Santa Monica Studio is seeking an Animation Manager to partner with the Senior Animation Manager in leading and supporting the Animation team!
Responsibilities:
- Manage and mentor a group of direct reports
Collaborate with the Sr Animation Manager to recruit, onboard, evaluate, and retain top-tier animators - Support Animation Directors, Supervisors, and Leads in team management and problem-solving
- Identify areas for improvement and create initiatives to drive team success
- Monitor individual performance, identify skill gaps and provide growth and career development opportunities for animators
- Identify, develop, and support emerging leaders
- Establish accountability and foster innovation within the team
- Resolve interdisciplinary issues and remove roadblocks promptly
- Escalate and resolve animation team concerns efficiently, and ensure effective communication flow within the team
- Maintain an inspiring creative culture that encourages experimentation and feedback
- Conduct one-on-ones, team meetings, and knowledge-sharing sessions
- Oversee integration of contingent workers and external partners when required
- Partner with production team and project leadership to plan for optimal deployment of animation resources, and ensure project needs are met
- Ensure project priorities are reflected in scheduling, resource allocation, and team conduct
- Collaborate with studio leadership to maintain consistent production processes across disciplines
- Contribute to studio planning regarding personnel issues, headcount planning, studio culture, and other needs as required
- Represent the animation team and studio in the industry through participation in events, conferences, and university outreach programs
Requirements:
- 7+ years of game industry experience
- 7+ years of animation experience
- 3+ years of management experience
- Internal development team experience
Preferred Experience:
- 2+ years of experience in an animation leadership role
- Experience throughout a full AAA development cycle preferred
- Experience working with both internal teams and external partners preferred
