Do you love bringing form and function together – and helping others do the same?
We’re looking for a Lead Modeller to guide our modelling team with a mix of creativity, technical skill, and people-focused leadership.
Based in Tokyo, this is a key team leadership role. You’ll assign work strategically, uphold high standards, and support the team through strong communication and hands-on problem-solving. You’ll be working closely with departments like rigging, texturing, and lighting to ensure models flow smoothly through the pipeline – and that artists feel supported and empowered throughout the process.
This role is ideal for someone who listens, leads with empathy, and isn’t afraid to set the bar high.
Key Responsibilities
Task Distribution: Assign modelling work based on artist strengths, asset complexity, and project deadlines. Balance workloads while encouraging skill growth.
Daily Coordination: Run modelling dailies and reviews, providing clear technical and artistic feedback. Foster a collaborative space for sharing knowledge.
Asset Standardisation: Define and maintain modelling standards, including topology, naming conventions, and quality control metrics across all projects.
Technical Support: Solve complex modelling challenges and provide guidance for difficult shapes or workflows. Act as a technical escalation point.
Progress Tracking: Monitor progress using production tracking tools, identify scheduling risks, and take action to keep deliveries on track.
Quality Assurance: Review models before final approval, ensuring they meet both technical specifications and creative expectations.
Library Management: Oversee asset library organisation, documentation, and reuse strategies to support efficiency across teams.
Training Development: Create and deliver training content that helps team members grow their skills and confidence in a structured way.
Pipeline Integration: Coordinate with rigging, texturing, and lighting to ensure models hand off cleanly and meet all downstream needs.
Communication Bridge: Translate creative briefs into clear, actionable tasks. Clarify vague feedback and protect artists from unnecessary churn.
What You'll Bring
- Experience as a Lead Modeller on feature films or high-end episodic productions.
- Strong knowledge of modelling tools and techniques (e.g. Maya, ZBrush, Blender, etc.)
- A solid understanding of topology, UVs, deformation, and clean asset workflows.
- Experience working closely with rigging, surfacing, and lighting departments.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise across teams and deadlines.
- Confident in running reviews, giving feedback, and mentoring others.
- A collaborative, calm leadership style – someone who sets the tone for the team.
- Familiarity with asset tracking tools like ShotGrid is a plus.
- Passion for great models and even better team culture.
- Proficiency in English is required, and Japanese language skills are considered an asset.
Lead the team, shape the work – and help us build something that lasts.
