Lead Animator

About Steel City Interactive

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.  

SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other.

Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.  

The Role

Supporting the Head of Art the Lead Animator is responsible for delivering all animation-based art work . This encompasses RnD, technical investigation, evaluation, establishing workflows and processes and delivery of content at scale during the full production cycle.

They are responsible for defining the overall quality of Animation, pushing the levels of fidelity so it’s indicative of industry leading quality and constantly exploring new methodology to push next gen boundaries.

Will be able to work with and deliver complex facial animation workflows.

Ensures all animation work is planned effectively, clearly communicated and includes strategic planning for efficiencies and cross discipline dependencies like rigging, 3D Characters and cinematics.

Will have experience of managing and organising motion capture shoots from actor booking, shot planning, directing actors and cataloguing capture.

Will have a good degree of experience with managing teams and having direct line reports. Will hold regular 1:1’s with artists to mentor, coach and develop their skills for them to succeed in their role and future career ambitions.

Alongside the Head of Art, the Lead Animator will communicate updates for their specific craft. Presents with confidence, gravitas and persuasion within the team and wider organisation.

Alongside the Head of Art, they can effectively define and articulate the art vision goals and pillars for the project in a way that is clearly understandable to different audiences.

Can work closely with external development teams to instruct and review work.

Responsibilities

• Alongside the Head of Art, they share responsibility to champion the high level vision and direction of the game and franchise.
• Oversees all aspects of animation production and works closely with the production team to support and deliver content aligned to the roadmap.
• Leads a team of Animators and oversees their personal development.
• Inspires peers to push limits of what could be achieved through the delivery of benchmark animations.
• Will understand rigging processes and be able to provide technical animation guidance.
• Will work on facial animation techniques.
• Can provide animation support across other areas like cloth, hair and other environmental objects.
• Will use animation-based software like, maya, motion builder including unity & unreal animation workflows.
• Outside the box thinking to bring in new potential art features related to their craft; effectively working with talent in and outside the studio.
• Oversees, organises and directs motion capture shoots.
• Assess and communicate issues and risks within reasonable timescales.
• Has a keen eye for quality, identifying areas that could be improved, ensuring their area of expertise meets the highest standards.
• Helps to mentoring and coach colleagues in their artistic development.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• At least 5 years in the games industry as a Lead Animator managing a team of animators and technical animators.
• Shipped at least one game, where you were heavily involved in the delivery of character-based content.
• Is confident using project planning software.
• Expert in standard 3D Art software and game engines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Based in the UK.

What we offer

Healthy work-life balance:

• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
• Christmas shut down
• Holiday exchange programme
• Flexible working hours

Support for family life:

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental

Great office environment:

• A dog friendly studio based in Sheffield, with free snacks, fruit and drinks!
• Free parking

Health & wellbeing support:

• Company sick pay
• 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year
• Access to 24/7 doctors
• Employee Assistance Programme
• £300 wellbeing stipend every January

Learning support:

• Learning days
• Unlimited access to Udemy courses

Additional financial support:

• Technology scheme (up to £750)
• Discount Club at over 350 high street stores
• Discretionary Cost of Living Payments
• Relocation benefits
• Electric Car Vehicle Scheme
• Bonus

Connection and perks:

• Wrap parties & company paid outings
• Individual entertainment budget to cover team events

Steel City Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to building a diverse team and welcome all applications, considering them without regard to race, religion, belief, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, sex or sexual orientation.

If you’re excited about this role and believe you would add value to our team, but don’t meet every single requirement, we would still like to hear from you – please let us know about the value you would bring in your application.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

Please be aware that all applications for roles submitted through our website will be managed by our external recruitment partner, Amiqus. While they will handle the processing and management of your application, your data will remain securely stored within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. By submitting your CV through our website, you give your permission for your application to be managed by Amiqus and to be contacted by them on SCI’s behalf.