Lead Character Animator

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

State-of-the-art technology

Team-building events

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, ZA, seeks a Lead Character Animator to guide a team of animators, shape performances, and uphold the studio’s high-quality standards.

You will mentor artists, collaborate with directors and riggers, and drive animation pipelines with best practices in Maya, Blender, and 3ds Max, staying ahead of industry trends.

This is a high-profile creative leadership role offering growth, competitive salary, and the chance to leave a lasting mark on exciting productions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years in character animation with 2+ years in lead or supervisory roles.
• Strong demo reel showcasing animation skills, anatomy, and motion understanding.
• Expertise in Maya, Blender, and/or 3ds Max; rigging proficiency is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and guide a studio team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of character animators with artistic direction.
• Oversee animation quality and consistency across projects.
• Create high-quality character animations focusing on performance and timing.
• Collaborate with art directors, designers, and riggers to achieve desired performances.
• Develop and implement animation workflows and best practices.
• Troubleshoot animation-related technical issues and provide reviews.
• Stay updated on latest techniques, software, and industry trends.

Skills

Character animation

Leadership

Team mentorship

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Rigging

Art direction

Tools

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious studio within the Arts & Entertainment sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Character Animator to join their team in Mahikeng, North West, ZA. This role is pivotal in bringing our characters to life with compelling performances and dynamic motion. You will lead a team of talented animators, providing artistic direction, technical guidance, and mentorship throughout the animation pipeline. Working within our cutting‑edge facilities, you will collaborate closely with directors, art leads, and game designers to ensure character animation aligns perfectly with the overall vision and quality standards of our projects. This is an exceptional opportunity for a creative leader to make a significant impact on high‑profile productions and foster a culture of excellence in character animation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of character animators, providing artistic direction and technical support.


• Oversee the quality and consistency of character animation across all projects.


• Create high‑quality character animations, focusing on performance, timing, and believability.


• Collaborate with art directors, designers, and riggers to achieve desired character performances.


• Develop and implement animation workflows and best practices.


• Troubleshoot and resolve animation‑related technical issues.


• Conduct animation reviews and provide constructive feedback to the team.


• Stay updated on the latest animation techniques, software, and industry trends.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in character animation, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role within the game development or animation industry.


• A strong demo reel showcasing exceptional character animation skills, performance, and understanding of anatomy and motion.


• Expertise in industry‑standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max).


• Proficiency in rigging and skinning is a plus.


• Strong understanding of animation principles, timing, weight, and character performance.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to manage multiple projects and guide a team effectively within a studio environment in Mahikeng, North West, ZA.


• A keen eye for detail and a passion for creating believable character performances.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary.


• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.


• You will work in a creative and collaborative studio environment, contributing to exciting and impactful projects.


• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and conference attendance, are actively encouraged.


• This role provides the chance to lead a talented team and leave your creative mark on the entertainment industry.


• Further benefits include access to state‑of‑the‑art technology and regular team‑building events.