At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the rigging team to create high-quality character and prop rigs for production.
- Company: Join a dynamic studio focused on innovative animation and VFX projects.
- Benefits: Freelance contract with flexible hours and remote work options.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make your mark in animation by leading a talented team and shaping creative visions.
- Qualifications: Expertise in rigging, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in Autodesk Maya.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
RIGGING SUPERVISOR
We are looking for an experienced Rigging Supervisor to lead the rigging department on a new production.
Working closely with the Character Supervisor, CG Supervisor, Animation Director and wider production team, you will oversee the development of high-quality character and prop rigs that support the creative vision while meeting the technical requirements of production.
As Rigging Supervisor, you will combine hands‑on rigging expertise with technical leadership, helping to define workflows, develop pipeline tools and support a team of Rigging Artists.
You will play a key role in ensuring assets move efficiently through our pipeline, from modelling and look development through to animation and lighting.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor the Rigging team, fostering a collaborative, supportive and high-performing environment.
- Work closely with the Character Supervisor, CG Supervisor and Animation Director to develop production-ready character, creature and prop rigs.
- Establish and maintain rigging standards, workflows and best practices across the department.
- Ensure rigged assets integrate smoothly into the production pipeline from modelling through to animation and lighting.
- Collaborate closely with Character Modelling, Look Development, Animation and CG teams to maintain a consistently high quality bar across all assets.
- Design, develop and maintain rigging tools, scripted workflows and automation to improve efficiency and consistency.
- Oversee complex rigging, deformation and technical challenges, providing practical solutions that support production needs.
- Review rigging work, provide constructive feedback and ensure assets meet the required artistic and technical standards.
- Allocate work, provide guidance and support the professional development of Rigging Artists across the team.
- Work with the Line Producer to scope, estimate and bid rigging work accurately, helping to inform production planning and scheduling.
- Identify technical risks or production challenges early and communicate solutions proactively to Production and departmental leads.
- Balance creative ambition with technical feasibility, ensuring work is delivered on schedule without compromising quality.
Person specification
- We're particularly keen to connect with Scotland-based artists.
- Significant professional experience in rigging for feature animation, VFX, games or high‑end episodic production, including experience in a senior or lead capacity.
- Expert knowledge of Autodesk Maya rigging workflows.
- Advanced understanding of deformation systems including skinning, corrective shapes, muscle systems and simulation workflows.
- Excellent understanding of body and facial anatomy, deformation, weight distribution and movement.
- Proven experience creating high‑quality character and prop rigs for production.
- Strong understanding of animation workflows and the technical requirements of animators.
- Excellent knowledge of production pipelines and asset management.
- Strong scripting skills using Python, with experience developing production tools and workflow improvements. Experience with C++ is advantageous.
- Excellent technical problem‑solving skills with the ability to balance quality, efficiency and production deadlines.
- Experience planning work, estimating effort and contributing to production scheduling.
- Strong leadership, mentoring and communication skills, with the ability to delegate effectively and support the development of others.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.
Desirable
- Experience working with Unreal Engine pipelines.
- Experience with Control Rig or similar runtime rigging workflows.
- Experience building proprietary rigging tools and pipeline utilities.
- Location
Fully remote or Scottish-based artists would be welcome to work hybrid from our studio in Stirling.
Contract type
Roles will be offered on a freelance contract, expected to start from September 2026 running until June 2027.
Hours
Our standard studio hours are 7 working hours a day (usually 10am to 6pm), Monday to Friday.
We are open to discussing flexible working hours on an individual basis where this is possible within the production pipeline.
Access requirements
We are committed to providing a working environment that is inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all team members.
If you have individual access requirements, we're open to discussing these throughout the recruitment process to make sure we can make arrangements to support you.
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Rigging Supervisor in Stirling employer: Stirling Animation Studios
Stirling Animation Studio is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration among artists. With flexible working hours and the opportunity to work remotely or hybrid from our Stirling studio, we prioritise employee well-being and growth, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role while contributing to exciting children's animated projects.
Contact Details:
Stirling Animation Studios Recruitment Team
