Senior Lead Animator — Guide High-Impact VFX Animation

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

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.