Lead Animator

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary incentives

Hybrid work

Health insurance

Paid time off

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Animator to join their creative team in George, Western Cape. In this pivotal role, you will guide the animation department, set the artistic direction, and ensure delivery of high-quality animated sequences that bring characters and stories to life.

You will mentor junior animators and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones. This hybrid position blends in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility, offering a dynamic environment

Qualifications

• 7+ years in 3D animation with leadership experience.
• Proficiency in Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max and related pipelines.
• Strong understanding of animation principles and character rigging.
• Experience mentoring teams in hybrid work environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of animators, providing artistic direction and feedback.
• Develop and maintain animation style guides and pipelines for consistency.
• Create high-quality character and environmental animations for key assets.
• Collaborate with directors and art leads to translate concepts into performances.
• Review and approve animation work to meet project requirements.

Skills

Leadership

3D Animation

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Rigging

Motion Capture Cleanup

Communication

Tools

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Lead Animator to join their creative team in George . In this pivotal role, you will guide the animation department, setting the artistic direction and ensuring the delivery of high-quality animated sequences that bring characters and stories to life. You will mentor junior animators, oversee the animation pipeline, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones. This hybrid position offers the best of both worlds, combining collaborative in-office sessions with the flexibility of remote work, fostering a productive and engaging work environment in the heart of the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of animators, providing artistic direction and technical feedback.
• Develop and maintain animation style guides and pipelines to ensure consistency and quality.
• Create high-quality character and environmental animations for key project elements.
• Collaborate with directors and art leads to translate concepts into compelling animated performances.
• Review and approve animation work, ensuring it meets project requirements and aesthetic standards.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in 3D animation, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Expertise in 3D animation software such as Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, character rigging, and motion capture cleanup.
• Proven ability to manage a team and guide creative projects effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective hybrid collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of office and remote flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing studio.