Pipeline & Technology Manager

Cause and FX has rapidly established itself as one of New Zealand’s foremost independent VFX studios, renowned for its vibrant environment and dedicated artists who consistently deliver exceptional work. We embrace innovation and state-of-the-art technologies while nurturing the growth and potential of our team. Our mutual commitment fuels our motivation, and we warmly welcome individuals who share the same level of passion and dedication.

We are looking for a forward-thinking Pipeline & Technology Manager to lead the team and systems that power everything we create.

In this role, you will sit at the intersection of technology, production, and innovation. You will guide our VFX pipeline strategy, support artists and production teams, and help ensure our studio stays efficient, secure, and ready for what is next.

What you will be doing

You will lead our pipeline team and take ownership of the design, development, and evolution of our custom VFX pipeline. This means ensuring it is reliable, scalable, and genuinely supports how our artists work day to day.

You will also partner closely with our external managed service provider and onsite DevOps team to provide strategic oversight of studio infrastructure. From systems stability to security and future planning, you will help ensure our environments remain robust and production-ready.

This is a role that blends strategic leadership with hands-on technical engagement. You will help shape the studio’s long-term technical vision while staying connected to real production needs.

A key part of the role is championing innovation. You will explore and guide the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, machine learning, and automation, helping us stay competitive and forward-looking as an industry leader.

Requirements

What you will be doing

Leading the Pipeline & DevOps team
You will lead, coach, and grow a high-performing technical team, creating an environment built on collaboration, curiosity, and technical excellence. This includes supporting performance, career development, and engagement, while working closely with production to align crew planning and resource needs.

Shaping pipeline strategy and delivery
You will set the direction for the studio’s VFX pipeline, ensuring workflows are scalable, reliable, and truly support how production operates. You will oversee release cycles, tool roadmaps, and technology partnerships, while also supporting R&D reporting requirements by helping capture and align technical activity with long-term studio strategy.

Providing strategic IT leadership
Working alongside our MSP and DevOps specialists, you will provide oversight across infrastructure and studio systems. From render and storage to networks and production environments, you will help ensure everything is secure, high-performing, and ready to scale as the business grows. You will also lead planning around technology expansion, software licensing, in-house rendering, and emerging capabilities such as AI and ML.

Owning security and compliance
You will take ownership of TPN and broader security practices across technical functions. This includes representing Cause and FX during audits and ensuring a proactive, secure-by-design mindset across systems and processes.

Driving innovation and future readiness
You will champion a forward-looking technology agenda, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and maintain competitive advantage. This includes evaluating automation, AI, and ML solutions relevant to VFX production, and anticipating future pipeline and infrastructure needs to ensure long-term resilience.

Contributing as a senior leader
As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape studio-wide strategy and long-term planning. You will translate complex technical decisions into clear business context, enabling informed executive decisions, and lead technology-focused prioritisation and sprint planning within your department.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Proven leadership and team management experience in a technical environment
• Proficient Python developer with demonstrated experience building VFX pipeline tools, DCCs integrations, and automation scripts in a production environment.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Working knowledge of key VFX DCCs including Nuke, Maya, and Houdini, with an understanding of how each integrates into a VFX pipeline; familiarity with associated plugin and tool ecosystems.
• Experience with package and environment management systems (Rez or equivalent); understanding of software versioning, dependency resolution, and environment configuration in a VFX context.
• Familiarity with production tracking systems (ftrack/ShotGrid (Flow) preferred) and an understanding of VFX shot workflows from IO through comp to delivery.
• Working knowledge of TPN security requirements and experience supporting or leading security compliance in a VFX studio context.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a small, specialist technical team; able to balance hands-on work with strategic direction and stakeholder communication.
• Exceptional time management and prioritisation skills; able to triage competing demands across pipeline development, infrastructure, production support, and strategic work without losing momentum on any front.
• Awareness of and genuine interest in AI/ML technologies as applied to VFX and media production; able to evaluate tools, assess practical applicability, and guide adoption decisions in a studio context.

Benefits

Work somewhere that genuinely cares

We believe great work happens when people feel connected, supported, and able to enjoy the journey along the way. Whether you are in the studio or working remotely, we focus on creating a collaborative, welcoming environment where people can do their best work and feel part of the team.

In the studio, you will find plenty of ways to recharge and have fun, from ping pong and foosball to free coffee, tea, snacks, smoothies, and end of week Friday beers. We also support wellbeing with a quarterly wellbeing allowance, because looking after yourself matters.

Staying connected is a big part of our culture. From weekly quizzes and Fromage Fridays to team initiatives, studio celebrations, and regular team lunches out, we make sure everyone, wherever they are, feels included and part of the experience.