Description
Mr X’s artists work together in departments reflecting their skill sets and are managed jointly by the Operations Manager and various Department Managers. The Animation Department Manager oversees the tightly knit skill sets of Tracking, Rigging, Animation, CFX and Crowds.
The Animation Department Manager is primarily responsible for developing, managing and retaining the best artists for our film teams; for ensuring that VFX projects are fully and appropriately crewed; and for managing departmental processes, communication and reporting.
The Animation Department Manager works closely with their creative counterpart - the Animation Director - to oversee the artist teams. This production role involves close relationships with the other Department Managers, the Operations Manager, project producers, HR and all supervisors.
Essentials:
Your primary focus is to develop and maintain a highly motivated and happy team.
People leadership skills: Motivate, inspire, mentor, care for crew, implement and champion continuous improvements; maintain calm, defuse conflict; ensure artists feel heard and act as first point of contact on contractual matters, career development, cultural fit and any training needs; keep morale high by organizing social and team building events.
People management skills: conduct performance reviews, delivering effective feedback and constructive criticism; plan seating; spearhead training material creation to improve processes and efficiency and follow through on artist training/development needs and assist with learning as appropriate; work with the Operations Manager and HR to handle disciplinary issues; engage in contract negotiations and maintain compensation parity within our teams.
Organizational skills: ensure teams are well balanced in terms of expertise, experience and value; plan for future development and recruitment; train and organize new hires as to be work ready asap; formulate project coverage plans for artist absences; anticipate in long term planning with Production to create appropriate staffing plans.
Skills Required:
Exceptional people and leadership skills;
Confident clear communicator;
Strong active listener;
High achievement in managing creative talent in a fast paced delivery driven production environment;
Demonstrated flexibility and professionalism in managing large teams;
Experience in contract and salary management;
Excellent organizational and negotiation skills;
College or University Degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience;
VFX industry and-or project management experience is an asset;
At least 3 years’ experience in people management;
Working knowledge of Shotgun (software).