3D Art Manager

KOMPAN U.S. is in search of a 3D Art Manager to join our team, playing a crucial role in transforming fitness and playground plans from AutoCAD into captivating 3D renders, animations, and Virtual Tours using 3ds Max. This position requires close collaboration with Sales Representatives and colleagues in the design department to ensure that visualizations align with client needs and project objectives.

The 3D Art Manager will oversee the 3D Art group and ensure they create engaging and imaginative environments through product selection, customization, juxtaposition, and surface design on projects across the North American region, ensuring the experience of KOMPAN's three tenets of play: Wow, Stay, Develop.

This position will collaborate closely with other departments in back-office roles such as Pre Sales, Project Sales Coordination, Project Coordination, and Install, as well as on-site colleagues working in the field as Project Managers and Sales Representatives.

As a global leader with an organizational focus on people, passion, progress, and performance, our mission is to create healthier and happier communities by delivering the best in play and fitness solutions. We’re KOMPAN - let’s play!

Who We Are

For more than 50 years, KOMPAN has researched, designed, and built innovative and imaginative commercial playground equipment and outdoor fitness sites that captivate all ages and abilities.

In collaboration with our global headquarters in Denmark, KOMPAN designs, manufactures, and installs more than 1,000 sites a month across 90 different countries. Our North American headquarters, located in Austin, Texas, supports field sales around the U.S. and Canada.

At KOMPAN, we take pride in our commitment to the global environment. We exceed sustainability efforts and make it possible to lower carbon emissions by utilizing recycled ocean waste, consumer-recycled plastics, and textile wastes to create playgrounds that are born green or made green.

Leaders at KOMPAN are open, informal, and non-hierarchical. They are eager to delegate, involve, inspire, and energize their teams and celebrate results. KOMPAN leaders take pride in developing their people and building competencies and capabilities together.

What You’ll Do

• Manage and oversee the 3D Art team, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality output
• Handle administrative tasks such as managing time cards and triaging project priorities based on deadlines, scope, and complexity
• Delegate tasks effectively to balance the workload and meet project deadlines
• Organize team-building events and exercises to foster a collaborative and positive team environment
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with team members to provide feedback and support
• Onboard new employees, ensuring a smooth integration into the team and company culture
• Hold weekly critique meetings to identify areas for improvement in 3D renderings and provide constructive feedback
• Maintain a safe and fulfilling work environment, promoting a culture of creativity and innovation
• Be actively involved in the creation of 3D renderings, working alongside the team to understand and improve the workflow
• Develop tools, workflows, and assets to enhance efficiency and reduce hurdles in the creative process
• Create tutorials and training materials to address common challenges and improve the team's skill set
• Innovate and adapt workflows and tools across multiple softwares to ensure the highest visual quality while maintaining speed to market

What You’ll Need

• Proficiency in 3ds Max + Vray (or experience with Maya, Zbrush, Cinema4D, Rhino, Revit, Arnold, Blender, Cycles, or similar 3D software), Microsoft Office, Adobe Products, Wacom Tablet (or similar digital sketch tablet)
• Proficient in character, vehicle, and prop design, with the capability to produce turnarounds that preserve scale, perspective, and volume.
• A bachelor’s degree or greater in an applicable field including Animation, Game design, interior design, architectural design, etc.
• Experience in architectural visualization, Product design and visualization, 3D modeling, game design, VFX, Illustration, playground design, amusement park design, waterpark design, etc.
• Proficiency in navigating a pipeline that encompasses various stages and employs multiple software applications that all need to shake hands
• Experience in interpreting site plans, ensuring accuracy in scale, and comprehending topographical features
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment to meet deadlines and visual expectations
• Ability to communicate ideas quickly and clearly through illustration with a strong understanding of appeal and concept
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at once
• An online portfolio that demonstrates strong design and visualization skills
• Be able to develop and communicate a project design narrative through compelling presentations
• Experience working with clients preferred
• Experience using management software (e.g. CRM) preferred
• Experience managing a team of 5 or more preferred
• Passion for creating amazing playgrounds

This position is based in Austin, TX with a hybrid working model.

Perks and Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental plans
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Competitive PTO and robust holiday schedule

KOMPAN is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. All employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.