Lead Character Artist

We are looking for a Lead Character Artist to join our team to work on our upcoming AAA title Contraband - a co-op smuggler’s paradise game set in the fictional world of 1970s Bayan. Contraband is a brand-new IP published by Xbox Game Studios! 
The position:As a Lead Character Artist you will play a key role in shaping our character art production. In this role, and in collaboration with a producer, you’re expected to manage a skilled team of artists, ensuring that project goals are met with creativity and technical requirements. Your hands-on approach will be crucial to developing high-quality character assets and streamlining our customization pipeline.
Communication will be a big part of your day-to-day as you'll need to align your team's efforts with the wider project goals and Art direction and represent your department’s work to other areas of the studio. Additionally, you will have people management duties, helping your team grow professionally while maintaining a productive and collaborative environment.
What you'll do:

• Lead and guide a team of senior and experienced artists to ensure the production of all assets in time and quality.
• Delegate and manage tasks with precision, aligning team skills with project needs.
• Oversee the entire character production and customization process to ensure efficiency and top-tier quality.
• Focus on long-term strategic improvements in tools and pipeline processes.
• Act as the representative for the character art team in broader project conversations, conveying ideas and solutions clearly.
• You will be closely associated with Creative and Art Directors to ensure alignment with project goals.
• Manage artists to elevate their skills and help to develop their career.

Who you are:

• An experienced Lead artist with an extensive background in AAA character art, possessing a portfolio that highlights your expertise in realistic and diverse character designs.
• Experience with industry-standard tools such as Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and experience with game engines.
• Leadership is your forte, especially in mentoring and steering a team towards a unified vision while fostering a cooperative atmosphere.
• Strong communication skills, capable of advocating for your craft to other department heads and stakeholders.
• Previous experience in people management

Note: Research shows under-represented groups in the industry (especially women) might not apply to a job if they don’t check off every requirement. At Avalanche, we’re more about your drive to learn and interest in tackling challenges than what’s on your resume! So don’t stress if you don’t tick every box— shoot us your application anyway! Diverse opinions and different experiences are what make our teams so great, not itemized lists of qualifications.
The Stockholm locationOur Stockholm office is situated in Södermalm, the beating heart of the city’s game industry. It’s a physical representation of our games – the lush vegetation of Just Cause and theHunter: Call of the Wild meets corroded metal straight out of Mad Max. It has everything you need to make it your creative base camp.
Our valuesAt Avalanche Studios Group, we create worlds beyond limits. But that’s not exclusive to our games, so we’re committed to developing a diverse and inclusive workplace. All Avalanchers have a shared responsibility to create an open work environment where everyone is treated equally and respectfully. Being part of our world is not contingent on your heritage, your gender, or sexual orientation. It’s all about your passion and creativity.
How to applyTo apply for this position, please register below and provide your CV in English. We review applications continuously. All further studio-related information is provided under a non-disclosure agreement.
At Avalanche Studios Group we're always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our passionate team, but please not that relocation assistance is not available for this role.