CG Animation Director | IKEA Marketing & Communication AB

Company Description

Hej!

Want to be a part of creating a better everyday life for the many people?

The IKEA vision is exactly that - and we’re always searching for new and better ways to do it. We gather insights about life at home, learning about the needs and dreams of people all over the world. And we use our home furnishing knowledge to create products and solutions that will enable more people to live the life they want.

Through creativity, IKEA Marketing & Communication AB connects the heart of IKEA to the hearts and minds of the many people. We plan and produce content and communication that enables our retail markets to grow and positions IKEA as a purpose-led business and an expert in the life at home. We have 400 co-workers located in Älmhult – the heart of IKEA: strategists, channel experts, developers, photographers, motion media producers, 3D artists, graphic designers, copywriters, interior designers, and many more with different competences. We are proud of our craftsmanship and ability to unleash creativity at scale.

We are looking for a CG Animation Director with broad experience and passion for animation, ready to shape the future of our visual communication. You will take on the responsibility of ensuring high-quality CG animations and will closely collaborate with a cross-functional team to create animations that inspire and authentically reflect IKEA’s brand and values.

This role requires strong indirect leadership skills with both artistic insight and technical knowledge. You will guide the 3DA team from creation to final delivery and elevate our team and animations to new heights.

Job Description

• Develop and maintain the overall animation style, look, feel and visual direction in close collaboration with Creative Directors and Art Directors.
• Be the role model and provide coaching and mentoring to 3D artists on ongoing projects in understanding the creative goals and raising both the technical and creative standards.
• Contribute to developing animation knowledge across the project team, including Art Directors, Interior Designers, and Production Leaders.
• Bridge technical expertise with artistic skills, guiding the team to balance these elements for top-tier animations.
• Build strong relationships within project teams and facilitate smooth collaboration across the production workflow.
• Provide clear direction and feedback on animation quality, movement, timing etc.
• Review work in progress and final shots to ensure they meet the projects standards.
• Support Production Leaders to meet schedules and milestones.
• Contribute to that the CG pipeline is efficient and optimized.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience, with at least 2 years either as an Animation Supervisor/ Director or a senior 3D artist with a track record in high-end animation projects
• Deep knowledge of animation principles and expertise in keyframe animation in both 2D and 3D. You are also experienced with simulations and know how to use these techniques to elevate productions to the next level.
• Solid understanding of the CG animation pipeline, including VFX techniques and workflows
• Proficiency in 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, or Maya, with additional knowledge in Vray, Adobe Creative Suite, and Davinci Resolve
• A passion for exploring new techniques, tools and technologies that enhance storytelling and animation quality
• Strong team player with the ability to work cross functionally and adapt to feedback in a fast-paced environment.
• Pedagogical skills, with an ability to coach and mentor in CG animation.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a structured, self-managing approach
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken
• An interest in home furnishing

Additional Information

Apply today and help us shape the future of the IKEA experience!

This role is a permanent position based in Älmhult, Sweden. We believe that we’re better when we’re physically together for collaboration, dialogues, and conversations. We believe in the power of human interactions; the informal chats, the energy, belonging, and creativity generated by people being in the same place. Our approach is that we spend most of our time in the IKEA workplace and with flexibility to work from home when relevant.

Please also note that your job title in this role will be "3D Artist".

If this sounds like your next step, send us your application in English, with a link to your portfolio and showreel, no later than 7 January 2025.

Please note that we will be interviewing continuously, and make sure to apply through our recruitment system since we do not accept applications sent via email.

In case of questions, please contact the recruiter Bence Denes.