Senior Animation Director

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Robust benefits program

Creative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Animation Director to lead creative vision and execution for upcoming projects in Paarl, Western Cape. You will guide the animation team from pre-visualization to final shot, ensure top quality, and collaborate closely with directors and department heads to realise the overall creative vision.

A strong portfolio and a Bachelor's degree in Animation, Film or Fine Arts are preferred; the role offers a competitive salary and robust benefits in a vibrant Arts &

Qualifications

• 7+ years in animation with 3+ years in director/supervisory role.
• Proven track record directing animation for features, TV, or high-end shorts.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, character performance and storytelling.
• Proficiency in Maya, Blender, Toon Boom Harmony.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Film, Fine Arts or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the animation team with clear creative direction.
• Oversee the animation process from pre-visualization to final shot delivery and timelines.
• Collaborate with directors, story artists and department heads to realize the creative vision.
• Develop and implement animation styles, techniques and workflows for projects.
• Conduct reviews and provide constructive feedback to animators.
• Ensure character performance and emotional storytelling are effectively conveyed.

Skills

Team leadership

Animation direction

Storytelling

Cinematography

2D/3D

Portfolio

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Animation

Tools

Maya

Blender

Toon Boom Harmony

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and award-winning animation studio within the Arts & Entertainment sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Animation Director to lead creative vision and execution for their upcoming projects in Paarl, Western Cape . This leadership role requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of animation principles, storytelling, and team management. You will be responsible for guiding the animation team, ensuring the highest quality of animation across all projects, and translating directorial and story concepts into compelling visual performances. The ideal candidate will possess a strong artistic sensibility, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to inspire and motivate a creative team to achieve outstanding results. This is a chance to shape the visual style and narrative impact of exciting animated content.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the animation team, providing clear creative direction and feedback.
• Oversee the animation process from pre-visualization to final shot delivery, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with directors, story artists, and other department heads to achieve the overall creative vision.
• Develop and implement animation styles, techniques, and workflows for various projects.
• Conduct animation reviews and provide constructive criticism to animators.
• Ensure character performance and emotional storytelling are effectively conveyed through animation.
• Troubleshoot animation-related challenges and find creative solutions.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in animation.
• Contribute to the recruitment and training of new animation talent.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in animation, with at least 3 years in a directorial or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of successfully directing animation for feature films, TV series, or high-end shorts.
• Exceptional understanding of animation principles, character performance, and cinematography.
• Proficiency in industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, Toon Boom Harmony).
• Strong visual storytelling and artistic sensibility.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback and motivate a team.
• Experience with various animation techniques (2D, 3D, stop-motion).
• A portfolio showcasing outstanding animation direction and character performance is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Film, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and a robust benefits program. This role provides an exciting opportunity to lead and inspire a talented team, contribute to visually stunning projects, and advance your career within the vibrant Arts & Entertainment industry. Employees will enjoy a creative and collaborative work environment in Paarl, Western Cape , with opportunities for professional development and the chance to work on innovative animated content.