Studio Animation Director

We are hiring for a Studio Animation Director to lead our animation department across multiple projects, as well as contribute with hands-on animation.

You will manage a team of talented individuals and offer experienced guidance, conduct performance reviews, salary reviews, and generally facilitate the optimal work environment for your team.

You will lead by example in terms of animation quality but also in the understanding of gameplay, storytelling and overall character movement. Ultimately, you will enable your team to polish and finalize animations while ensuring their implementation into the game.

You have experience working within the game industry with at least two shipped AA+ titles. You are an experienced Maya and possibly Motion Builder user and have an expert understanding of all animation principles. Experience and knowledge of Unreal Engine is an advantage.

Please note - this role must be based in Stockholm, with a minimum of 3 days per week onsite. We can support relocation and visa sponsorship if required.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the leads from the Art, Engineering and Design teams to establish the aesthetic look and feel of animations going into the given game. This is done through defining animation styles, producing pre-visualizations and concept ideas while presenting them to the team.

• Effectively communicate the art and design direction to the animators.

• Oversee the work of the animators daily while leading the iteration process and giving feedback on all areas of animation.

• Lead by example and create compelling character performances, be it gameplay or cinematic animations, utilizing both keyframed and motion capture techniques.

• Understand game-required techniques such as blending, tagging, state machine transitions, animation blending trees, compression, etc. while also participating in the improvements of these techniques.

• Ensure on-time delivery for all deliverables, working closely with the project managers for all planning aspects.

• Work with the Producers, Department Leads and Animation team to establish methods to improve the production pipeline, tools and systems that will benefit the integrity of the animation for the studio.

• Manage the career growth and development of direct reports.

• Evaluate team members’ goals and objectives, ensuring both personal growth as well as alignment with department and company objectives.

• Assist the studio leadership in staffing, hiring, and onboarding processes.

• Expected to lead, advise, and mentor any level of Animators.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a Lead or Director role in the games industry working on AA+ titles.

• A strong understanding of quick and efficient iteration techniques that respect the gameplay requirements while displaying high quality.

• The ability to lead, collaborate, communicate and work professionally with other animators and directors.

• Excellent communication skills that allow you to work efficiently with other disciplines and departments.

• Contributed and been part of a highly creative team, used to giving and receiving feedback.

• A solid understanding of game asset creation pipelines and ability to learn and master new tools, processes, and pipelines.

• An ability to work closely with project managers to develop schedules and keep these schedules.

• A familiarity and excitement for games and game development.

Nice to have:

• Previous experience working with both first and third person titles.

• Previous experience working with Unreal Engine 4/5.

Still reading? Good, because here’s the best part:

We offer you a position at a company where we value empowerment, agility and ownership. While we evolve we want you to grow with us and to develop as a professional.

What more do we offer?

• Competitive salaries with annual reviews

• Private medical insurance

• Annual wellness benefit

• 30 days of paid vacation per year

• Occupational pension ≈50% above collective agreement standard

• Referral bonuses

• Free monthly massage sessions in the office!

Sounds good? Then we can’t wait to see your CV and look forward to meeting you. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible as selection and interviews are held continuously. Please submit your CV and cover letter in English.

Starbreeze values diversity and inclusion, and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome you as who you are, no matter where you are from or what games you play. If there are preparations or accommodations that we can make to help ensure that you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.

Recruitment agencies may not submit CVs through this website or directly to hiring managers. Starbreeze Entertainment does not accept unsolicited recruitment agency CVs, and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with us.