Manager, Animation
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10150084 Location Bristol, Connecticut, United States Business ESPN Date posted May 13, 2026Job Summary:
The Manager, Animation helps lead the ESPN Creative Studio Animation/Animation FX team and their workflows. They are responsible for balancing creative and production priorities with efficiency, staff development, and long-term strategic planning. The Manager oversees animation staff, technology resources, schedules, and team performance. They have a comprehensive understanding of animation team software, hardware, workflows, along with knowledge of individual staff skillsets and development areas. They are proactive problem-solvers with an eye on emerging production trends to anticipate future animation needs. They help create an innovative, collaborative, and creatively positive environment for the entire team. They engage and align with internal leaders on workflows to deliver against company priorities and key business goals.
Responsibilities:
- Daily leadership, planning, monitoring, and support of all staff and assignments
- Daily assessment of workloads and priorities to keep projects running smoothly
- Easily pivot attention to where needed & readily open to diverse ideas and discussion
- Direct management, mentoring and coaching of supervisor- and staff-level personnel
- Develop and align team workflows and strategies with ESPN Creative Studio priorities
- Assess staff capabilities & proactively plan against known and anticipated project needs
- Foster a team environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and skills growth
- Identify and drive resolutions to technical, operational, and organizational challenges
- Collaborate with IT partners to guide enhancements to team software and hardware
- Engage with ECS leaders and outside vendors to influence and align on workflows
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum 10 years of experience in animation, design, tv production
- Strong understanding of industry-standard animation software and workflows
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage priorities and meet tight deadlines
- Confident problem solver; able to think quickly in pressure situations
- Technical curiosity; keen to generate and explore new ideas
- Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, and group dynamic skills
- Excellent coaching and motivational skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven experience supervising in-person and remote creative teams
- Proven experience working with DEET/IT and outside vendors
- Strong knowledge of ESPN studio and event animation packages
- Strong technical troubleshooting abilities
- Deadline Render Manager experience
- Microsoft 365 application experience
Required Education:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
Preferred Education:
- Degree in Animation, VFX, Graphic Design, TV/Film Production, or related field
#ESPNMedia
The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $126,800.00 to $170,000.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
About ESPN:
Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with ESPN Productions, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.
ESPN Productions, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.