Lead Animator

Lunar Animation Ltd; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lunar Animation Ltd is looking for a talented Lead Animator to join our studio in Sheffield, UK. The ideal candidate should have proven experience leading animation teams and delivering high-quality productions. You will be responsible for creating exceptional animations and providing mentorship to fellow animators.

The role requires strong skills in Autodesk Maya, collaborative work in a studio environment, and the ability to maintain animation quality standards. Candidates interested in remote work are also welcome to apply.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading animation teams on professional productions.
• Animation Direction or Animation Supervision experience required.
• Ability to balance creative ambitions with production requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the animation team across one or more productions.
• Create high-quality Character, Creature, and Vehicle Keyframe Animation.
• Mentor and support animators at all levels.

Skills

Expert knowledge of Autodesk Maya

Exceptional animation skills

Strong ability to provide feedback

Excellent understanding of human anatomy

Knowledge of real-world physics

Strong understanding of cinematography

Excellent communication skills

Proven production experience of 7+ years

Job description

We are looking to hire a Lead Animator to join our studio based in Sheffield, UK.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional animator with proven experience leading teams and delivering work on high-end productions. They will be responsible for helping define animation quality, supporting and mentoring artists, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring the team delivers work that meets both creative and production goals.

We’re particularly interested in candidates who enjoy working closely with a team in a studio environment, although exceptional remote candidates are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Leading the animation team across one or more productions.
• Creating high‑quality Character, Creature, and Vehicle Keyframe Animation.
• Reviewing animation work and providing clear, constructive feedback.
• Mentoring and supporting animators at all levels.
• Working closely with Directors, Supervisors, Production, and other departments to achieve project goals.
• Helping define and maintain animation quality standards.
• Assisting with shot allocation, planning, and workload management.
• Camera Layout and Previsualisation.
• Recording and directing reference to support performance and storytelling.
• Identifying creative, technical, and production challenges and helping develop solutions.
• Supporting the development of animation workflows, tools, and pipeline improvements.

Skills & Requirements

• Expert knowledge of Autodesk Maya with exceptional animation skills, including posing, timing, weight, rhythm, performance, and storytelling.
• Proven experience leading animation teams on professional productions.
• Strong ability to review work, provide feedback, and elevate the performance of others.
• Excellent understanding of human anatomy, movement, and physical performance.
• Strong knowledge of real‑world physics and their application within animation.
• Strong understanding of cinematography and visual storytelling.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Ability to balance creative ambitions with production requirements and deadlines.
• Proven production experience of 7+ years.
• Animation Direction or Animation Supervision experience.
• Technical animation, scripting, or pipeline development knowledge.
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, and developing animation talent.
• Experience working across multiple animation styles and genres.

How to apply

Please apply through our online application form by clicking the link below. To be considered, you must include a cover letter outlining how you meet the required skills, a CV, and a link to your portfolio.

If we decide to move forward with your application, a Lunar Animation Studios representative will contact you directly to discuss the next stage in the process.