Production Manager [VFX]

This job is with WPP Production, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

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.

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.

Role Overview: The VFX Production Manager – Ford CGI Animated Content Production plays a key operational and delivery role in producing high-quality CGI animation content for Ford’s global marketing ecosystem. This includes feature animations, launch films, mechanical explainers, motion-based 360º assets, social and digital activations, and variant-informed motion sequences for Ford’s global platforms. This role manages a complex, high-output CGI animation 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 animated content. Build detailed schedules across animation sequences, feature explainers & mechanical animations, launch films & hero assets, and motion-based 360º visuals. Track progress across all pipeline stages—rigging, animation, lighting, FX, rendering, and comp. Identify bottlenecks early and drive proactive solutions.
• Pipeline & Workflow Oversight (CGI Animation): Manage the full animation pipeline, including CAD → cleaned model handoff, rigging & mechanical articulation, keyframe animation / procedural motion, motion design elements / UI overlays, simulation (particles, cloth, dynamics, automotive features), lighting templates / scene assembly, rendering optimization (stills, sequences), compositing, grading, finishing, versioning, approvals, and delivery. Ensure 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 teams to align on briefs, storyboards, animatics, timing, and creative expectations. Collaborate with engineering teams on render farm scheduling, pipeline stability, and tool support. Support producers in aligning project scope to timelines and capacity.
• Briefing, Storyboarding & Creative Alignment: Support producers and creative leads in shaping briefs, mood boards, and animation outlines. Translate creative direction into executable pipeline tasks. Manage animatic/previz reviews, ensuring timing and narrative clarity. Track feedback through multiple review cycles.
• Quality Control & Review Management: Run structured daily/weekly reviews with animation leads and VFX supervisors. Ensure outputs match Ford’s visual benchmarks, including mechanical accuracy, motion realism, brand-consistent camera language, lighting and shading consistency, and rendering quality. 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. Maintain dashboards, shot trackers, resourcing sheets, and delivery plans. Present production status in global Ford syncs.
• Resourcing & Vendor Management: Coordinate internal artist allocations in partnership with the resourcing team. Manage freelance or external studio partnerships as needed. Track vendor throughput, quality, and integration into the central animation pipeline.
• Delivery, Versioning & Asset Management: Ensure all animated assets are delivered in the correct formats for Ford global markets, web, mobile, and social platforms, CMS and DAM systems, and partner agencies’ toolsets. Maintain structured version control and documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential: 5–10+ years in VFX/CGI animation production management. Strong understanding of animation and motion 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, Hogarth, 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. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. 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 not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.

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.