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 AreFor 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 DoManage and oversee the 3D Art team, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality outputHandle administrative tasks such as managing time cards and triaging project priorities based on deadlines, scope, and complexityDelegate tasks effectively to balance the workload and meet project deadlinesOrganize team-building events and exercises to foster a collaborative and positive team environmentConduct regular one-on-one meetings with team members to provide feedback and supportOnboard new employees, ensuring a smooth integration into the team and company cultureHold weekly critique meetings to identify areas for improvement in 3D renderings and provide constructive feedbackMaintain a safe and fulfilling work environment, promoting a culture of creativity and innovationBe actively involved in the creation of 3D renderings, working alongside the team to understand and improve the workflowDevelop tools, workflows, and assets to enhance efficiency and reduce hurdles in the creative processCreate tutorials and training materials to address common challenges and improve the team's skill setInnovate and adapt workflows and tools across multiple softwares to ensure the highest visual quality while maintaining speed to marketWhat You'll NeedProficiency 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 handsExperience in interpreting site plans, ensuring accuracy in scale, and comprehending topographical featuresAbility to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment to meet deadlines and visual expectationsAbility to communicate ideas quickly and clearly through illustration with a strong understanding of appeal and conceptStrong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at onceAn online portfolio that demonstrates strong design and visualization skillsBe able to develop and communicate a project design narrative through compelling presentationsExperience working with clients preferredExperience using management software (e.g. CRM) preferredExperience managing a team of 5 or more preferredPassion for creating amazing playgroundsThis position is based in Austin, TX with a hybrid working model.Perks and BenefitsComprehensive medical, vision, and dental plansEmployer-paid life and disability insurance401(k) retirement plan with company matchCompetitive PTO and robust holiday scheduleKOMPAN 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.