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Manager Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Manager, Animation

Bristol, CT · On-site

$126.80K - $170K/yr

Manager, Animation Req ID: 10150084 The Manager, Animation helps lead the ESPN Creative Studio Animation/Animation FX team and their workflows. They are responsible for balancing creative and ...

Experience in a lead or senior role, managing animators and owning animation quality for both internal and outsourced teams. * Relevant experience in cinematic animation. * Strong instincts for both ...

The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow.

The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow.

Producer, AI Animation

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Manage vendors, artists, and cross functional teams across animation production * Track progress, identify risks, and resolve production challenges in a fast evolving environment * Ensure consistency ...

The Vyond Animations Author will support JerseySTEM by creating engaging animated videos that ... Strong organization skills and ability to manage multiple projects * Comfortable collaborating in a ...

Animator

Minneapolis, MN · Remote

$96K - $134.40K/yr

Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively Requirements * A degree in Animation, Graphic Design, or a related field * Proficiency in animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects ...

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Manager Animation information

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$29K

$104.6K

$118K

How much do manager animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager animation in the United States is $104,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Manager Animation do?

A Manager Animation oversees the animation production process, leading a team of animators, designers, and artists to ensure high-quality content delivery. They coordinate with directors, producers, and other departments to align creative vision with project goals and deadlines. Responsibilities include managing schedules, supervising animation quality, and troubleshooting technical or creative challenges. Strong leadership, communication, and animation expertise are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Manager Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Animation, you need a deep understanding of animation production, strong leadership abilities, and experience in team and project management, often backed by a degree in animation or related fields. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, and project management platforms, along with certifications in animation or production management, is highly valued. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help motivate teams and navigate tight deadlines. These competencies are critical for delivering high-quality animated projects on time while fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Manager Animation in a studio setting?

A Manager Animation typically oversees the animation team's workflow, ensuring project deadlines and quality standards are met throughout production. Responsibilities include planning and prioritizing tasks, coordinating between animators and other departments such as storyboarding, modeling, and post-production, and providing feedback to guide creative direction. You may also participate in hiring and mentoring team members, tracking project budgets, and presenting progress updates to studio leadership. This role requires balancing creative vision with practical constraints to ensure smooth project execution. Working closely with both creative and technical staff is essential for maintaining an efficient and inspiring studio environment.
What cities are hiring for Manager Animation jobs? Cities with the most Manager Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs? The most popular types of Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Manager Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Manager Animation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Manager Animation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 90% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 17% Hybrid, and 83% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,575 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Manager, Animation

$126.80K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


ESPN rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 64 rated media


Job description

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


The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $126,800.00 to $170,000.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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