Production Manager [VFX] in London

About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.

A Hybrid working model

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Reports to: Head of VFX Operations

Business Group: WPP Production

Function: VFX, CGI, Motion & Automotive Content Production

Client: Ford

Role Overview

The VFX Production Manager – Ford CGI Content Production plays a key operational and delivery role in producing high‑quality CGI animation and stills content for Ford’s global marketing ecosystem. This includes feature animations, launch films, mechanical explainers, motion‑based 360° assets, social and digital activations, Build & Price, Art Cards and variant‑informed motion sequences for Ford’s global platforms. The role manages a complex, high‑output CGI pipeline involving rigging, animation, lighting, effects, rendering, compositing, audio sync and finishing—ensuring that every asset meets Ford’s technical, visual and brand standards. The Production Manager orchestrates schedules, workflows, artist resourcing, reviews and communication across multi‑disciplinary teams and time zones.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Management & Scheduling: Own daily and weekly production planning for Ford’s CGI content. Build detailed schedules across stills imagery, animation sequences, feature explainers, launch films, and motion‑based visuals. Track progress across all pipeline stages—rigging, animation, lighting, FX, rendering and compositing. Identify bottlenecks early and drive proactive solutions.
• Pipeline & Workflow Oversight: Manage the full animation pipeline, ensuring all work adheres to Ford’s CGI/animation standards and technical specifications.
• Cross‑Functional Team Coordination: Work closely with CGI artists, animators, FX artists, lighters, compositors and editors; partner with engineering teams on render farm scheduling and pipeline stability.
• Briefing, Storyboarding & Creative Alignment: Support producers and creative leads in shaping briefs, mood boards and animation outlines; manage animatic/previz reviews.
• Quality Control & Review Management: Run structured daily/weekly reviews with VFX leads and supervisors; oversee QA, refinement cycles and final sign‑off.
• Stakeholder Communication & Reporting: Provide clear updates to internal teams and cross‑agency partners on progress, risks and changes.
• Resourcing & Vendor Management: Coordinate internal artist allocations with the resourcing team; manage freelance or external studio partnerships.
• Delivery, Versioning & Asset Management: Ensure all animated assets are delivered in the correct formats for Ford global markets; maintain structured version control and documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5–10+ years in VFX/CGI animation production management.
• Strong understanding of VFX pipelines (Maya, Unreal, Houdini, Nuke, After Effects, etc.).
• Experience working with mechanical/automotive animation or product animation.
• Proven skill in managing complex timelines, multi-shot sequences and large teams.
• Highly organized, excellent communication skills and detail-driven.
• Experience with production tracking tools (ShotGrid, Jira, Monday.com, etc.).

Desirable

• Previous work with Ford or other automotive brands.
• Experience within WPP, VML, GTB or other integrated content ecosystems.
• Familiarity with real‑time rendering, cloud rendering or AI‑assisted animation tools.
• Understanding of automotive features, engineering motion and CAD-based animation.

Why work here

At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged and AI and next‑generation tools are used to amplify human creativity.

Inclusion and Impact

WPP is an equal‑opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.