Senior Animation Director (Video Games)

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

In-house studio environment

Professional development opportunities

Performance-based bonuses

Creative work culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Animation Director to lead our in-house animation team. You will define the animation vision across all projects, directing character performances, cutscenes, and in-game cinematics to achieve storytelling excellence.

Collaborating with game designers, art and narrative leads, you will establish standards, manage production schedules, and push innovative techniques while mentoring staff to grow their skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or related field, or equivalent.
• 8+ years in game animation with 3+ years in leadership.
• Strong portfolio showing character animation and directing teams.
• Deep knowledge of animation principles, cinematography, and movement storytelling.
• Proficiency with Maya, MotionBuilder, and game engines.
• Experience with motion capture pipeline and data cleanup desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production.
• Passion for video games and understanding of player engagement through animation.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of animators with clear direction.
• Establish and oversee animation style and quality standards for all game projects.
• Collaborate with designers and narrative teams to translate game mechanics into performances.
• Direct the creation of character animations, cutscenes, and in-game cinematics with emotional impact.
• Review animation work-in-progress and provide feedback aligned with project vision.
• Develop and manage animation production schedules for timely asset delivery.
• Work with technical directors to implement and optimize animation systems.
• Stay abreast of emerging animation technologies to improve quality.
• Contribute to character design and development from an animation perspective.

Skills

Leadership

Portfolio development

Animation principles

Storytelling through movement

Communication

Multitasking

Player engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or related field

Tools

Maya

MotionBuilder

Game engines

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious game development studio known for its critically acclaimed titles, is seeking an experienced Senior Animation Director to lead their talented animation team. This role is crucial for defining and executing the animation vision across all their projects, ensuring character performance and storytelling are brought to life with unparalleled quality. You will work closely with game designers, art directors, and narrative teams to establish and maintain the highest standards of animation. This position requires a strong understanding of animation principles, leadership acumen, and a passion for creating dynamic character experiences. Based in our studio in Vereeniging, Gauteng , this role offers the opportunity to be part of a collaborative, in-house team shaping the future of interactive entertainment. If you are a visionary leader with a proven track record in game animation, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of animators, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.
• Establish and oversee the animation style and quality standards for all game projects.
• Collaborate with game designers and narrative teams to translate game mechanics and story into compelling character performances.
• Direct the creation of character animations, cutscenes, and in-game cinematics, ensuring emotional impact and technical accuracy.
• Review animation work-in-progress, providing insightful feedback to ensure alignment with the overall project vision.
• Develop and manage animation production schedules, ensuring timely delivery of all animation assets.
• Work closely with technical directors and engineers to implement and optimize animation systems within the game engine.
• Stay abreast of emerging animation technologies and techniques to continually innovate and improve quality.
• Contribute to character design and development from an animation perspective.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in game animation, with at least 3 years in a leadership or directorial role.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional character animation work for video games, including examples of directing animation teams.
• In-depth knowledge of animation principles, cinematography, and storytelling through movement.
• Proficiency with industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, MotionBuilder) and game engines.
• Experience with motion capture pipeline and data cleanup is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
• Passion for video games and a deep understanding of player engagement through animation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits plan.
• Employees benefit from working within a state-of-the-art studio environment, collaborating with a passionate and talented in-house team.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and conference attendance, are provided.
• A supportive and creative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth.
• The role also includes performance-based bonuses and other standard employment benefits.
• This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on AAA game titles from our Vereeniging, Gauteng studio.