Manager of Animation

The Manager, Animation helps lead the Animation/Animation FX team and their workflows. They are responsible for balancing creative and production priorities with efficiency, staff development, and ESPN Creative Studio strategic planning. The Manager oversees in-person and remote staff, technology resources, schedules, and team performance. They have a comprehensive understanding of animation team software, hardware, workflows, along with knowledge of individual staff skillsets and development areas. They are proactive problem-solvers with an eye on emerging production trends to anticipate future animation needs. They help create an innovative, collaborative, and creatively positive environment for the entire team. They engage and align with internal leaders on workflows to deliver against company priorities and key business goals.

Responsibilities:

• Daily leadership, planning, monitoring, and support of all staff and assignments
• Daily assessment of workloads and priorities to keep projects running smoothly
• Easily pivot attention to where needed & readily open to diverse ideas and discussion
• Direct management, mentoring and coaching of supervisor and staff level personnel
• Develop and align team workflows and strategies with ESPN Creative Studio priorities
• Assess staff capabilities & proactively plan against known and anticipated project needs
• Foster a team environment that encourages innovation, creativity and skills growth
• Identify and drive resolutions to technical, operational, and organizational challenges
• Collaborate with IT partners to guide enhancements to team software and hardware
• Engage with ECS leaders and outside vendors to influence and align on workflows

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in animation, design, tv production