Senior Animation Director — Lead Creative Teams On-site

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

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.