At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning animations for characters and creatures in Unreal Engine 5 while leading a talented team.
- Company: Join Last Arrow Games, a dynamic studio in Gateshead with a passion for innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare plan, tech purchase scheme, and more perks.
- Other info: Thriving environment focused on personal growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the gaming industry and inspire others through your leadership.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in game development with experience in animation and team management.
The predicted salary is between 44010 - 53790 £ per year.
This role is based at our studio in Gateshead and therefore it is imperative that you live within a commutable distance
We are seeking an experienced Senior / Lead Animator to join Last Arrow Games.
The role is responsible for bringing player characters and a diverse range of creatures to life in Unreal Engine 5, while leading and mentoring the animation team and helping develop animation pipelines and workflows.
- Create high-quality animations for player characters and creatures
- Lead, mentor and scale the animation team
- Develop believable creature movement and behaviours
- Animate locomotion, traversal, attacks, reactions and cinematics
- Collaborate with designers, artists and engineers
- Manage rigging and export pipelines
- Improve animation workflows, tools and pipelines
- Conduct animation reviews and provide feedback
- Estimate work and support production planning
- Key Skills Required
- 5+ years game development experience with at least one shipped title
- Experience animating creatures and characters
- Non-humanoid rigging expertise
- Unreal Engine animation integration
- Maya, Blender or equivalent proficiency
- Leadership, mentoring and communication skills
- Strong organisational and time management skills
Desirable
- Animation Blueprints in UE5
- Control Rig, procedural animation or Motion Matching
- Cinematic animation experience
Qualifications
- Professional animation training desirable
- Strong portfolio and practical experience essential
- Must be eligible to work in the UK
What We Offer
At Last Arrow, we’re committed to creating a supportive, rewarding working environment where our people can thrive.
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your wellbeing, protect your future, and support life inside and outside work.
Our benefits include
- Competitive Salary
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Cashback on everyday healthcare expenses such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy.
- Tech Purchase Scheme
- Spread the cost of new technology through affordable monthly payments.
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Save on bikes and cycling equipment while supporting a healthy, eco‑friendly commute.
- Income Protection
- Financial support if you’re unable to work due to long‑term illness or injury.
- Critical Illness & Life Insurance
- Extra peace of mind for you and your family.
- Virtual GP Service
- Quick and convenient access to medical advice, whenever you need it.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Confidential support for mental health, wellbeing, and financial concerns.
- Discounts & Cashback Platform
- Savings on hundreds of retailers, essentials, and lifestyle purchases.
- Birthday Day Off
- Enjoy an additional day of paid leave to celebrate your birthday.
- A Supportive Working Environment
- A culture that values wellbeing, collaboration, and personal growth.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior / Lead Animator in Gateshead employer: Last Arrow Games
At Last Arrow Games, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture in our Gateshead studio. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, which includes healthcare support, flexible tech purchasing options, and a unique Birthday Day Off, all designed to foster personal and professional growth. Join us to lead a talented animation team and create captivating experiences in a collaborative environment that values creativity and innovation.
