Senior Lead Animator for Visual Effects

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng is seeking an experienced Senior Lead Animator to guide an animation team for feature films, TV, and commercials. You will define standards, mentor juniors, and collaborate with the VFX Supervisor and Director to realize the project vision.

The role demands mastery of animation principles, a sharp eye for detail, and strong leadership abilities to solve complex challenges in a collaborative production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional animation experience, with at least 3 years in a Lead or Senior Animator role within VFX.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality animation for feature films or high-end TV productions.
• Expert proficiency in Maya, and familiarity with other industry-standard animation software and tools.
• Deep understanding of the principles of animation and strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of animators to achieve the highest standards of quality.
• Oversee the character and object animation pipeline from blocking to final polish.
• Review animation shots, provide constructive feedback, and ensure artistic and technical consistency.
• Collaborate with VFX Supervisors, Directors, and Art Directors to establish and maintain animation styles and quality.
• Develop and implement animation best practices and workflows.
• Solve complex animation problems and technical challenges.
• Ensure animation is delivered on time and within budget, meeting project milestones.
• Conduct animation reviews and provide clear, actionable feedback to the team.
• Contribute personally to high-priority animation shots when necessary.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest animation software, techniques, and industry trends.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Team coordination

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation or related field

Tools

Maya

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly regarded visual effects studio, is seeking an experienced Senior Lead Animator to guide and inspire their animation team in Randburg, Gauteng . This critical role involves overseeing the creation of high-quality character and object animation for feature films, television series, and commercials, ensuring artistic excellence and technical precision. You will be responsible for defining animation quality standards, providing clear direction, mentoring junior animators, and collaborating closely with the VFX Supervisor and Director to achieve the project's vision. The ideal candidate possesses a masterful understanding of animation principles, a keen eye for detail, and exceptional leadership skills. You should be adept at problem-solving complex animation challenges and communicating effectively within a collaborative production pipeline. This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to visually stunning projects and shape the future of animation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of animators to achieve the highest standards of quality.
• Oversee the character and object animation pipeline from blocking to final polish.
• Review animation shots, provide constructive feedback, and ensure artistic and technical consistency.
• Collaborate with VFX Supervisors, Directors, and Art Directors to establish and maintain animation styles and quality.
• Develop and implement animation best practices and workflows.
• Solve complex animation problems and technical challenges.
• Ensure animation is delivered on time and within budget, meeting project milestones.
• Conduct animation reviews and provide clear, actionable feedback to the team.
• Contribute personally to high-priority animation shots when necessary.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest animation software, techniques, and industry trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional animation experience, with at least 3 years in a Lead or Senior Animator role within VFX.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality animation for feature films or high-end TV productions.
• Expert proficiency in Maya, and familiarity with other industry-standard animation software and tools.
• Deep understanding of the principles of animation (squash and stretch, anticipation, timing, etc.).
• Strong understanding of anatomy, physics, and character performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• A portfolio showcasing exceptional character animation and leadership examples is required.
• Familiarity with the VFX and animation industry in Randburg, Gauteng is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. You will work in a state-of-the-art facility alongside a talented and passionate team. This role offers significant opportunities for creative leadership and professional development within the dynamic VFX industry in Randburg, Gauteng .