Hybrid Senior Animation Director Lead Character Performance

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement planning

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Paarl studio

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Animation Director in Paarl to lead the 3D character animation team. You will define the animation style, guide performances, and ensure technical excellence across the production pipeline.

You will mentor animators, collaborate with directors and storyboard teams, and oversee from blocking to final polish within a hybrid on-site and remote framework. A strong portfolio and leadership track record are essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in 3D character animation for film, TV, or games.
• At least 3 years in a directorial or lead animator role.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, character performance, and storytelling.
• Portfolio or demo reel showing directing and character work.
• Proficient in Maya; experience with performance capture is a plus.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Translate directorial vision into compelling character performances.
• Define animation style and quality benchmarks for the project.
• Oversee animation from blocking to final polish with consistency.
• Collaborate with directors, story supervisors, and layout artists.
• Provide clear feedback to animators to foster growth.
• Ensure emotionally resonant, visually engaging, technically sound performances.
• Manage animation schedules and workflows with production management.
• Review dailies and direct revisions; stay updated on new techniques.

Skills

3D character animation

Directing

Leadership

Maya

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation

Fine Arts or related field

Tools

Maya

Motion capture

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Animation Director in Paarl to lead the 3D character animation team. You will define the animation style, guide performances, and ensure technical excellence across the production pipeline.

You will mentor animators, collaborate with directors and storyboard teams, and oversee from blocking to final polish within a hybrid on-site and remote framework. A strong portfolio and leadership track record are essential.