Senior Animation Director - 3D Character Animation

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Animation Director for a Bloemfontein studio to oversee high-quality 3D character animation for feature films and episodic content. You will guide a team of animators, shaping emotion, personality, and technical accuracy to deliver compelling performances.

The role requires a visionary leader with deep understanding of the animation pipeline and storytelling through movement, plus strong collaboration with directors and department leads.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in 3D character animation, with leadership experience.
• Proven directing/supervising animation for feature films or episodic content.
• Strong grasp of character performance and storytelling through movement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D character animators.
• Oversee the animation pipeline and production schedules.
• Collaborate with directors, story artists and leads to define performance and style.
• Review and approve shots to ensure quality and storytelling.

Skills

Leadership

Character animation

Communication

Education

Degree in Animation

Tools

Maya

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading animation studio in Bloemfontein , is seeking an experienced Senior Animation Director to oversee the creation of high-quality 3D character animation for feature films and episodic content. This critical role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of character performance, storytelling, and the entire animation pipeline. You will guide a team of talented animators, ensuring that characters are brought to life with compelling emotion, personality, and technical accuracy. If you have a passion for character-driven storytelling and a proven track record in animation leadership, this is an exceptional opportunity to shape award-winning projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D character animators, providing clear direction and feedback.
• Oversee the animation pipeline, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to production schedules.
• Collaborate closely with directors, story artists, and other department leads to define character performance and visual style.
• Review and approve animation shots, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and storytelling.
• Develop and implement animation best practices and technical guidelines.
• Solve complex animation challenges and guide the team through creative problem-solving.
• Contribute to the development of character bibles and performance notes.
• Ensure consistency in character performance and style across all shots and sequences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in animation technology and techniques.
• Participate in casting sessions and provide input on voice performances.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in 3D character animation, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role (e.g., Lead Animator, Animation Supervisor).
• Proven experience directing or supervising animation for feature films or high-end episodic series.
• Exceptional understanding of character performance, acting principles, and storytelling through movement.
• Proficiency in Maya or other industry-standard animation software.
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, rigging, and the animation pipeline.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and foster a positive team environment.
• A strong portfolio showcasing high-quality character animation and leadership work.
• Experience with performance capture data is a plus.
• Degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-based bonuses. You will work with cutting-edge animation technology and tools in a state-of-the-art studio located in Bloemfontein . Opportunities for professional development, attending industry conferences, and career advancement are abundant. Join a collaborative and innovative team environment where creativity is celebrated. We offer generous paid time off and a supportive work-life balance. Be a key player in bringing unforgettable characters and stories to the screen.