Remote Lead Character Animator

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Paid time off

Software licenses

Global team

Job summary

Placements24 in a remote-capable role seeks a Lead Character Animator to head the animation team and shape the visual identity of its projects. You will define the animation pipeline, mentor peers, and ensure high-quality character performances across diverse media while working with a global, remote-friendly team.

The role emphasizes leadership, creative vision, and technical excellence in Maya/Blender, with opportunities to manage freelance animators and stay at the forefront of industry

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of professional character animation experience.
• Lead or supervisory experience in an animation team.
• Proficiency in Maya or Blender.
• Deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics and storytelling.
• Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration.
• Bachelor’s degree in Animation or related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of character animators to achieve the highest standards of quality.
• Define and implement animation style guides and technical pipelines for character animation.
• Review and approve animation work, providing constructive feedback to ensure artistic and technical excellence.
• Create high-quality character animations, demonstrating exceptional skill in acting, timing, and weight.
• Collaborate closely with art directors, game designers, and directors to realize character vision.
• Troubleshoot animation-related technical challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Ensure character performances are believable, emotive, and align with narrative goals.
• Contribute to the overall artistic direction and visual quality of projects.
• Stay current with the latest animation techniques, software, and industry trends.
• Potentially manage freelance character animators as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Feedback

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Animation or related field

Tools

Maya

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a vanguard in the Arts & Entertainment industry, is seeking a highly skilled and inspirational Remote Lead Character Animator to spearhead their animation team. This position is fully remote, allowing you to contribute your exceptional talents from anywhere. You will be responsible for defining the animation quality, guiding the character animation pipeline, and mentoring a team of talented animators. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of character performance, anatomy, and the technical aspects of animation, coupled with strong leadership capabilities. We are looking for a creative visionary who can bring believable and emotive characters to life through masterful animation. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the visual identity of our projects and influence the next generation of animators, all within a flexible remote work environment. Join a dynamic and collaborative global team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of character animators to achieve the highest standards of quality.
• Define and implement animation style guides and technical pipelines for character animation.
• Review and approve animation work, providing constructive feedback to ensure artistic and technical excellence.
• Create high-quality character animations, demonstrating exceptional skill in acting, timing, and weight.
• Collaborate closely with art directors, game designers, and directors to realize character vision.
• Troubleshoot animation-related technical challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Ensure character performances are believable, emotive, and align with narrative goals.
• Contribute to the overall artistic direction and visual quality of projects.
• Stay current with the latest animation techniques, software, and industry trends.
• Potentially manage freelance character animators as needed.

Requirements

• A stunning demo reel showcasing outstanding character animation performances and leadership experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in character animation for film, games, or related media.
• Proven experience in a lead or supervisory role within an animation team.
• Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender).
• Deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, acting principles, and storytelling through movement.
• Experience with motion capture data cleanup and integration.
• Knowledge of rigging principles and collaboration with rigging artists.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide clear, concise, and actionable feedback.Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively in a remote setting.
• A profound passion for animation and the Arts & Entertainment industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, with annual earnings up to R.
• Enjoy the ultimate flexibility of a fully remote work position.
• We provide a comprehensive health insurance plan, including medical and dental coverage.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development are available through online courses, webinars, and virtual conferences.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours ensure excellent work-life balance.
• Be part of a world-class, remote-first team creating cutting-edge animated content within the global Arts & Entertainment sector.
• Access to company-provided software licenses and necessary equipment for a productive remote setup.
• Contribute to impactful and visually stunning projects from Western Cape (or your chosen location).