Lead Animator – Join The Rebellion

Festybay; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days holiday, increasing with service

Private Medical Insurance

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Wide range of discounts and social events

Job summary

A game development studio in Oxford is seeking a highly skilled Lead Animator for a major unannounced project. The role offers hybrid working options and includes leading a team to create high-quality in-game animations. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of animation principles and technical mastery of tools like Maya and Blender. Additional benefits include private medical insurance, enhanced leave options, and a supportive work environment. Candidates must have the permanent right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of core animation principles for creature and viewport motions.
• Experience with motion capture pipelines.
• Proven leadership experience with clear communication skills.
• Solid understanding of data structures and production pipelines; ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor animators while establishing benchmarks.
• Create high-quality in-game animations and provide feedback.
• Collaborate with various teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Collaborate with Art, Design, Programming, and Tech Animation to ensure seamless integration into game engines and PBR pipelines.
• Work with production to ensure project visibility, accurate work tracking, and milestone adherence.

Skills

Animation Fundamentals

Technical Mastery of Maya

Leadership & Pipeline

Problem Solving

Tools

Maya

Blender

Job description

Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid options available)
Employment Type: Full-time, Video Games, Art

About Rebellion

For 30 years, Rebellion has been an independent developer and publisher of exceptional video games, founded by Jason & Chris Kingsley. Rebellion’s diverse portfolio extends beyond games to include a film studio, board games, book publishing, and the legendary comics and graphic novels of 2000AD, home to characters like Judge Dredd.

We operate with complete creative freedom, fostering an open, friendly, and creative atmosphere across all our teams. Our stability, size, and expertise across multiple industries make Rebellion truly unique. We are committed to a culture of growth and inclusion, actively recruiting a diverse team and encouraging innovation from all demographics.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Animator to join our team and help shape an exciting, unannounced title. This is a major new project being built by a seasoned team known for delivering outstanding shooters.

This role can be based out of any of our studios in Oxford, Warwick, or Runcorn. We are open to discussing hybrid options based on individual needs. A comprehensive relocation package is available, including moving assistance, temporary accommodation, and full support for a smooth transition.

Category Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership Lead and mentor animators; establish benchmarks and best-practice workflows.

Creative Execution Create high-quality, in-game animations; provide clear, actionable feedback.

Workflow Management Balance creative goals with production realities and gameplay needs.

Technical Integration Collaborate with Art, Design, Programming, and Tech Animation to ensure seamless integration into game engines and PBR pipelines.

Production Support Work with production to ensure project visibility, accurate work tracking, and milestone adherence.

Required Skills and Experience

Requirement Category Essential Skills and Knowledge Desirable (A Plus)

Animation Fundamentals Strong understanding of core animation principles for creature and viewport motions (locomotion, combat, behaviors). Experience with motion capture pipelines (planning, directing, cleaning, polishing).

Technical Mastery Mastery of Maya and Blender; solid knowledge of game-engine animation systems. Strong collaborative history with art direction, technical animation, and code teams.

Leadership & Pipeline Proven leadership experience (delegating, mentoring, maintaining morale); clear communicator.

Problem Solving Solid understanding of data structures and production pipelines; ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently.

We offer an extensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and career growth of our team members:

Benefit Category Details

Time Off 22 days holiday + Christmas closure (typically 4 days) & Bank holidays. (Increases with service, up to 31 days).

Health & Wellness Private Medical Insurance, healthcare cash plan (including dental and vision), Life Assurance, Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover.

Financial/Retirement Enhanced Pension Scheme, Interest-Free, Tax-Free loans.

Support Enhanced Family Leave, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for mental health and well-being.

Perks Wide range of discounts, freebies, social events, friendly and relaxed working atmosphere.

Right to Work Statement

Crucial Note: This role is only open to applicants who have the permanent right to work in the UK. Rebellion is unable to provide or take over visa sponsorship, either now or in the future. Applicants must demonstrate their ongoing eligibility to work in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship.

We encourage you to be yourself, express your creativity and talent, and join us in celebrating our unique approach to game development.

If you’re ready to make your mark on a major new project, apply today to #JOINTHEREBELLION!