Lead Animator

Position Overview

Zynga is seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Lead Animator to join a dynamic, growing team. As a lead animator you will have the opportunity to inspire a team of talented animators and lead animation quality on a game. You will empower, support and guide others to excellence, acting as a role model for organizational, technical, and creative skills, whilst having an impact to the Zynga art community. You will work closely with the Creative Director, Art Director, Game Designers, and other key players to create the next outstanding game!

Come help us make a difference by connecting the world through games!

Main Responsibilities

• Produce high quality animations with both motion captured and hand-keyed frames.
• Assist in building strong animation foundations and be able to uphold those standards.
• Lead a small animation team with excellent planning and task scheduling, to deliver animation to required quality, specification and time.
• Coach and mentor team members both in North America and Spain to develop professional skills including soft skills.
• Support the Outsource pipeline with feedback and planning assistance.
• Demonstrate high understanding of how animation supports gameplay and narrative.
• Demonstrate high level proficiency in 3D animation software (e.g. Maya).
• Plan, deliver, document and adjust/improve, complex animation motion graphs, to produce fluid in-game animation.

Desired Skills and Experience

• 5+ years experience in games, 2-3+ years in a Lead or Manager position.
• Proficient people management skills, using situational leadership techniques and an ability to have crucial conversations with staff.
• Knowledge of all stages of game development on multiple projects, enabling pragmatic, strategic judgements and providing excellent advice across the team.
• Expert level communication and problem solving skills.
• The ability to provide and receive feedback.
• Proven experience of planning and managing delivery within the discipline.
• Proven experience of managing a team's morale and supporting individuals' career development.
• Previous experience leading and mentoring a team to produce quality results.
• Experience working on business level tasks, e.g. cross discipline pipeline development.
• Experience with game engines (Unity)
• Significant software experience in: Maya, Unity, Photoshop, Perforce, Git
• Battle Royale, Moba, or Shooter experience is a plus.
• Strong showreel
• A love of games!

What we offer you:

• Competitive salary, bonus plan and ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
• 401K Company Match Contribution (US)
• RRSP/DPSP company match contribution (Canada)
• Health coverage, dental, disability, critical illness, EAP, and life insurance (Canada)
• Medical, dental, vision, EAP, life insurance, and disability benefits (US)
• Virtual mental health and neurodiversity support programs
• Global Fitness reimbursement program
• Global Wellbeing Program
• Financial wellness program with unlimited access to certified financial planners
• Discretionary Time Off policy for many employees
• Family planning support program
• Generous paid parental, pregnancy-related disability, caregiver, and compassionate leaves
• Subsidized Back-up child care
• Zynga happy hours and frequent employee events
• Flexible working hours on many teams
• Culture of diversity and inclusion including employee resource groups
• Work with cool people and impact millions of daily players

We are an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to building a diverse and talented workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome job-seekers, players, employees, and partners from all backgrounds to join us!

We will consider all qualified job-seekers with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities in order to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at AccommodationRequest@zynga.com to request an accommodation associated with your application for an open position.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $110,000 and $130,000 per year.

However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.