on own math logic Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience in iGaming Fluency in English is a must Ability to create prototypes/use programming language to aid math design Being in touch with the slot world is ideal, knowing what works and what doesn’t work – and anything in between.
Lead Game Designer / Creative Game Producer
Posted 43 days ago- Attractive
We are seeking a Lead Game Designer to own the end-to-end development of online casino games — from concept to delivery. This hybrid role demands both creative leadership and production discipline. You will act as the vision holder for your games and lead internal teams in turning that vision into successful products, ensuring strategic alignment with our clients. Key Responsibilities Game Design & Creative Leadership Create and maintain Game Design Documents (GDDs), Art & Sound Specs, and other production documentation. Define engaging game mechanics and features aligned with customer requirements and market trends. Translate customer and internal feedback into actionable game ideas and roadmap features. Ensure the creative vision is clearly communicated and understood across disciplines (Art, Development, Audio). Production & Project Management Serve as the primary point of contact between internal teams and external stakeholders for your titles. Run milestone meetings, manage production schedules, and mitigate risks proactively. Review builds, organize playtests, and ensure consistent iteration toward final quality. Client & Stakeholder Management Manage client requirements and feedback, translating them into achievable development milestones. Work directly with operators and partners to pitch ideas, refine direction, and support delivery. Prioritize features and content in collaboration with Product, Sales, and Marketing to ensure commercial viability. Team Leadership Lead and mentor a small team of producers, offering guidance on project execution, quality, and communication. Foster collaboration across disciplines and ensure team members are empowered to succeed. Key Qualifications 3–5 years of experience in game design and/or production within the casino, mobile, or casual gaming space. Proven experience managing cross-functional teams including Art, Development, Audio, QA, and Localization. Track record of leading multiple successful game launches in a producer or design lead role. Experience managing and mentoring a small team of producers or associate producers. Demonstrable ability to create and maintain high-quality GDDs and production documentation. Strong client-facing communication skills, including roadmap presentation and feature negotiation. Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements in online gaming is a plus. Ability to read, understand and provide feedback on math models and PAR sheets. What We’re Looking For Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze market needs and propose data-informed game concepts. Product Quality Ownership: Relentless focus on delivering polished, high-quality gaming experiences. Industry Credibility: Professional presence and confidence when dealing with clients and partners; known for delivering results.
Payment Operations Analyst
Posted 63 days ago- Attractive
We are seeking a detail-oriented Payment Operations Analyst to support the optimization and monitoring of both our external (PIQ Payment IQ) and internal payment systems. The focus will remain on PIQ, but the analyst will play an important role in supporting the evolution of our system through feedback, testing, and enhancement proposals. The role is analytical and operational — not involving direct payment processing — and is central to improving fraud detection, performance, and automation. Key Responsibilities: Configure and monitor settings in PIQ Payment IQ and support the setup of configurations in our internal system. Analyze transactional data, identify trends, and recommend optimizations to routing logic, fraud rules, and provider setups. Contribute to the development of our internal system by offering operational insights, reporting needs, and UX suggestions to development teams. Track fraud patterns, perform root cause analysis, and recommend preventive measures across platforms. Produce regular and ad hoc reports covering KPIs, fraud rates, approval performance, and operational metrics. Collaborate with PSPs and internal teams to troubleshoot issues and improve integration quality. Assist in the testing and rollout of new payment features and routing logic in both systems. Work with Finance, Fraud, Risk, and CS teams to improve overall payment efficiency and customer experience. Requirements: At least 3 years of experience in payments or payment analytics, preferably within iGaming. Practical knowledge of Payment IQ and experience working with or supporting the development of internal tools. Strong analytical mindset with solid Excel/reporting capabilities and attention to detail. Familiarity with fraud signals, routing mechanics, and PSP performance metrics. A collaborative and proactive communicator, comfortable interfacing with both technical and operational teams. Based in or willing to relocate to Malta.