Senior / Lead Animator in Gateshead

Senior / Lead Animator in Gateshead

Gateshead Full-Time On-site
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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.

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Contact Details:

Last Arrow Limited Recruitment Team