Lead Animator

Creative Assembly is looking for a Lead Animator to join our talented team to work on our new project, a sequel to Alien: Isolation. This role will be based at our studio in Horsham, West Sussex and can be offered as hybrid or in-studio. Remote working (UK) would be considered, and further details can be discussed during the recruitment process.

The Role

As the Lead Animator, you will oversee and motivate our animation team, collaborating closely with the Animation Director to set and uphold the highest animation standards throughout the production process. You will be responsible for delivering exceptional animations that enhance character quality in-game, delivering memorable performances that provide players with an engaging and immersive experience. This is a new project, being built in UE5, with a strong focus on character on an iconic IP. This role offers an exciting opportunity to have a significant impact on that experience.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and mentor the animation team, providing guidance, setting objectives, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with the Animation Director to establish and maintain animation benchmarks, ensuring consistent and high-quality visual output.
• Interpret high-level direction to plan and prioritize animation tasks, balancing quality with technical requirements and deadlines.
• Work with related teams to develop and refine animations and systems from block-out to final implementation, ensuring seamless integration and meeting performance and gameplay requirements.
• Review existing workflows, tools, and systems, identifying and solving challenges within the animation pipeline.
• Promote ongoing advancements in animation quality and techniques to elevate the team's capabilities and provide innovative solutions that meet design, gameplay, and project requirements.
• Work closely with outsource partners to develop high-quality animation assets.
• Tackle day-to-day requests for improvements and bug fixes.

What we are looking for

Essential

• A passion for games and games animation.
• Strong ability to communicate clear direction, break down tasks and feedback to help mentor, guide and educate fellow teammates.
• Demonstrated expertise in game animation, utilising both hand-key and motion capture techniques.
• Excellent knowledge of Maya and/or Motion Builder.
• Extensive technical knowledge of animation pipelines and game engine character and animation systems.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities, with a strong emphasis on proactive solutions.

Desirable

• Previously worked on AAA titles in an equivalent role.
• Experience with Unreal Engine.
• Experience with Motion Matching or equivalent advanced locomotion system.
• Experience with facial animation and related pipelines.
• Experience with character setup – rigging & skinning.
• Experience with motion capture shoots.
• Experience with animation outsource/co-development.

Note: Applications for this role will ideally include a portfolio (or link to a portfolio).

About Creative Assembly

Creative Assembly crafts deep and detailed games that last, entertaining millions of players across the globe for decades. We are all game makers and we care deeply about the experiences we create. We empower our teams to make significant contributions to our games, supported by skills development and growth opportunities. We are located in Horsham, UK and Sofia, Bulgaria.

We offer many benefits to support you and your family including:

• Work from Anywhere for a temporary period each year (restrictions apply such as VISAs).
• Enhanced holiday allowance, maternity and paternity breaks, flexibility with our core hours, and no-notice holidays.
• Bespoke relocation package for you and your dependents.
• Private medical and dental insurance, life insurance, permanent health insurance, critical illness cover and free health care screening.
• Generous holiday allowance plus full studio closure over the Christmas and New Year period, and all Bank holidays.
• Join our Diversity and Inclusion Network – an employee-led group.
• Season ticket travel loans and cycle to work scheme with free bike servicing and discounted car valet service on site.
• Wellbeing support and virtual confidential counselling.
• Community activities including parties, football and more.

Our studio sites have disabled access. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.