Lead 3D Animator - Characters & Environments (Leadership)

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

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.