As our new Lead VFX Artist, you will be responsible for overseeing the performance and output of a talented team of visual effects artists, guiding them to create visually stunning and technically proficient effects that align with the artistic vision and gameplay mechanics of our AAA projects. You will manage the VFX team, delegate tasks efficiently, and ensure that all VFX work is delivered on time and to the highest quality standard. You will also be hands-on, providing mentorship and actively contributing to the VFX pipeline when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the VFX team, ensuring high-quality work output and timely delivery of assets. Ensuring that all visual effects align with the project’s artistic vision and technical requirements.
• Cascade direction from upper management across the team, ensuring alignment with studio and project goals.
• Mentor, provide feedback, and create career development opportunities for team members, fostering an environment of growth and collaboration.
• Effectively delegate tasks based on team members’ strengths, ensuring optimal performance.
• Oversee the creation of complex, multi-disciplinary visual effects features, from concept to implementation.
• Provide high-level artistic feedback to the team and maintain consistency in the quality of all visual effects.
• Hands-on involvement with the creation of high-quality VFX assets as needed.
• Integrate new tools and technologies into the VFX pipeline, with a focus on improving quality and efficiency.
• Ensure all VFX assets are optimized for performance, particularly for Unreal Engine 5 (Niagara/Blueprint).
• Troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues related to the art production pipeline, optimizing workflows for maximum efficiency.
• Serve as a key liaison between the VFX team and other relevant departments, such as design, engineering, and production, ensuring smooth collaboration and alignment on project goals.
• Communicate risks, mitigations, and updates clearly and diplomatically, maintaining strong working relationships across the studio.
• Oversee and ensure outsourced VFX components are aligned with the studio’s quality standards and integrated seamlessly into the project.

Requirements

Artistic and Technical Expertise:

• Prior experience working on a major AAA game title.
• Extensive experience in creating real-time visual effects for AAA games.
• Mastery of industry-standard software including Houdini, Maya/Max, Photoshop/Substance, Embergen, and Unreal Engine 5 (Niagara/Blueprint).
• Proven ability to deliver visually stunning and technically proficient VFX that enhance the gameplay experience.
• Experience with VFX pipeline automation.

 
Leadership Skills:

•  Previous experience leading and managing a team of VFX artists.
•  Strong organizational and delegation skills, with the ability to balance both operational responsibilities and management tasks.
•  Demonstrated ability to lead a team through complex, multi-disciplinary features from start to finish, ensuring successful delivery. 
• Familiarity with outsourcing workflows and managing external teams.

Communication & Collaboration: 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work effectively with multiple departments and teams.
•  Active listening skills, enabling you to understand the needs and concerns of your team and address them effectively.
•  Ability to diplomatically address feedback, risks, and concerns, while maintaining a solution-oriented approach.

Benefits

Our Global Benefits & Perks

• Unlimited coaching & therapy — with Oliva, to support your mental health
• Stock Options — everyone owns a piece of our success
• Pension scheme — up to 5% employer matched contribution to finance those golden years
• Socials — office & remote events, play sessions and company-wide parties
• And even more benefits based on your location!

If you’re based in the UK

• 25 Annual Leave + 3 bank holidays – we’re flexible with most bank holidays so you can use the time to celebrate what’s important to you
• Private Medical Insurance – full cover with AXA
• Healthcare Cash Plan – Level 3 cover with Medicash
• Cycle2Work Scheme – lease a bike through us and save on tax too!
• Electric Car Charging – electric car charging at our Port office in Edinburgh, Scotland.