ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manager Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the development and execution of a slate of premium animated programming based on Mattel's dynamic portfolio of ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the development and execution of a slate of premium animated programming based on Mattel's dynamic portfolio of ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the development and execution of a slate of premium animated programming based on Mattel's dynamic portfolio of ...

Big Shot Pictures

Technical Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Organize, manage, and optimize large sets of animation and character data across multiple projects. * Manage assets for efficient sharing, versioning, and real-time performance optimization.

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation. * Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments. Bonus Qualifications:

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation. * Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments. Bonus Qualifications:

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation. * Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments. Bonus Qualifications:

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation. * Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments. Bonus Qualifications:

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation. Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments. Bonus Qualifications: Experience ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation. * Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments. Bonus Qualifications:

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations, conducting regular 1:1s, annual evaluations, and setting clear, actionable goals. * Partner with the ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations, conducting regular 1:1s, annual evaluations, and setting clear, actionable goals. * Partner with the ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations, conducting regular 1:1s, annual evaluations, and setting clear, actionable goals. * Partner with the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimation JobsManager Animation JobsManager Animation Jobs in California

Manager Animation information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$103.2K

$116.5K

How much do manager animation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager animation in California is $103,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,500.00 and $115,000.00 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Manager Animation jobs in California?

For Manager Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manager Animation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Animation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Manager Animation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Manager Animation job openings:

Manager Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Animation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,206 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Supervisor, AI & Animation

Promise Advanced Imagination

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

About Promise
Promise is a pioneering film and TV studio at the forefront of the generative AI revolution. Our mission is to reimagine what's possible in entertainment by bringing together the world's most visionary storytellers and GenAI creators, empowered by cutting-edge tools and proprietary workflows. Through bold collaborations and a forward-thinking approach to sourcing IP, we are building a dynamic slate of original and licensed projects that push creative boundaries. Backed by premier VC firms, Promise is shaping a new era in GenAI-powered storytelling, where creativity knows no limits.
Role Overview
As the Supervisor, you will be the key technical and creative innovative thinker driving the integration of Animation and GenAI technologies into our production workflows. This leadership role is responsible for researching new methods in AI, animation, ensuring our productions maintain visual excellence while leveraging the efficiency of modern tools. You will shepherd the visual quality of our projects from concept through final delivery, acting as the bridge between creative vision, AI animation, and our proprietary GenAI R&D initiat
Key Responsibilities
  1. Generative AI & Pipeline Advancement
    • Research and implement new methodologies in animation, with a core focus on Machine Learning (ML) and Generative AI applications.
      • Work closely with R&D teams to prototype and integrate AI tools with standard VFX software to accelerate asset creation, character animation, and compositing.
  2. Virtual & Hybrid Production Leadership
    • Lead and supervise methodology of complex Animation and/or Anime that can include character animation, digital environments, etc...), ensuring seamless technical and creative execution on set.
      • Knowledge of facial animation
      • Knowledge of character animation
      • AI integration with traditional animation
      • Character and creature design
    • Architect hybrid workflows that successfully bridge traditional animation and AI workflows.
  3. Creative Supervision & Project Execution
    • Provide world-class artistic and technical direction for all animation projects, ensuring the final output aligns with the Director's vision.
      • Oversee talent selection for large-scale, AAA film and television projects.
      • Mentor and lead internal and external VFX teams and supervisors, fostering an environment of technical excellence and creative problem-solving.

Qualifications
  • Experience in animation, including a significant tenure as a HOD on large-scale, AAA feature films or premium episodic content.
  • Proven leadership role experience, with the ability to inspire and manage highly skilled creative and technical teams.
  • Demonstrated history of advancing technology or implementing innovative workflows within a major Animation or VFX studio or production company.
  • Expert-level knowledge of cinematic techniques, lighting, and color science.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with experience acting as the primary creative liaison with Directors and Producers.
Technical Skills / Qualifications
  • Deep, practical expertise in Machine Learning/Generative AI techniques as they apply to VFX (e.g., neural rendering, content generation, data management).
  • Strong command of industry-standard software packages.
  • Solid understanding of ML/data pipelines and asset management in a high-volume production environment.

Compensation
We offer a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including equity.
Benefits
We believe in supporting our team's well-being and growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, with employee premiums covered 100%.
  • Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including company holidays and sick leave.
  • Financial Security: 401(k) matching program to help you plan for your future.
  • Work Environment: A dynamic, creative, and inclusive hybrid work environment based out of our innovative studio.

Promise is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Apply