Lead Animation Director

Placements24; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Remote stipend

Health benefits

Growth opportunities

Collaborative environment

Software access

Global projects

Team events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Animation Director to spearhead creative projects in a fully remote environment. You will guide artistic vision, mentor a team of animators, and ensure high-quality execution across diverse projects while collaborating with writers and artists.

Remote-first setup supports global collaboration and ongoing innovation. The ideal candidate brings extensive director-level experience, a strong reel of leadership in animation teams, and deep knowledge of Maya or

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as an Animation Director or Senior Animator.
• Proven leadership of animation teams, preferably remote.
• Strong knowledge of 2D/3D animation principles and software like Maya or Harmony.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the animation process from pre-production to final delivery.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of animators.
• Develop and refine animation styles, character performances, and storytelling.
• Collaborate with writers, storyboard artists, and art directors.
• Ensure timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Stay updated with industry advancements and integrate where appropriate.
• Communicate creative vision and technical requirements to remote teams.
• Contribute to the studio's overall creative direction.

Skills

Animation direction

Team leadership

Remote collaboration

Visual storytelling

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation or related field

Tools

Maya

Toon Boom Harmony

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious animation studio renowned for its innovative storytelling, is actively seeking a visionary Lead Animation Director to spearhead their creative projects. This is a fully remote position, offering the unique opportunity to shape groundbreaking animated content from your home studio. You will be responsible for guiding artistic vision, leading a talented team of animators, and ensuring the highest quality of animation execution across all projects. This role demands a strong understanding of animation principles, character development, and narrative pacing, combined with exceptional leadership capabilities. We are looking for an individual who can inspire creativity, foster a collaborative spirit, and drive projects to successful completion within a remote-first operational framework. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for animation and a proven ability to translate complex ideas into visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated sequences. Your expertise will be critical in defining the aesthetic and thematic direction of our client's future productions.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the animation process from pre-production through to final delivery, ensuring artistic integrity and technical excellence.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of animators, providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and performance management.
• Develop and refine animation styles, character performances, and visual storytelling techniques.
• Collaborate with writers, storyboard artists, and art directors to translate scripts and concepts into compelling animated sequences.
• Ensure all animation work adheres to project timelines, budget constraints, and quality standards.
• Conduct animation reviews, identify potential issues, and implement creative solutions.
• Stay current with industry advancements in animation technology and techniques, integrating them where appropriate.
• Contribute to the overall creative development and strategic vision of the studio's animation output.
• Effectively communicate creative vision and technical requirements to remote teams across different disciplines.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as an Animation Director or Senior Animator in the animation industry, with a portfolio showcasing directorial work.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing animation teams, preferably in a remote setting.
• Expert knowledge of 2D or 3D animation principles, techniques, and software (e.g., Maya, Toon Boom Harmony).
• Strong understanding of character design, rigging, motion graphics, and visual effects.
• Excellent visual storytelling, composition, and cinematic timing skills.
• Superior communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to provide clear, concise, and actionable feedback to animators.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, Film, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• A passion for pushing the boundaries of animation and creating memorable characters and worlds.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Remote work setup with a technology stipend.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Collaborative and innovative virtual work environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art animation software and resources.
• Work on exciting and diverse animation projects with a globally recognized studio.
• Regular virtual team events and social gatherings.