Animation Supervisor · Kickstart Entertainment

Role Synopsis:
The Animation Supervisor is responsible for leading the animation team while also contributing directly to animation production as needed, ensuring alignment with the Director’s vision and delivery of high-quality work within schedule. This role oversees the reviewing, revising and advising the teams regarding animation execution across all phases of production to meet the creative and schedule needs of the production.
Production Responsibilities:
Work within the Animation Department in collaboration with other Kickstart team members to help establish and maintain the overall series look and style
Provide clear creative direction, feedback, and when applicable, mentorship to the animation team to ensure consistent performance quality and style adherence
Contribute directly to animation production as needed, including key/hero shots, complex sequences, or support work to maintain schedule and quality targets
Balance hands‑on animation work with supervisory responsibilities, ensuring both personal output and team output meet production standards
Proactively provide ideas and solutions in relation to production technology and pipeline concerns and working with our overseas partner studio.
Work closely with Line Producer and Director to ensure that all production deadlines are met while producing work at a quality level in keeping with production requirements
Interpret and implement the Director and Client’s vision while ensuring the highest levels of artistic quality and technical continuity throughout the series
Review all shots from layout to final comp in collaboration with the Director, ensuring quality, continuity, and readiness for next phases
Work in collaboration with the Director and Production team to align on priorities, set clear objectives, conduct regular check‑ins, monitor progress, and report results to Production
Participate in weekly calls with Partner Studio teams to discuss and offer solutions for creative and technical problems
Support updating documentation relevant to the Animation Department workflows and best practices
Analyze successes, challenges, and lessons learned during the production process for inclusion in final post‑mortem ("retrospective") reports
Participate in any relevant production‑related meetings by offering solutions to problems and listening to the team’s concerns
Cultivate strong client communication and care
Flag any animation‑ or technical‑related issues that may impact schedule or quality to Production and Director.
Ensure all work adheres to pipeline requirements, naming conventions, file management standards and security protocols
Support troubleshooting of creative and technical issues across animation and adjacent departments
Studio Responsibilities:
Work in collaboration with Creative Director, and IT Team to implement new tools and workflows which increase productivity and efficiency
Review materials and collaborate closely with overseas partner studio(s) to ensure a smooth information flow between locations, both files and personal communication
Leading and managing in a manner aligned with Kickstart’s Core Values
And such other duties as Kickstart may assign from time to time
5+ years of industry experience in animation, with 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role
Extensive experience working on animated series productions (2D, CG, or hybrid pipelines)
Strong proficiency in Maya, Harmony, Nuke, and/or relevant animation software, depending on pipeline
Excellent understanding of animation principles, performance, acting, timing, and style consistency
Proven experience reviewing and providing actionable feedback on animation work at scale
Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience mentoring artists and leading reviews
Experience working with overseas partner studios and distributed teams, and attending meeting times that align across multiple time zones.
Strong understanding of animation pipelines, including layout, animation, FX, and compositing workflows
Working knowledge of Flow Production Tracking (fka Shotgrid)
Proficiency in Google Workspace (Mail, Calendar, Sheets, Docs) and Slack
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to balance creative direction with production realities, including schedule and budget constraints
Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and sound judgment in escalation and decision‑making
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced production environment
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset
Kickstart Entertainment
is a growing animation and production studio with locations in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Arkansas, Hong Kong, Suzhou, and Mumbai. We believe in the power of collaboration—it shows in the way we work and in the supportive, creative environment we've built where innovation and great ideas thrive.
At Kickstart, we know that experience comes in many forms. You may not meet every qualification listed, and that’s okay. If your skills and experience are closely aligned with what we’re looking for, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and believe they make our team stronger.
Why Kickstart?Having the right experience and skills is only one part of what we’re looking for. We seek people who align with our Core Values and who are just as passionate about building an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive workplace as they are about creating exceptional content.
Together, we’re building a globally recognized studio known for outstanding storytelling, creative excellence, and a culture where talented people can do their best work.
Kickstart is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and accessible workplace throughout every stage of the employee journey, including recruitment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities.
If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know when contacted, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Create. Collaborate. Kickstart.
Salary Range:
$1800 - 2000 per week / Equivalent Annual Salary: $93,600 - $104,000 annual
Dates:
Start date TBC in November 2026
Employment Type:
Full‑Time
Work Arrangement:
Hybrid (combination of in‑studio and remote work)
Disclaimer:
Kickstart may use AI‑assisted tools during the recruitment process to help organize, screen, and assess applications. These tools support our hiring team but do not make hiring decisions. All employment decisions are made by people.
Your personal information will be handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and will only be used for recruitment and employment‑related purposes.
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