Lead 3D Character Animator — Drive World-Class Performances

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Generous annual leave

State-of-the-art animation tech

Cape Town location

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Lead Animator to head the 3D character animation team. You will guide the group, set the animation quality bar, and ensure delivery of high-fidelity performances for entertainment projects.

The role requires artistic leadership, pipeline optimization, and mentoring of animators to maintain creative excellence and efficient workflows across projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in 3D character animation for games or film.
• Proven track record of leading animation teams and delivering high-quality character performances.
• Expert proficiency in Maya, Blender or 3ds Max.
• Strong understanding of rigging, animation principles, and storytelling through movement.
• Excellent artistic eye and ability to guide a team.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the 3D character animation process from blocking to final polish.
• Set high-quality animation standards and aesthetic direction for character performances.
• Collaborate with directors, art leads, and tech teams to realize the creative vision.
• Provide mentorship and develop skills within the animation team.
• Develop and refine animation workflows and tools to improve efficiency and quality.
• Review and approve shots to meet project requirements and artistic goals.

Skills

Leadership

Character animation

Pipeline optimization

Mentorship

Storytelling

Tools

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Job description

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Lead Animator to head the 3D character animation team. You will guide the group, set the animation quality bar, and ensure delivery of high-fidelity performances for entertainment projects.

The role requires artistic leadership, pipeline optimization, and mentoring of animators to maintain creative excellence and efficient workflows across projects.