Senior Animation Director

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

On-site in Polokwane

Professional development

Performance-based bonuses

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane is seeking a Senior Animation Director to lead a talented team of animators on-site. You will guide the animation process from storyboarding to final render, ensuring emotional depth, technical precision, and stylistic coherence.

You will mentor junior and mid-level animators, shape the studio's artistic direction, and stay updated with industry trends to push the boundaries of animated storytelling.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years in animation, with at least 3 years in directing or lead role.
• Proven experience directing animation for feature films, TV series, or high-end games.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, character performance, and storytelling.
• Expertise in 3D animation software such as Maya, Blender, or similar.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation direction and directing work.
• Degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide artistic and technical direction for all animated sequences.
• Collaborate with directors, storyboard artists, and concept artists to establish animation style and vision.
• Oversee the work of animators, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to deadlines.
• Review animation dailies and provide constructive feedback to the team.
• Develop and implement animation standards and best practices.
• Break down complex shots and sequences into manageable tasks for the animation team.
• Ensure emotional resonance and performance accuracy in character animations.
• Troubleshoot animation challenges and offer creative solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level animators, fostering their professional growth.
• Stay current with the latest animation techniques, software, and industry trends.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Team motivation

Education

Degree in Animation/Fine Arts or related field

Tools

Maya

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading animation studio in Polokwane , is seeking a visionary Senior Animation Director to lead their talented team of animators. This on-site role is integral to shaping the quality and artistic direction of their animated projects. You will be responsible for guiding the animation process from storyboarding through to final render, ensuring that characters and scenes are brought to life with emotional depth, technical precision, and stylistic coherence. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of directing high-quality animation, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of animation principles. As the Senior Animation Director in Polokwane , you will have a significant impact on the studio's creative output and play a key role in mentoring and developing animation talent. Join a studio renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation in animated storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide artistic and technical direction for all animated sequences.
• Collaborate with directors, storyboard artists, and concept artists to establish animation style and vision.
• Oversee the work of animators, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to deadlines.
• Review animation dailies and provide constructive feedback to the team.
• Develop and implement animation standards and best practices.
• Break down complex shots and sequences into manageable tasks for the animation team.
• Ensure emotional resonance and performance accuracy in character animations.
• Troubleshoot animation challenges and offer creative solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level animators, fostering their professional growth.
• Stay current with the latest animation techniques, software, and industry trends.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in animation, with at least 3 years in a directing or lead role.
• Proven experience directing animation for feature films, television series, or high-end games.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, character performance, and storytelling.
• Expertise in 3D animation software such as Maya, Blender, or similar.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a team of artists.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation direction and directing work.
• Familiarity with various animation pipelines and workflows.
• Degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous retirement fund. This is an on-site position located in Polokwane , offering a stable and collaborative work environment. We provide ample opportunities for professional development and exposure to diverse and exciting projects. Join a passionate team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of animation. Additional benefits include performance-based bonuses and significant paid time off. Be a leader in shaping the future of animated content.