Senior Animation Director

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package + bonus

Medical aid coverage

Retirement fund

Professional development & training

Workshops & conferences

On-site canteen meals

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Animation Director in Centurion to lead creative teams, guiding artistic vision and technical execution from storyboard to final render. The role requires mentoring animators, supervising pipelines, and collaborating with directors and leads to maintain storytelling quality.

The ideal candidate has a robust portfolio, deep understanding of animation principles, and proven leadership in complex pipelines.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in animation with at least 3 years in a supervisory or directing role.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating direction and character performance across styles.
• Deep understanding of animation principles, techniques, and pipelines.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and manage a team of animators.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the animation team through the full production pipeline.
• Define visual style and character performances with directors and leads.
• Provide clear feedback to animators on timing, performance and execution.
• Develop workflows to improve efficiency and artistic quality.
• Mentor junior animators and assistant directors for skill growth.
• Ensure consistency of animation quality across shots and sequences.
• Review work and guide revisions; contribute to storytelling.

Skills

Animation direction

Team leadership

Cinematography

Communication

Problem solving

Real-time animation

Mentoring

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's in Animation or related field

Tools

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Toon Boom Harmony

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned animation studio based in Centurion, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Animation Director to lead their creative teams. This critical role involves guiding the artistic vision and technical execution of animated projects, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and storytelling. You will be responsible for inspiring and mentoring animators, supervising the animation process from storyboard to final render, and collaborating with other directors and department leads. The ideal candidate possesses a strong artistic sensibility, a deep understanding of animation principles, and a proven ability to manage complex animation pipelines. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of animated content in a prestigious studio located in the heart of Centurion .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the animation team throughout the entire production pipeline, from pre-production to final output.
• Collaborate with directors, story artists, and other creative leads to define the visual style and character performances for animated projects.
• Provide clear and constructive feedback to animators, ensuring the highest quality of character performance, timing, and execution.
• Develop and implement animation strategies and workflows to enhance efficiency and artistic quality.
• Mentor and train junior animators and assistant directors, fostering their artistic and technical development.
• Ensure consistency in animation quality and style across all shots and sequences within a project.
• Review and approve animation work, providing direction for revisions as needed.
• Contribute to the overall artistic vision and storytelling of the projects.
• Manage relationships with external animation vendors and provide technical oversight when necessary.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in animation, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or directing role.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation direction and character performance across various styles.
• In-depth knowledge of animation principles, techniques, and software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, Toon Boom Harmony).
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and mentor a team of animators.
• Excellent understanding of cinematography, composition, and visual storytelling.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to address technical and artistic challenges effectively.
• Experience with real-time animation technologies is a plus.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• A degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Centurion, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, complemented by an annual performance bonus.
• Employees receive comprehensive medical aid coverage and contribute to a retirement fund.
• The studio provides excellent opportunities for professional development, including access to specialized training, workshops, and industry conferences.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment is guaranteed, with state-of-the-art facilities.
• The company also offers generous paid time off, subsidized meals at the on-site canteen, and regular team social events.
• Potential for advancement within the studio is significant for talented individuals.