Lead Animator

Are you an experienced Lead Animator with a passion for bringing characters to life? Skillsearch is working with a client to find a talented Lead Animator to join their team in Amsterdam, working on an exciting new IP.

In this role, you will play a key part in shaping high-quality animations that enhance both gameplay and visual storytelling. You’ll work closely with Leads, Directors, and cross-functional teams to ensure the highest animation standards while mentoring and guiding a team of animators.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and mentor the animation team to deliver outstanding character animations.
• Plan, assign, and oversee animation tasks to ensure quality and consistency.
• Create high-quality benchmark animations and animation prototypes for gameplay.
• Work closely with rigging, production, and tools teams to enhance pipelines and workflows.
• Provide technical and creative feedback to animators, driving improvements and innovation.
• Contribute to motion capture processes and ensure seamless integration into the animation pipeline.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to unite teams and disciplines to create exceptional player experiences.
• Proven experience in a similar role within the games industry.
• Excellent understanding of animation principles, weight, and movement.
• Proficiency in Maya, MotionBuilder, and Unreal Engine.
• Experience with motion capture, rigging, and animation pipelines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Working knowledge of scripting (Mel/Python for Maya/MotionBuilder, Blueprint/Python/C++ for Unreal Engine) is a plus.
• Passion for games and a broad knowledge of different game genres.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including a Dutch health insurance allowance.
• 25+4 paid holiday days per year.
• Relocation package and visa assistance.
• Pension scheme and commuter allowance.
• Health and wellness benefits, plus an office stocked with snacks and drinks.

If you’re ready to take on a leadership role in animation and help shape the future of this ambitious new project, get in touch with Jay at Skillsearch today: jrm@skillsearch.com

Years of experience and salary levels are shown purely as a guide. We will only consider applications from candidates that can demonstrate the skills or experience required for the role.

Please be aware that while we would love to respond to every application we receive, due to high numbers we cannot guarantee this. We do however appreciate any time you invest into the application and will make sure to get in touch should anything in future more closely fit your skillset.