Production Manager [VFX]

About WPP ProductionWe are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.About WPPWPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.A Hybrid working modelWe believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.VFX Production Manager – Ford CGI Content ProductionReports to: Head of VFX Operations Business Group: WPP ProductionFunction: VFX, CGI, Motion & Automotive Content ProductionClient: Ford GlobalRole OverviewThe VFX Production Manager – Ford CGI Content Production plays a key operational and delivery role in producing high-quality CGI animation and stills content for Ford’s global marketing ecosystem. This includes feature animations, launch films, mechanical explainers, motion-based 360º assets, social and digital activations, Build & Price, Art Cards and variant-informed motion sequences for Ford’s global platforms.This role manages a complex, high-output CGI pipeline involving rigging, animation, lighting, effects, rendering, compositing, audio sync, and finishing—ensuring that every asset meets Ford’s technical, visual, and brand standards. The Production Manager orchestrates schedules, workflows, artist resourcing, reviews, and communication across multi-disciplinary teams and time zones.Key ResponsibilitiesProduction Management & SchedulingOwn daily and weekly production planning for Ford’s CGI content.Build detailed schedules across:Stills imagery (eg Build & Price, Art Cards, Ad Planner)Animation sequencesFeature explainers & mechanical animationsLaunch films & hero assetsMotion-based 360º visualsCross-platform social/digital contentTrack progress across all pipeline stages—eg rigging, animation, lighting, FX, rendering, and comp.Identify bottlenecks early and drive proactive solutions.Pipeline & Workflow Oversight Manage the full animation pipeline, including:CAD cleaned model handoffRigging & mechanical articulationLook DevKeyframe animation / procedural motionMotion design elements / UI overlaysSimulation (particles, cloth, dynamics, automotive features)Lighting templates / scene assemblyRendering optimization (stills, sequences)Compositing, grading, finishingVersioning, approvals, and deliveryEnsure all work adheres to Ford’s CGI/animation standards and technical specifications.Cross-Functional Team CoordinationWork closely with CGI artists, animators, FX artists, lighters, compositors, and editors.Partner with teams to align on briefs, storyboards, animatics, timing, and creative expectations.Collaborate with engineering teams on render farm scheduling, pipeline stability, and tool support.Support producers in aligning project scope to timelines and capacity.Briefing, Storyboarding & Creative AlignmentSupport producers and creative leads in shaping briefs, mood boards, and animation outlines.Translate creative direction into executable pipeline tasks.Manage animatic/previz reviews, ensuring timing and narrative clarity.Track feedback through multiple review cycles.Quality Control & Review ManagementRun structured daily/weekly reviews with VFX leads and supervisors.Ensure outputs match Ford’s visual benchmarks, including:Mechanical accuracyMotion realismBrand-consistent camera languageLighting and shading consistencyRendering quality and artifact-free sequencesOversee QA, refinement cycles, and final sign-off.Stakeholder Communication & ReportingProvide clear updates to internal teams and cross-agency partners on progress, risks, and changes.Maintain dashboards, shot trackers, resourcing sheets, and delivery plans.Present production status in global Ford syncs.Resourcing & Vendor ManagementCoordinate internal artist allocations in partnership with the resourcing team.Manage freelance or external studio partnerships as needed.Track vendor throughput, quality, and integration into the central animation pipeline.Delivery, Versioning & Asset ManagementEnsure all animated assets are delivered in the correct formats for:Ford global marketsWeb, mobile, and social platformsCMS and DAM systemsPartner agencies’ toolsetsMaintain structured version control and documentation.Qualifications & ExperienceEssential5–10+ years in VFX/CGI animation production management.Strong understanding of VFX pipelines (Maya, Unreal, Houdini, Nuke, After Effects, etc.).Experience working with mechanical/automotive animation or product animation.Proven skill in managing complex timelines, multi-shot sequences, and large teams.Highly organized, excellent communication skills, and detail-driven.Experience with production tracking tools (ShotGrid, Jira, Monday.com, etc.).DesirablePrevious work with Ford or other automotive brands.Experience within WPP, VML, GTB, or other integrated content ecosystems.Familiarity with real-time rendering, cloud rendering, or AI-assisted animation tools.Understanding of automotive features, engineering motion, and CAD-based animation.#LI-RH1  #LI-HYBRIDWhy work here: At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and AI and next-generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment. Inclusion and Impact WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. 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