Senior / Lead Animator

This role is based at our studio in Gateshead and therefore it is imperative that you live within a commutable distance

We are seeking an experienced Senior / Lead Animator to join Last Arrow Games. The role is responsible for bringing player characters and a diverse range of creatures to life in Unreal Engine 5, while leading and mentoring the animation team and helping develop animation pipelines and workflows.

• Create high-quality animations for player characters and creatures
• Lead, mentor and scale the animation team
• Develop believable creature movement and behaviours
• Animate locomotion, traversal, attacks, reactions and cinematics
• Collaborate with designers, artists and engineers
• Manage rigging and export pipelines
• Improve animation workflows, tools and pipelines
• Conduct animation reviews and provide feedback
• Estimate work and support production planning

Key Skills Required

• 5+ years game development experience with at least one shipped title
• Experience animating creatures and characters
• Non-humanoid rigging expertise
• Unreal Engine animation integration
• Maya, Blender or equivalent proficiency
• Leadership, mentoring and communication skills
• Strong organisational and time management skills

Desirable:
• Animation Blueprints in UE5
• Control Rig, procedural animation or Motion Matching
• Cinematic animation experience

Qualifications

• Professional animation training desirable
• Strong portfolio and practical experience essential
• Must be eligible to work in the UK

What We Offer

At Last Arrow, we’re committed to creating a supportive, rewarding working environment where our people can thrive. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your wellbeing, protect your future, and support life inside and outside work. Our benefits include:

• Competitive Salary

• Healthcare Cash Plan – Cashback on everyday healthcare expenses such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy.

• Tech Purchase Scheme – Spread the cost of new technology through affordable monthly payments.

• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on bikes and cycling equipment while supporting a healthy, eco‑friendly commute.

• Income Protection – Financial support if you’re unable to work due to long‑term illness or injury.

• Critical Illness & Life Insurance – Extra peace of mind for you and your family.

• Virtual GP Service – Quick and convenient access to medical advice, whenever you need it.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Confidential support for mental health, wellbeing, and financial concerns.

• Discounts & Cashback Platform – Savings on hundreds of retailers, essentials, and lifestyle purchases.

• Birthday Day Off – Enjoy an additional day of paid leave to celebrate your birthday.

• A Supportive Working Environment – A culture that values wellbeing, collaboration, and personal growth.