Animation Production Manager (Contract)
We're looking for a production manager who thrives on turning creative chaos into smooth workflows. You'll orchestrate animation projects from concept to delivery, build systems that teams actually want to use, and help produce content that makes millions curious about the universe.
The Project
You'll be managing motion graphics production for one of the world's most beloved science education YouTube channels.
If you've ever fallen down a rabbit hole watching animated explanations about neutron stars, climate change, or how evolution works... you'll love working on this.
This is remote/hybrid, but you need to be based in Southeast Asia. Timezone alignment matters.
Must Have (these are non-negotiables)
If these don't fit, we can't consider your application:
Proven animation production pipeline management. You've orchestrated motion graphics projects from concept to delivery.
Based in Southeast Asia. Navigating cultural sensitivities and timezone overlap is essential.
Exceptional English communication. Written and spoken: we work remotely, so a lot of context gets lost and words matter.
Should Have (these will make you shine)
Systems thinking and process optimisation. You naturally ask "how can we deliver this faster, better, more elegantly?" and then actually implement the answer.
Experience maintaining healthy profit margins while keeping teams motivated and thriving.
Genuine enthusiasm for animation as a craft and industry. You follow studios, watch behind-the-scenes breakdowns, get excited about new techniques.
Working knowledge of animation software. You can open After Effects and Illustrator, understand what's happening, and speak fluently with animators about technical constraints and possibilities.
Experience with PM tools that help rather than hinder. Bonus if you've customised them to fit your team's actual needs.
Track record of managing cross-cultural, multi-timezone teams with grace.
Comfort with financial oversight. P&Ls, margins, budget forecasting don't intimidate you.
The ability to turn potential disasters into smooth landings without drama.
A knack for documentation that people actually want to read and use.
Nice to Have (this is the cherry on top)
Additional language skills beyond English. Any language is a plus.
Previous work with educational content, science communication, or complex explainer videos.
Experience working with B Corps or mission-driven organisations.
A portfolio of process improvements, templates, or systems you've built that made teams go "oh, this makes so much sense."
Genuine curiosity about science, space, biology, philosophy, technology—the topics that make people wonder.
The kind of person who watches educational YouTube for fun.
A Note on Working Style
This role thrives on creative problem-solving and collaboration. If you naturally lean toward "here's how we could make this work" rather than "here's why this won't," you'll love it here. If you're energised by figuring things out together across disciplines (even when something falls outside traditional role boundaries), we'll be a great match. We're looking for people who see challenges as puzzles to solve collaboratively, not walls to point out.
What You'll Actually Do
Production Management
Own the complete pipeline from brief to final delivery—on time, on budget, meeting quality standards
Build feedback loops that catch issues early, preventing expensive surprises down the line
Establish workflows, naming conventions, and processes that teams naturally want to follow (not grudgingly tolerate)
Optimise team resourcing and bandwidth allocation, adjusting smoothly as project needs evolve
Bridge Builder
Be the communication heartbeat between ROUGE and our international collaborators
Navigate timezones, cultures, and working styles while maintaining harmony
Drive meetings and relationships that keep everyone aligned and inspired
Systems Architect
Create realistic timing plans, budgets, and project scopes
Build templates, documentation, and guidelines that support long-term operational flow
Maintain project organisation that others want to emulate
Think systematically about continuous improvement: faster, better, more efficient
Financial Steward
Monitor profitability (maintaining healthy margins), revenue, invoicing
Assess risks and build business cases for team growth when needed
Handle procurement conversations and negotiations
Quality Guardian
Ensure all deliverables meet both client standards and our own high bar
Maintain team motivation through clear expectations, celebrating wins, and smooth conflict resolution
Run post-mortems that actually improve how we work
Growth Partner
Create meaningful business reviews with KPIs that matter
Spot opportunities for expansion and develop them with leadership
Think ahead so we're always prepared for what's next
Why This Matters
This isn't just about moving pixels from Point A to Point B. You'll help produce content that makes millions of people curious about the universe, excited about science, and engaged with complex ideas. You'll work with a purpose-driven studio that believes animation can open hearts and minds.
And you'll build systems that create smooth, harmonious workflows—not ones that glorify overwork or chaos. Since we work across multiple timezones, please include your timezone (in GMT+ format) next to your name in your email signature.
How to Apply
Send us:
Your CV/portfolio showing production management work that made you proud
A cover note (300 words max) telling us about a time in an animation project you improved a process or workflow that changed how a team operated—what was messy, what did you fix, what was the result?
What country you're based in and what PM tools make your work flow smoothly
Email: make@withrouge.com
Subject line: "Animation PM - [Your Name] - [Your Country]"
We'll review applications on a rolling basis. If you're the one, you'll hear from us within a week.
