Lead Animator

divCreative Assembly is looking for a Lead Animator to join our talented team to work on our new project, a sequel to Alien: Isolation. This role will be based at our studio in Horsham, West Sussex and can be offered as hybrid or in-studio. Remote working (UK) would be considered, and further details can be discussed during the recruitment process. /divdivbr /strongThe Role  /strongbr /As the Lead Animator, you will oversee and motivate our animation team, collaborating closely with the Animation Director to set and uphold the highest animation standards throughout the production process.  /divdiv /divdivYou will be responsible for delivering exceptional animations that enhance character quality in-game, delivering memorable performances that provide players with an engaging and immersive experience.  /divdivThis is a new project, being built in UE5, with a strong focus on character on an iconic IP. This role offers an exciting opportunity to have a significant impact on that experience.  /divdiv /divdivstrongWhat you’ll be doing  /strongbr /strongOn a day-to-day basis, you will:  /strong/divulliLead and mentor the animation team, providing guidance, setting objectives, and conducting performance evaluations.  /liliCollaborate with the Animation Director to establish and maintain animation benchmarks, ensuring consistent and high-performing visual quality.  /liliInterpret high level direction to plan and prioritise animation tasks, balancing quality with technical requirements and deadlines.  /liliCollaborate with related teams to develop and refine animations and systems from block-out to final implementation, ensuring they integrate seamlessly and meet performance and gameplay requirements.  /liliReview existing workflows, tools, and systems, identifying and solving challenges within the animation pipeline.  /liliPromote ongoing advancements in animation quality and techniques to elevate the team's capabilities and provide innovative solutions that meet design, gameplay, and project requirements.  /liliWork closely with outsource partners to develop high-quality animation assets.  /liliTackle day-to-day requests for improvements and bug fixes.  /li/uldivstrongWhat we are looking for  /strong/divdivstrongEssential   /strong/divulliA passion for games and games animation  /liliStrong ability to communicate clear direction, break down tasks and feedback to help mentor, guide and educate fellow teammates.  /liliDemonstrated expertise in game animation, utilising both hand-key and motion capture techniques.  /liliExcellent knowledge of Maya and/or Motion Builder.  /liliExtensive technical knowledge of animation pipelines and game engine character and animation systems  /liliExceptional problem-solving abilities, with a strong emphasis on proactive solutions.  /li/uldivstrongDesirable   /strong/divulliPreviously worked on AAA titles in an equivalent role.  /liliExperience with Unreal Engine  /liliExperience with Motion Matching or equivalent advanced locomotion system  /liliExperience with facial animation and related pipelines  /liliExperience with character setup – rigging skinning  /liliExperience with motion capture shoots  /liliExperience with animation outsource/co-development    /li/uldivemNote: Applications for this role will ideally include a portfolio (or link to a portfolio). /emspan style="font-family: sans-serif , arial , helvetica;font-size: 11.0pt;"b/b/span/divdivem /em/divdivdivstrongAbout Creative Assembly/strong/divdivCreative Assembly crafts deep and detailed games that last, entertaining millions of players across the globe for decades./divdiv /divdivWe are all game makers and we care deeply about the experiences we create. We empower our teams to make significant contributions to our games, supported by skills development and growth opportunities./divdiv /divdivWe are located in Horsham, UK and Sofia, Bulgaria.br /We offer many benefits to support you and your family including:/divulliWork from Anywhere for a temporary period each year (restrictions apply such as VISAs)/liliEnhanced holiday allowance, maternity and paternity breaks, flexibility with our core hours, and no-notice holidays/liliBespoke relocation package for you and your dependents/liliPrivate medical and dental insurance, life insurance, permanent health insurance, critical illness cover and free health care screening/liliGenerous holiday allowance plus full studio closure over the Christmas and New Year period, and all Bank holidays/liliJoin our Diversity and Inclusion Network – an employee-led group/liliSeason ticket travel loans and cycle to work scheme with free bike servicing and discounted car valet service on site/liliWellbeing support and virtual confidential counselling/liliCommunity activities including parties, football and more./liliOur studio sites have disabled access. /li/ulpWe are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief./ppNote to Recruitment Agencies: SEGA Europe Limited and our studios do not accept unsolicited candidate introductions from unauthorised third parties. For the avoidance of doubt, SEGA Europe is not liable for any fees, compensation or any other costs associated with the introduction of a candidate or recruitment services unless and until an agreement has been duly executed. Further details can be a href="https://www.creative-assembly.com/note-recruitment-agencies"found here/a./p/div