Head of Pipeline Vfx

Company Description

As a company founded and run by an artist, it's our mission to provide talented artists with the freedom and resources they need to deliver quality work and to thrive in a fun and creative environment.

**Job Description**:
The Head of Pipeline ensures that Rodeo FX builds and maintains an industry leading visual effects and animation pipeline.

This person will manage the efforts of all software developers in the pipeline team, ensuring that department and individual objectives are aligned with organizational objectives, processes are in place to maintain efficiency and tracking progress of projects.

This person will also be responsible for the high level design decisions for pipeline initiatives, and coordinating the requirements from both the VFX and Animation divisions.

**Main responsibilities**:

- Collaborate with Heads of Department and Specialty Supervisors to design and implement next generation Pipeline tools and workflows;
- Establish clear and communicated work standards for the team. Ensure effective processes are in place that properly balance code quality and organizational goals;
- Manage all development projects from planning to implementation, including ensuring project objectives, performance indicators and milestones are in place and are being respected. Resolve any issues that may arise during the project;
- Ensure the needs of the VFX and Animation divisions are being met and that the work being done by the team reflects the organizational priorities. Provide transparent reporting on team initiatives;
- In collaboration with the Head of Technology, VP, VFX Operations and the Head of Animation Content, build yearly roadmaps with clear goals, timelines and budgets for executive approval;
- Identify and take actions to mitigate risks on a project by project basis;
- Stay up-to-date with new and emerging technology and methods, in order to identify future areas for development;
- Identify global training needs for the Pipeline team and, in conjunction with the Training Manager, develop and implement a training plan and calendar. Oversee the preparation and update of training materials and seminars;
- Lead monthly department meetings to provide updates, stay informed of ongoing projects and encourage the sharing of knowledge and information;
- Review the performance of the Pipeline team and ensure they receive feedback on a regular basis. Conduct annual performance reviews and make recommendations for salary reviews;
- In conjunction with Human Resources, responsible for the management of team performance including deciding on promotions (levels and/or positions), disciplinary or performance issues, and terminations.
- Ensure the team is staffed with the appropriate balance of skills and experience to meet the company’s current and planned business needs;
- Actively monitor the work climate in their team, taking steps to encourage and ensure the maintenance of a positive work environment and adherence to company values;
- Positively represent Rodeo FX within the VFX and related communities to further grow the company’s reputation as an industry leader. This can include giving conferences, participating in panels and actively participating in industry events.

**Qualifications**:

- 10 years of software development experience in the VFX industry, including management experience;
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or other related field;
- Extensive knowledge of industry standard programming languages (Python, C++);
- Professional knowledge of leading industry software and technologies (Maya, Houdini, Nuke);
- Comfortable with software project management tools (JIRA, Trello);
- Solid understanding of software design and architecture;
- Strong knowledge of trends and new technology within the industry and specialty;
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and act as a positive role model and mentor.

Additional Information
- Full-time, Permanent Contract;
- 5 paid sick days;
- 2 additional statutory holidays in the winter holidays;
- Group Insurance, access to Dialogue online support and to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP);
- RRSP with employer contribution;
- Discounts with Bixi, Nautilus Plus and many more local businesses.
- Diversity is a core value at Rodeo FX. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment where diversity is celebrated and valued. We believe every member on our team enriches our work by exposing us to a broad range of ways to perceive and interact with the world, identify challenges, and to design and deliver projects._