Senior 2D Animator

Caliberly; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animation studio in Dubai seeks a Senior 2D Animator to lead creative projects and mentor junior talent. You will be responsible for producing high-quality animations, ensuring creative consistency and managing project timelines. Ideal candidates will have 4-6 years of experience and proficiency in industry-standard animation software, along with strong artistic vision and project management skills. Join a dynamic team and bring animated stories to life.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity for professional development

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 4-6 years of professional experience in 2D animation.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating mastery in animation techniques.
• Ability to interpret storyboards and translate them into animations.

Responsibilities

• Lead 2D animation projects from concept to delivery.
• Manage multiple animation tasks adhering to timelines.
• Mentor and guide junior animators providing feedback and support.

Skills

Character animation

Motion graphics

Visual storytelling

Feedback-handling skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation or related field

Tools

Adobe Animate

Toon Boom Harmony

After Effects

Job description

About the Role

You will lead 2D animation projects from concept through to final delivery, driving creative quality and consistency across multiple productions. As a Senior 2D Animator, you will be responsible for producing high-quality animations, mentoring junior animators, and collaborating with creative, production, and design teams to bring ideas to life. This is a senior-level role blending artistic skill, technical know-how, and project leadership to deliver polished, audience-ready animation content on schedule and within scope.

Key Responsibilities

Animation Production & Creative Execution

• Create detailed 2D animations, including character animation, motion graphics, and visual effects, using industry-standard tools and techniques.
• Translate storyboards, scripts, and briefs into smooth, expressive animations that meet creative and technical requirements.
• Ensure consistency in style, motion, timing, and visual quality across all animations.

Project & Timing Management

• Manage multiple animation tasks simultaneously, adhering to production timelines and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate with production and design teams to align animation assets with overall project milestones and deadlines.
• Review and adjust animation work based on feedback to ensure quality and deliverable standards.

Creative Collaboration & Feedback Integration

• Work closely with storyboard artists, illustrators, designers, directors, and producers to understand creative vision and project requirements.
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders to refine animations while maintaining artistic integrity.
• Contribute to concept development sessions, offering creative ideas and animation-focused input.

Quality Control & Technical Oversight

• Review and approve animation work produced by junior animators or external contractors to ensure it meets company quality standards.
• Optimize animation workflows and pipelines for efficiency and consistency.
• Ensure final deliverables meet required technical specifications (resolution, frame rate, file format, etc.).

Mentorship & Team Development

• Mentor and guide junior animators, providing constructive feedback, animation coaching, and technical support.
• Help build a collaborative, creative environment by sharing best practices and encouraging professional growth.
• Participate in training, skill development, and innovation initiatives to keep the team updated on industry trends and tools.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree (or equivalent) in Animation, Graphic Design, Digital Arts, or a related field.
• Minimum 46 years of professional experience in 2D animation, preferably within a studio or digital media production environment.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating mastery in character animation, motion graphics, and visual storytelling.
• Proficiency with industry-standard animation software (e.g., Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, After Effects, or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of animation principles: timing, spacing, weight, squash-and-stretch, anticipation, and follow-through.
• Ability to interpret storyboards/scripts and translate them into engaging, dynamic animations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and feedback-handling skills.
• Detail-oriented with a keen eye for quality, consistency, and polish.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines while maintaining creative standards.

Key Competencies & Behaviours

• Strong artistic sense and creative vision
• Excellent time management and project planning skills
• Effective communicator and collaborative team player
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities
• High level of adaptability and willingness to learn new tools and techniques
• Commitment to quality, consistency, and brand/style adherence
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to work under pressure
• Passion for animation, storytelling, and continuous creative improvement

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to lead creative animation projects and showcase your artistic skills
• A creative, collaborative, and dynamic work environment
• Professional development, mentorship, and exposure to varied digital media projects
• The chance to work with a passionate team and contribute to high-impact animation output