Lead Character Modeler

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Bonuses based on project success

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading game studio in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa, in hiring a Lead Character Modeler to guide the character art team and shape the visual identity of forthcoming AAA titles.

You will lead artistic direction, mentor artists, and deliver game-ready, high-fidelity character assets. The role is hybrid, with in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in 3D character modeling for video games.
• Minimum 2 years in a lead role.
• Strong portfolio of realistic and stylized characters.

Responsibilities

• Lead the character modeling team with artistic direction.
• Create high-quality, game-ready character models from concept to final assets.
• Develop and maintain efficient modeling pipelines and workflows.
• Collaborate with concept artists, texture artists, riggers, and animators.
• Ensure models meet technical specs for engines (polygons, UVs, LODs).
• Mentor junior modelers and review assets for quality.
• Stay updated on latest techniques and industry trends.
• Contribute to overall art direction and visual quality.
• Troubleshoot and solve complex modeling challenges.

Skills

Character modeling

Leadership

Mentoring

Pipeline development

Game engines

Anatomy knowledge

PBR texturing

Portfolio review

Tools

Maya

ZBrush

3ds Max

Substance Painter

Photoshop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading game development studio in Polokwane, Limpopo , is seeking an exceptionally talented Lead Character Modeler to guide their character art team. This role is pivotal in creating high-fidelity, compelling character assets for their upcoming AAA titles. You will be responsible for establishing the artistic direction for character modeling, mentoring junior artists, and ensuring the quality and technical proficiency of all character models. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of anatomy, form, and PBR texturing, combined with exceptional leadership skills and a strong portfolio showcasing realistic and stylized character work. Join an innovative studio in the vibrant city of Polokwane and make a significant impact on the visual identity of their games. Your expertise will be crucial in bringing memorable characters to life for players worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the character modeling team, providing artistic direction and technical guidance.
• Create high-quality, game-ready character models, from concept through to final assets.
• Develop and maintain efficient modeling pipelines and workflows.
• Collaborate closely with concept artists, texture artists, riggers, and animators.
• Ensure character models meet technical specifications for game engines (e.g., polygon count, UV layout, LODs).
• Mentor and provide constructive feedback to junior character modelers.
• Review character assets for quality, consistency, and adherence to art direction.
• Troubleshoot and solve complex modeling challenges.
• Stay updated on the latest character modeling techniques, software, and industry trends.
• Contribute to the overall art direction and visual quality of the game.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in 3D character modeling for video games, with at least 2 years in a lead role.
• Expert proficiency in industry-standard modeling software (e.g., Maya, ZBrush, 3ds Max).
• Strong experience with high-poly sculpting and retopology for game-ready assets.
• Advanced knowledge of PBR texturing workflows and software (e.g., Substance Painter, Photoshop).
• Solid understanding of human and creature anatomy, proportions, and form.
• Experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional character modeling skills for games.
• Ability to provide clear feedback and guide artistic development.
• Passion for video games and character creation.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and exciting opportunities for professional growth. You will work in a modern studio environment in Polokwane , contributing to cutting-edge AAA game development projects. This hybrid role offers a balance of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. Enjoy a creative and supportive atmosphere where your contributions are valued, along with generous paid time off and potential for bonuses based on project success. Be part of a team that is pushing the boundaries of character artistry in the gaming industry.