Lead Animator (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Lead Animator (Game Art): Leading and mentoring a team of animators to create high-quality creature and character animations for an unannounced shooter title with an accent on establishing best-practice workflows and viewport animation. Focus on integrating animations into game engines and balancing creative goals with production realities.

Location: On-site in Oxford, Warwick, or Runcorn. Permanent right to work in the UK is required; no visa sponsorship available.

Company

Independent developer and publisher of video games, films, board games, and comics.

What you will do

• Lead and mentor a team of animators, setting benchmarks for creature and character viewport animation.
• Collaborate with Art, Design, Programming, and Tech Animation to integrate assets into game engines and PBR pipelines.
• Create and review high-quality in-game animations that adhere to style guides and technical constraints.
• Balance creative goals with production realities and gameplay needs.
• Coordinate with production to ensure project visibility and track deliverables.

Requirements

• Strong mastery of animation principles for creature and viewport motions (locomotion, combat, behaviors).
• Expertise in Maya and Blender, with solid knowledge of game-engine animation systems.
• Proven leadership experience in delegating tasks and mentoring artists.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve technical animation issues within production pipelines.
• Permanent right to work in the UK (no sponsorship provided).

Nice to have

• Experience with motion capture pipelines, including planning, directing, and polishing data.

Culture & Benefits

• Generous holiday package: 22 days plus Christmas and Bank holidays, increasing with tenure.
• Comprehensive health coverage: Private Medical Insurance, dental, and vision.
• Financial security: Life Assurance, Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, and an enhanced pension scheme.
• Employee support: Interest-free loans and Mental Health/Wellbeing support via EAP.
• Inclusive and creative environment with a focus on work-life balance.