Lead Creative Animator

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based bonus

Medical and retirement plans

Professional growth and training

State-of-the-art facilities

Midrand, Gauteng location

Job summary

Placements24 in Midrand, Gauteng, seeks a Lead Creative Animator to steer a team of talented animators, shape visual narratives, and uphold top artistic quality across projects. The ideal candidate has a proven record leading animation from concept to delivery, expert skills in Maya/Blender/Cinema 4D, and strong storytelling with rigging and VFX.

Join a dynamic, collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and working on high-profile features and interactive experiences in the South

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional animation experience with at least 2 in a leadership role.
• Strong portfolio showcasing diverse projects.
• Proficient in Maya, Blender or Cinema 4D.
• Knowledge of rigging, motion graphics and VFX.
• Experience with Unity or Unreal is a plus.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of animators to maintain high standards.
• Develop concepts for animation sequences aligned with artistic vision.
• Oversee the animation pipeline from storyboarding to final rendering.
• Collaborate with directors, art directors and stakeholders.
• Manage timelines and resources to ensure on-time delivery.
• Stay updated on industry trends and techniques.
• Provide regular performance reviews and development opportunities.
• Ensure consistency in animation style across projects.

Skills

Leadership

Portfolio development

Communication

Project management

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation

Tools

Maya

Blender

Cinema 4D

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead Creative Animator to join their vibrant team in Midrand, Gauteng . This pivotal role involves guiding a team of talented animators, conceptualizing groundbreaking visual narratives, and ensuring the highest standards of artistic quality across all projects. You will be instrumental in shaping the aesthetic direction and innovative approach to animation, contributing significantly to the success of upcoming features and interactive experiences. The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record in leading animation projects from conception to final delivery, with a deep understanding of various animation techniques and software. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of animators, providing constructive feedback and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
• Develop and execute creative concepts for animation sequences, ensuring alignment with project goals and artistic vision.
• Oversee the animation pipeline, from storyboarding and pre-visualization to final rendering and compositing.
• Collaborate closely with directors, art directors, and other stakeholders to ensure the animation meets the highest creative and technical standards.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, software, and techniques to drive innovation within the animation department.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide professional development opportunities for team members.
• Ensure consistency in animation style and quality across all assigned projects.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in professional animation, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation skills and a diverse range of projects.
• Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, or similar.
• Solid understanding of animation principles, character rigging, motion graphics, and visual effects.
• Experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is a plus.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.
• A keen eye for detail, composition, and storytelling.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, including a performance-based bonus structure.
• Employees are provided with comprehensive medical and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development are actively encouraged through workshops, conferences, and further training.
• A creative and inspiring work environment awaits, fostering innovation and teamwork.
• Enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities and the chance to work on exciting, high-profile projects within the vibrant landscape of Midrand, Gauteng .