Lead Game Animator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Stock option plan

Fully remote

Flexible hours

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, seeks a vision-driven Lead Game Animator to head the animation department. You will define the animation style across major titles, mentor a team of animators, and ensure fluid, realistic character and environmental motion that elevates gameplay.

You will collaborate with artists, riggers, and designers, set quality standards, develop tools and pipelines, and stay ahead of industry techniques.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in game animation, incl. 2+ years in lead roles.
• Portfolio showcasing character animation in games.
• Proficient in Maya or 3ds Max; experienced with Unreal or Unity.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of game animators.
• Define animation style and pipeline for current/future projects.
• Oversee high-quality character, creature, and environmental animations.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Problem solving

Artistic eye

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed game development studio recognized for its innovative gameplay and stunning visuals, is seeking an exceptional Lead Game Animator to join their expanding team in Rustenburg, North West. This senior position offers the chance to spearhead the animation department, defining and executing the animation style and quality across major game titles. You will be responsible for mentoring a talented team of animators, establishing best practices, and ensuring that character and environmental animations are brought to life with unparalleled fluidity and realism. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of animation principles, character rigging, and real-time animation systems, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills. This is a prime opportunity to significantly influence the artistic direction of cutting-edge video games and contribute to award‑winning projects. We are looking for a visionary artist who can inspire and guide others towards achieving animation excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of game animators, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
• Define and champion the animation style and technical pipeline for current and future projects.
• Oversee the creation of high‑quality character, creature, and environmental animations.
• Collaborate closely with character artists, riggers, technical artists, and game designers to achieve desired animation results.
• Set animation quality standards and ensure consistency across all game assets.
• Develop and maintain animation tools and pipelines to improve efficiency and workflow.
• Provide constructive feedback and guidance to animators to enhance their skills and output.
• Ensure animations integrate seamlessly with gameplay mechanics and engine requirements.
• Manage animation schedules and contribute to project planning and resource allocation.
• Stay current with emerging animation technologies and techniques in the game industry.

Requirements

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating outstanding animation work for video games, with a focus on character animation.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in game animation, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Expertise in Maya, 3ds Max, or other industry‑standard 3D animation software.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, rigging, skinning, and character setup.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Knowledge of real‑time animation systems and state machines.
• Excellent artistic eye for anatomy, form, movement, and timing.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to problem‑solve complex animation challenges.
• A degree in Animation, Game Design, Fine Arts, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, performance‑based bonuses, and an attractive stock option plan. You will be part of a creative and passionate team, working with cutting‑edge technology and contributing to critically acclaimed games. The role is fully remote, allowing you to work from anywhere. We prioritize work‑life balance and offer flexible working hours. Join a studio where your talent and creativity are celebrated, and help shape the future of interactive entertainment.