Director of Motion, CG & VFX
Company: VML
Location: Kansas City
Posted on: July 8, 2025
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Job Description:
At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an
ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of
combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse
perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and
Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner
that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology
powerhouse. Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees
across 150 offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture
that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.
Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep
insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data,
production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that
result in revolutionary work. Who we are looking for: You are a
remarkably levelheaded, passionate, and driven creative leader with
an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of motion, CG,
and VFX. You see "no" as a challenge to overcome and know there is
no mountain top, rather a consistent journey of evolution toward
growth. You thrive in a collaborative environment, inspiring your
team to achieve new heights while staying ahead of the curve in
this ever-evolving industry. What youll do: As the Director of
Motion, CG, and VFX, you will lead and inspire a team of talented
artists, animators, and compositors, driving creative excellence
and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. You will be
responsible for the overall quality, efficiency, and growth of the
department, ensuring we remain at the forefront of our industry.
While youll sit side-by-side with much of your team, youre also
ready for the challenge of collaborating with, mentoring, and
growing additional team members, remotely. Who you are: Creative
Leadership: Provide strategic and creative direction to the motion,
CG, and VFX team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
As our team and industry evolve, youll stay on top of the
organization structure of your team to ensure efficiency and
scalability. Mentor, inspire, and advocate for a top-notch motion,
CG, and VFX team. Promote and maintain an environment where craft
is the north star for all our work. Work with leads within your
group to ensure projects meet the highest creative and technical
standards through oversight, creative push, and guidance. Partner
with producers and other discipline leads to assemble the best team
for each job based on talent match and client experience. Champion
a culture of continuous learning and development, encouraging
experimentation with new tools, techniques, and technologies,
including AI. Team Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of
artists, animators, and compositors, fostering a positive and
collaborative work environment. Conduct performance reviews,
provide constructive feedback, and identify opportunities for
professional growth within the team. Manage resource allocation,
project assignments, and team capacity to ensure efficient workflow
and timely delivery. Work with leadership to develop, manage, tweak
workflows and technical systems related to the creation of your
teams craft. Business Development & Growth: Identify and pursue new
opportunities. Develop treatments to help attain new work. Stay
abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive
landscape to identify growth opportunities and maintain a
competitive edge. Analyze team performance metrics, identify areas
for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and
profitability. Client & Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain
strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and
exceeding their expectations. Serve as the main point of escalation
for all motion, CG, and VFX related matters, ensuring client
satisfaction and resolving issues effectively. Collaborate with
producers and project managers to ensure projects are delivered on
time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Desired Skills
and Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience in a leadership role
within a motion graphics, animation, or VFX studio. A strong
portfolio demonstrating a high level of creativity, technical
proficiency, and innovative thinking. Expert knowledge of
industry-standard software, tools, and workflows (e.g., Cinema 4D,
Maya, Houdini, After Effects, Nuke). Deep understanding of the
creative process, from concept development to final execution.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills,
with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Experience
providing creative and performance feedback ensuring all team
members reach their full potential. Strong problem-solving and
decision-making abilities, with a proactive and solution-oriented
approach. Passion for pushing creative boundaries and embracing new
technologies, including AI. A collaborative and team-oriented
approach, with a willingness to get hands-on when needed. Ability
to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. What we
offer: Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people
that do extraordinary work. Consciously cultivated culture | We aim
to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in
it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the
workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from
the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical,
dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar
match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time
off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your
overall life balance and wellness. Growth-minded opportunities | We
aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented
mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP,
so you can continue to grow personally and professionally. VML is
an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all
positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex,
age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status,
military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation,
gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected
group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment
that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a
diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal. The base
salary range for this position at the time of this posting is
indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on
job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of
responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a
competitive benefits package. $75,000-$180,000 USD At VML, we are
committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is
both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity &
Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our
dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our
communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our
organization-creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers-who
drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate
in every action and interaction.
Keywords: VML, Kansas City , Director of Motion, CG & VFX, PR / Public Relations , Kansas City, Kansas