9 Lead Animator jobs in the United Kingdom

Our client, a highly respected game development studio, is looking for an exceptionally talented Senior Lead Animator to join their creative team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your artistic vision and technical expertise from anywhere. You will be responsible for guiding the animation team, establishing animation quality standards, and executing high-fidelity character and environmental animations for cutting-edge video games. This role requires a blend of artistic mastery, technical proficiency, and strong leadership skills. You will collaborate closely with game designers, art directors, and programmers to bring game worlds and characters to life with compelling movement and personality. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of animation principles, expertise in industry-standard software, and a proven ability to mentor and inspire other animators.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of animators, providing artistic direction and technical guidance.
• Establish and maintain high-quality animation standards and workflows for the project.
• Create exceptional keyframe animations for characters, creatures, and in-game objects, focusing on performance, emotion, and gameplay clarity.
• Collaborate with the art and design teams to define character movement and behavior.
• Develop and implement animation systems, including rigging pipelines and motion capture integration.
• Review animation work from team members, providing constructive feedback to ensure quality and consistency.
• Troubleshoot animation-related technical issues and optimize animations for performance.
• Contribute to the overall artistic vision and direction of the game.
• Manage animation tasks and timelines, ensuring efficient delivery within project milestones.
• Stay current with the latest animation techniques, tools, and industry trends.

Qualifications:

• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional character and gameplay animation skills.
• 5+ years of professional animation experience in the video game industry, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.
• Solid understanding of animation principles, cinematography, and storytelling.
• Experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Knowledge of rigging, skinning, and character setup.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a remote team environment.
• Passion for video games and a keen eye for detail.
• Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration is a plus.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a creative and driven animator to make a significant impact on exciting game projects. Join our innovative studio and showcase your talents from **Coventry, West Midlands, UK**, or wherever you call home.

**_Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery. the stuff dreams are made of._**
**Who We Are.**
When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the _storytellers_ bringing our characters to life, the _creators_ bringing them to your living rooms and the _dreamers_ creating what's next.
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
Rocksteady Studios is an award-winning, critically acclaimed video game developer. Founded in 2004, we are home to the widely celebrated Batman: Arkham series of games. Our philosophy for game development is all about treating people well to create quality entertainment that stands the test of time. We're a one-project studio that built our success by combining genre-defining gameplay and character-driven cinematic narrative with AAA production values. Born in the heart of London, our multicultural team takes inspiration from the culture and history of our home in one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Rocksteady Studios is a member of the Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
family, and the developer of the award-winning Batman: Arkham series of
games. Our philosophy for game development is all about treating people well to create quality entertainment that stands the test of time.
We're a studio that built our success by combining genre-defining gameplay and
character-driven cinematic narrative with AAA production values.
Born in the heart of London, our multicultural team takes inspiration from the
culture and history of our home in one of the most diverse cities in the world.
**Your New Role.**
Rocksteady is looking for a Lead Technical Animator to join our dedicated and
collaborative team working on AAA titles.
The role involves leading, supporting and developing our team of friendly and
passionate technical animators. You'll also be applying your technical expertise
directly by creating rigs, developing pipelines and collaborating with art and
animation teams to solve all kinds of problems.
Working closely with a plethora of leads and directors - you'll be developing
outstanding art assets with brilliant deformation alongside making easy to use
tools for gaining efficiency and quality.
**Your Role Accountabilities.**
+ Supervise/create high quality character, body and facial rigs.
+ Collaborate with the art and animation teams to assist on technical
challenges and improve pipelines and processes.
+ Integrate, research and develop new technologies and tools to advance quality, efficiency and adaptability of animation, rigging and art pipelines.
+ Create schedules/roadmaps alongside the production team.
+ Leading and supporting the technical animation team through hiring, mentoring and running 121s/appraisals.
+ Create and manage documentation for tools and processes within animation and asset processes in the studio.
**Qualifications & Experience.**
+ Applicable understanding of anatomy and body mechanics.
+ Relevant rigging/technical animation experience.
+ Strong working knowledge of Python in Maya and coding standards and practices.
+ Engine animation experience (Unity/Unreal).
**Bonus Points:**
+ Experience with gameplay technical animation - such as state machines, cloth, physics and ragdoll setups - particularly in Unreal.
+ Experience with Jira and/or Shotgrid.
+ Experience with Motionbuilder, motionbuilder API and mocap processes.
+ Experience with facial rigging.
+ Programming knowledge such as C++/Maya API & Plugin Writing.
+ Interest and experience with machine learning.
+ Knowledge of vector maths, linear algebra and matrices.
Hybrid Working - This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in-office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.
**How We Get Things Done.**
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
**Championing Inclusion at WBD**
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.
If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page ( for instructions to submit your request.

