Lead Animator (Game Development)

Location: Remote within the UK or based in the West Midlands, Birmingham/Worcestershire area

Company

hirify.global is a game development studio creating games with a collaborative team of experienced and passionate developers.

What you will do

• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of animators while setting artistic direction and animation quality standards.
• Oversee the animation pipeline from concept and storyboarding through implementation in the game engine.
• Create and supervise character, creature, environmental, object, and interactive animations that add personality, emotion, and realism.
• Use motion capture and keyframe animation, including directing actors during motion capture sessions.
• Collaborate with designers, artists, technical artists, programmers, and other departments to integrate animations into gameplay and environments.
• Improve workflows and animation quality through feedback, new tools, and animation-system development.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior Animator in the games industry, supported by a strong portfolio of character and environmental animation.
• Experience leading and managing animation teams through creative direction, feedback, and mentorship.
• Proficiency with industry-standard animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.
• Strong understanding of timing, spacing, weight, motion dynamics, artistic principles, and storytelling.
• Knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine and animation integration workflows.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interest in creating immersive gaming experiences.

Nice to have

• Experience with motion capture techniques and data cleanup.
• Experience with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints.
• Interest in cinematography, storytelling, and cutscene creation.
• Understanding of 3D modelling and mesh deformation best practices.
• Experience animating high-fidelity characters for third-person and first-person adventure games.

Culture & Benefits

• Friendly and nurturing environment within an ambitious game studio.
• Collaborative team of welcoming, passionate, and active gamers.
• Private healthcare.
• Additional time off over the Christmas period.
• Bonus scheme, team outings, and seasonal events.

Hiring process

• Submit a cover letter and portfolio or showreel.
• Portfolio examples created at another studio must be cleared for release by the copyright owners.