Lead Animator - Multi-Platform Action Game

About the role

Gameloft Barcelona is looking for a Lead Animator to lead the animation team on a new action-based, multi-platform IP featuring world-famous characters from a major licensor. You will set and maintain a high animation quality bar while combining people leadership with strong animation expertise, working closely with Art, Game Design, Programming and external partners so that every animation supports character personality, gameplay readability and the player experience. You will report to the Studio Art Development Director and lead a team of 3D Animators and Technical 3D Animators.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the animation team, giving regular feedback, mentoring and guidance across seniority levels.
• Own the animation quality bar, ensuring character animation meets the expected level of movement, weight, acting, storytelling and personality, in line with artistic direction and licensor expectations.
• Plan and oversee animation production, manage priorities and workload, keep stakeholders informed and step in hands-on when the team needs support.
• Work with Game Design, Programming, Art and Technical Animation on rigging, skinning and game-engine animation states.
• Coordinate with external partners, giving clear briefs, reviews and actionable feedback.

Required profile

• Fluent English and ability to work in an international, multidisciplinary environment.
• Supportive people leader who can mentor animators and give clear, constructive feedback.
• Collaborative, organized and able to manage changing priorities; hands-on when needed.
• Portfolio or showreel showing strong character animation and game animation experience.

Required skills

• Strong expertise in 3D character animation for games, realistic and stylized/cartoon styles.
• Understanding of movement, weight, acting, timing and storytelling.
• Ability to set and communicate animation quality standards.
• Knowledge of game animation production and real-time workflows, including rigging and skinning.
• Experience with industry-standard tools such as Maya and/or 3ds Max.

What we offer

• Permanent full-time position with excellent social benefits.
• 25 vacation days per year and private medical health insurance.
• Flexible compensation with a Ticket Restaurant card and a hybrid work-from-home model.
• Free language courses, 1 month of remote work and merit-based salary progression.
• Career development opportunities and an office in central Barcelona.