Animation Manager Job at ESPN in Bristol

The Manager, Animation helps lead the ESPN Creative Studio Animation/Animation FX team and their workflows. They are responsible for balancing creative and production priorities with efficiency, staff development, and long-term strategic planning. The Manager oversees animation staff, technology resources, schedules, and team performance. They have a comprehensive understanding of animation team software, hardware, workflows, along with knowledge of individual staff skillsets and development areas. They are proactive problem-solvers with an eye on emerging production trends to anticipate future animation needs. They help create an innovative, collaborative, and creatively positive environment for the entire team. They engage and align with internal leaders on workflows to deliver against company priorities and key business goals.

Responsibilities

Daily leadership, planning, monitoring, and support of all staff and assignments

Daily assessment of workloads and priorities to keep projects running smoothly

Easily pivot attention to where needed & readily open to diverse ideas and discussion

Direct management, mentoring and coaching of supervisor- and staff-level personnel

Develop and align team workflows and strategies with ESPN Creative Studio priorities

Assess staff capabilities & proactively plan against known and anticipated project needs

Foster a team environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and skills growth

Identify and drive resolutions to technical, operational, and organizational challenges

Collaborate with IT partners to guide enhancements to team software and hardware

Engage with ECS leaders and outside vendors to influence and align on workflows

Basic Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of experience in animation, design, tv production

Strong understanding of industry-standard animation software and workflows

Detail-oriented with the ability to manage priorities and meet tight deadlines

Confident problem solver; able to think quickly in pressure situations

Technical curiosity; keen to generate and explore new ideas

Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, and group dynamic skills

Excellent coaching and motivational skills

Preferred Qualifications

Proven experience supervising in-person and remote creative teams

Proven experience working with DEET/IT and outside vendors

Strong knowledge of ESPN studio and event animation packages

Strong technical troubleshooting abilities

Deadline Render Manager experience

Microsoft 365 application experience

Required Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education

Degree in Animation, VFX, Graphic Design, TV/Film Production, or related field

#ESPNMedia Reference: ECNJOBID-3-67-103-209 in the application

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