Our client is seeking a highly talented and creative Lead Digital Animator to join their dynamic team in **Cardiff, Wales, UK**. This role is pivotal in shaping the visual storytelling and aesthetic of our cutting-edge projects. You will be responsible for overseeing the animation pipeline, guiding a team of talented animators, and ensuring the highest quality of animation output. Your expertise will be crucial in bringing characters, environments, and motion graphics to life with fluidity, personality, and technical precision. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of animation principles, software proficiency, and a strong artistic sensibility. You'll collaborate closely with directors, art leads, and other departments to interpret creative briefs and translate them into compelling animated sequences. This is an exciting opportunity to leave your mark on visually driven projects and contribute to a collaborative and innovative studio environment. The role requires a minimum of 5 years of professional animation experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or senior capacity. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya, Blender, Adobe After Effects, and Cinema 4D is essential. A strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of animation styles and techniques is mandatory. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for effective team leadership and cross-departmental collaboration. You should be adept at providing constructive feedback, mentoring junior animators, and fostering a positive and productive work atmosphere. Familiarity with rigging, texturing, and rendering processes is highly beneficial. We are looking for someone who is passionate about animation, driven by innovation, and committed to pushing creative boundaries. The position involves a hybrid work model, offering a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of digital animators, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to project deadlines.
• Develop and implement animation strategies and workflows.
• Create high-quality 3D animations for characters, environments, and visual effects.
• Collaborate with directors and art leads to achieve the desired artistic vision.
• Review and provide feedback on animation work from team members.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues within the animation pipeline.
• Stay current with industry trends, software updates, and new animation techniques.
• Contribute to the development of pre-production materials such as storyboards and animatics.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Lead Animator or Senior Animator in a professional studio.
• Exceptional portfolio demonstrating artistic skill and technical proficiency in animation.
• Expertise in 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max).
• Proficiency in compositing and motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects).
• Strong understanding of animation principles, character performance, and storytelling.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Overview

Rocksteady Studios is an award-winning, critically acclaimed video game developer. Founded in 2004, we are home to the widely celebrated Batman: Arkham series of games. Our philosophy for game development is all about treating people well to create quality entertainment that stands the test of time. We’re a one-project studio that built our success by combining genre-defining gameplay and character-driven cinematic narrative with AAA production values. Born in the heart of London, our multicultural team takes inspiration from the culture and history of our home in one of the most diverse cities in the world.nYour New Role

Rocksteady is looking for a Lead Technical Animator to join our dedicated and collaborative team working on AAA titles. The role involves leading, supporting and developing our team of friendly and passionate technical animators. You’ll also be applying your technical expertise directly by creating rigs, developing pipelines and collaborating with art and animation teams to solve all kinds of problems. Working closely with a plethora of leads and directors, you’ll be developing outstanding art assets with brilliant deformation alongside making easy to use tools for gaining efficiency and quality.nYour Role Accountabilities

Supervise/create high quality character, body and facial rigs.nCollaborate with the art and animation teams to assist on technical challenges and improve pipelines and processes.nIntegrate, research and develop new technologies and tools to advance quality, efficiency and adaptability of animation, rigging and art pipelines.nCreate schedules/roadmaps alongside the production team.nLead and support the technical animation team through hiring, mentoring and 121s/appraisals.nCreate and manage documentation for tools and processes within animation and asset processes in the studio.nQualifications & Experience

Applicable understanding of anatomy and body mechanics.nRelevant rigging/technical animation experience.nStrong working knowledge of Python in Maya and coding standards and practices.nEngine animation experience (Unity/Unreal).nBonus Points

Experience with gameplay technical animation – such as state machines, cloth, physics and ragdoll setups – particularly in Unreal.nExperience with Jira and/or Shotgrid.nExperience with Motionbuilder, motionbuilder API and mocap processes.nExperience with facial rigging.nProgramming knowledge such as C++/Maya API & Plugin Writing.nInterest and experience with machine learning.nKnowledge of vector maths, linear algebra and matrices.nHybrid Working - This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in-office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.nHow We Get Things Done

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at the guiding principles page along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.nChampioning Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.nIf you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit the accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

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Our client, a highly innovative and dynamic virtual production studio operating on a remote-first basis, is seeking a talented and experienced Lead 3D Animator. This role is central to bringing visually stunning characters and environments to life for a variety of digital projects, including film, gaming, and interactive media. The Lead 3D Animator will be responsible for overseeing the animation pipeline, guiding a team of animators, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, emotionally resonant animation that meets project objectives. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to collaborate with a diverse and talented global team. If you have a passion for storytelling through animation and a proven track record of leadership, this is an exceptional opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D animators, providing artistic direction, feedback, and technical support.
• Oversee the animation pipeline, from initial blocking and keyframing to final polish, ensuring consistency and adherence to project style guides.
• Collaborate closely with directors, art directors, and other department leads to achieve the desired artistic vision.
• Create high-quality character and environment animations, focusing on performance, timing, and storytelling.
• Develop and implement animation workflows and best practices to optimize efficiency and quality.
• Review and approve animation assets, ensuring they meet technical and artistic requirements.
• Troubleshoot animation issues and devise creative solutions.
• Manage animation schedules and ensure timely delivery of assets.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest animation techniques, software, and industry trends.
• Contribute to character rigging and pipeline development where necessary.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Qualifications:

• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional 3D animation skills, character performance, and artistic sensibilities.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in 3D animation, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max).
• Solid understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, weight, and appeal.
• Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration is a plus.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, character performance, and storytelling.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback to animators.
• Experience working in a remote team environment and managing deliverables effectively.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a passion for pushing creative boundaries.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a talented animation team and contribute to exciting projects within a cutting-edge, remote-first studio. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a chance to shape the future of digital entertainment.

Our client, a dynamic force in the digital arts and entertainment industry, is seeking an experienced Lead 3D Animator to spearhead their animation projects, operating entirely remotely. This role is instrumental in bringing characters and environments to life through compelling 3D animation. You will lead a team of talented animators, manage project pipelines, and ensure the highest quality of animation output across various projects. This is a fully remote position, fostering a flexible and collaborative creative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a remote team of 3D animators, providing technical and artistic guidance.
• Oversee the animation process from storyboarding and pre-visualization to final rendering.
• Develop and implement animation standards and best practices.
• Ensure animation quality, consistency, and adherence to project styles and requirements.
• Collaborate closely with directors, art leads, and other team members in a virtual setting.
• Manage animation schedules and ensure timely delivery of assets.
• Review animation work, providing constructive feedback and ensuring artistic integrity.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in 3D animation software, techniques, and industry trends.
• Contribute to the development of character rigs and animation tools.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to animation pipelines and software.

The ideal candidate will have a robust portfolio showcasing exceptional 3D animation work, preferably in game development, film, or VFX. A minimum of 7 years of professional animation experience, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role, is required. Proficiency in industry-standard 3D animation software such as Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max is essential. Strong understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, weight, and character performance, is critical. Experience with motion capture data cleanup and integration is a plus. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are necessary for effectively managing a remote team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled animator to take on a leadership role and shape visually stunning projects, working remotely from anywhere near **Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK**.

A dynamic and innovative arts and entertainment studio in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK is seeking a talented Lead Digital Artist & Animator to join their creative team. This role is for an individual with a strong artistic vision and exceptional technical skills in 2D and 3D animation and digital art creation. You will be responsible for leading artistic development, guiding a team of artists, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality visual assets for various projects, including interactive media, film, and gaming. Key responsibilities include conceptualizing and developing characters, environments, and visual effects; overseeing the animation pipeline; and maintaining artistic consistency across projects. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of animation principles, storytelling, character design, and a mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, Blender, or equivalent. You will collaborate closely with directors, producers, and other creative professionals to translate creative briefs into stunning visual realities. Mentorship and the ability to provide constructive feedback to junior artists are essential. We are looking for a proactive problem-solver with excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail. A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and animation techniques is mandatory. A degree in Fine Arts, Animation, Digital Media, or a related field, coupled with at least 5 years of professional experience in digital art and animation, preferably in a lead role, is required. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your creative talents to a growing studio in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK , and work on unique and engaging projects. The hybrid work model offers a balance of collaborative studio time and focused remote work, promoting creativity and efficiency.

Our client, a critically acclaimed independent game development studio, is seeking a talented and visionary Lead Video Game Animator to join their fully remote team. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the visual artistry and player experience of innovative and engaging video games. You will be responsible for directing the animation team, defining animation styles, and ensuring the highest quality of character and environmental animations across multiple projects. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of animation principles, kinematics, and the tools used in modern game development, such as Maya, Blender, and game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity. You will work closely with game designers, artists, and programmers to bring game worlds and characters to life with fluid, expressive, and compelling motion. This remote-first position requires strong leadership skills, excellent communication, and the ability to inspire and guide a creative team effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of animators, providing creative direction and technical guidance.
• Develop and implement high-quality animation pipelines and workflows.
• Create compelling character animations, including keyframe animation, motion capture editing, and procedural animation.
• Animate environments, effects, and UI elements to enhance the game's visual appeal.
• Collaborate with character artists and technical artists to ensure animation-ready models and rigs.
• Work closely with game designers and directors to interpret gameplay mechanics and implement animations that support them.
• Define and maintain the overall animation style and quality standards for the project.
• Optimize animations for performance within the game engine.
• Provide constructive feedback to animation team members and conduct reviews.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in game animation technology and techniques.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in video game animation, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender).
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Strong understanding of character rigging, skinning, and animation principles (timing, spacing, weight, etc.).
• Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration.
• Excellent artistic eye and a strong portfolio showcasing high-quality game animation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively in a remote setting.
• Passion for video games and a deep understanding of game development processes.