Head of Art and Animation

Yelzkizi; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Job description

sega.co.uk

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Art and Animation
Line Manager: Head of Production (Console and Mobile)
FTC or Permanent: Permanent
Hybrid Working Status: Fully remote available.

We are Sports Interactive

The gaming studio behind: Football Manager.

Founded in 1994, Sports Interactive (‘SI’) became a wholly owned subsidiary of SEGA Europe in 2006. Based at the Here East technology hub in Stratford, East London, the SI team continues to expand as we bring our titles to an ever-growing audience across an increasing variety of platforms.

To support our growth, we welcome the opportunity to connect with passionate people with the drive to match our ambitions and initiative to realise your individual potential.

Position Overview:

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Head of Art and Animation to lead our talented team of artists and animators. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the delivery, optimisation and quality of all aspects of the art and animation team. The team itself consists of the following disciplines: animation, environment art, character art, and technical art specialties.

In this role, you will motivate and develop the Art and Animation team, fostering a culture of creativity, growth, and collaboration. You will need to be able to communicate a strong cohesive vision when it comes to Art direction and drive the creative process to ensure art deliverables adhere to the product vision.

As part of this role, you’ll be driven to making sure that Art and Animation is a top-level consideration within the studio.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Art and Animation team, promoting a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
2. Actively manage and develop a team of artists and animators, including conducting performance reviews, setting professional development goals, providing ongoing mentorship and looking after the team’s welfare.
3. Facilitate team meetings to ensure alignment with project goals, encourage idea-sharing, and address any team challenges.
4. Drive art direction, visual quality, and style across our titles.
5. Collaborate with the Creative Director and Head of Design, along with other key stakeholders to establish and maintain the artistic vision.
6. Oversee the production pipeline to ensure that art deliverables are completed to the highest standard, on time, and within budget.
7. Ensure that departmental objectives and priorities align with the product/project requirements across multiple projects and over multiple years.
8. Set goals and long-term planning with Art Production for product features, as well as executing shorter-term deliverables with excellence.
9. Manage resource allocation and leverage external outsourcers when needed and as approved.
10. Ongoing review and improvement of processes and tools to maximise quality, efficiency, and team effectiveness.
11. Understanding and promoting technical understanding of delivering the art and graphic requirements into the game.
12. Leaning on senior artists of animation, character art, environment art and technical art to drive progress and quality bar.
13. Serve as the primary point of contact for all matters related to art and animation, ensuring clear communication between your team and other departments.
14. Establishing cross-SEGA studio relationships with peers to enhance project output and explore new artistic opportunities.
15. Foster a cooperative work environment that encourages innovation in the team.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in art, animation, or a related field; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.
2. Proven track record of successfully managing and leading an art or animation team within the games industry related creative industry.
3. Experience at a senior level within the Art and/or Animation discipline.
4. Must be a team player and a role model for collaboration and inclusivity.
5. Extensive knowledge of art workflows, pipelines, and software.
6. Deep understanding of all art-based skills: animation, 3D modelling, concept art, rendering, lighting, rigging, shaders, texturing, motion graphics, etc.
7. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, capable of motivating and leading a diverse team to excellence.

Benefits of Working at Sports Interactive:

• A flexible working policy to best suit you and your team.
• Subsidised mental health, therapy and coaching sessions are available.
• Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 7% of annual salary).
• Free onsite evening bar in the Sports Interactive London HQ.
• A well-stocked breakfast bar with cereals, fruits, teas, and coffees.
• Regular events in collaboration with our partnered football clubs.
• Access to our on-site physical and massage therapist services.
• Multiple clubs and societies to join e.g., book club and art workshops.
• Free access to games released under the SEGA Europe umbrella.
• A range of Gym Membership options through our Benefits partners.
• Fully Subsidised Healthcare and Dental Plans.
• Free Travel Insurance for yourself and your family.
• A personalised football shirt upon passing probation.

How to Apply

Apply via: http://app.jobvite.com/CompanyJobs/Job.aspx?c=qMN9Vfwn&j=oQx9tfwJ