Lead 3D Animator - Character & Environment

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health plan

Retirement plans

State-of-the-art facility

Professional development

Global projects

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, invites a Lead 3D Animator to guide a team shaping character and environment animations for major projects. You will define style, ensure top motion quality, and collaborate with directors, art leads and technical teams to realize immersive virtual worlds.

You will mentor talent, drive pipelines, establish standards, and push creative boundaries while staying current with industry trends and tools.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a 3D Animator with lead/senior roles and a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in Maya, Blender, 3ds Max and related tools.
• Deep understanding of animation principles and their application to compelling motion.
• Proven leadership and ability to mentor a team of artists.
• Experience with motion capture data cleanup is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology and mechanics for believable performance.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D animators, providing artistic direction and feedback.
• Oversee the animation pipeline ensuring timely delivery of high-quality assets.
• Develop and implement animation standards and best practices.
• Create benchmark animations for characters and environments.
• Collaborate with directors, designers and tech leads to align vision and gameplay.
• Review and approve animation work ensuring consistency and quality.
• Troubleshoot animation-related technical challenges and propose solutions.
• Contribute hands-on to animation tasks when necessary for complex sequences.
• Stay updated on latest animation techniques and industry trends.

Skills

Animation leadership

Character animation

Environment animation

Team mentoring

Collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation

Equivalent experience

Tools

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned name in the digital entertainment industry, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead 3D Animator to join their vibrant studio in Centurion, Gauteng. This is a leadership role responsible for guiding a talented team of animators in the creation of captivating character and environmental animations for high-profile projects. You will be instrumental in defining the animation style and ensuring the highest quality of motion and performance across all animated assets. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional artistic talent, a deep understanding of animation principles, and proven leadership capabilities. You will work closely with directors, art leads, and technical teams to bring virtual worlds and characters to life with breathtaking realism and emotional depth. This position offers the chance to shape the visual narrative of cutting-edge productions and mentor emerging talent within a collaborative and innovative environment. We are committed to fostering a culture where creativity flourishes and artistic excellence is paramount. This is an unparalleled opportunity to leave your mark on projects that resonate with audiences worldwide, within a company celebrated for its artistic achievements and technological prowess.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D animators, providing artistic direction, technical guidance, and performance feedback.
• Oversee the animation pipeline, ensuring efficient workflows and timely delivery of high-quality animated assets for characters and environments.
• Develop and implement animation standards, style guides, and best practices for projects.
• Create benchmark animations for characters, creatures, and environments that set the bar for quality and performance.
• Collaborate closely with art directors, game designers, and technical directors to achieve the desired artistic vision and gameplay integration.
• Review and approve animation work from the team, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to project requirements.
• Troubleshoot animation-related technical challenges and find creative solutions.
• Contribute hands-on to animation tasks when necessary, especially for complex or critical sequences.
• Stay updated on the latest animation techniques, software, and industry trends.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a 3D Animator, with a significant portion in a lead or senior role, evidenced by a strong portfolio of character and environment animation.
• Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max) and relevant tools.
• Deep understanding of animation principles (timing, spacing, weight, appeal, etc.) and their application to realistic and stylized animation.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a team of artists, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Experience with motion capture data cleanup and integration is a plus.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and mechanics for believable character performance.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, Computer Graphics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement plans, and significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• You will work in a state-of-the-art facility with access to cutting-edge technology and tools.
• Enjoy a collaborative and inspiring work culture that celebrates creativity and innovation.
• Regular professional development workshops and opportunities to attend industry events are provided.
• Work on exciting, globally recognized projects that will elevate your career portfolio.
• We value work-life balance and provide a supportive environment for our employees to thrive.