At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented animation team and create stunning character and creature animations.
- Company: Join a dynamic animation studio in Sheffield, known for high-end productions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative studio culture with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Why this job: Shape the future of animation while mentoring emerging talent and pushing creative boundaries.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in animation with leadership experience and expert knowledge of Autodesk Maya.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are looking to hire a Lead Animator to join our studio based in Sheffield, UK. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional animator with proven experience leading teams and delivering work on high-end productions. They will be responsible for helping define animation quality, supporting and mentoring artists, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring the team delivers work that meets both creative and production goals. We’re particularly interested in candidates who enjoy working closely with a team in a studio environment, although exceptional remote candidates are also encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Leading the animation team across one or more productions.
- Creating high‑quality Character, Creature, and Vehicle Keyframe Animation.
- Reviewing animation work and providing clear, constructive feedback.
- Mentoring and supporting animators at all levels.
- Working closely with Directors, Supervisors, Production, and other departments to achieve project goals.
- Helping define and maintain animation quality standards.
- Assisting with shot allocation, planning, and workload management.
- Camera Layout and Previsualisation.
- Recording and directing reference to support performance and storytelling.
- Identifying creative, technical, and production challenges and helping develop solutions.
- Supporting the development of animation workflows, tools, and pipeline improvements.
Skills & Requirements
- Expert knowledge of Autodesk Maya with exceptional animation skills, including posing, timing, weight, rhythm, performance, and storytelling.
- Proven experience leading animation teams on professional productions.
- Strong ability to review work, provide feedback, and elevate the performance of others.
- Excellent understanding of human anatomy, movement, and physical performance.
- Strong knowledge of real‑world physics and their application within animation.
- Strong understanding of cinematography and visual storytelling.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
- Ability to balance creative ambitions with production requirements and deadlines.
- Proven production experience of 7+ years.
- Animation Direction or Animation Supervision experience.
- Technical animation, scripting, or pipeline development knowledge.
- Experience recruiting, mentoring, and developing animation talent.
- Experience working across multiple animation styles and genres.
How to apply
Please apply through our online application form by clicking the link below. To be considered, you must include a cover letter outlining how you meet the required skills, a CV, and a link to your portfolio. If we decide to move forward with your application, a Lunar Animation Studios representative will contact you directly to discuss the next stage in the process.
Lead Animator in Sheffield employer: Lunar Animation Ltd
At Lunar Animation Studios, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and creative work environment in Sheffield, UK, where talented individuals can thrive. As a Lead Animator, you will not only lead a passionate team but also have access to exceptional growth opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to work on high-end productions that push the boundaries of animation. Our commitment to quality and innovation, combined with a supportive culture, makes us an outstanding employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in animation.
