Director, Network Origination & Media Operations

Technology is at the heart of Disney’s past, present, and future. Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a global organization of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, data scientists, and more – all working to build and advance the technological backbone for Disney’s media business globally.

The team marries technology with creativity to build world-class products, enhance storytelling, and drive velocity, innovation, and scalability for our businesses. We are Storytellers and Innovators. Creators and Builders. Entertainers and Engineers. We work with every part of The Walt Disney Company’s media portfolio to advance the technological foundation and consumer media touch points serving millions of people around the world. 

Here are a few reasons why we think you’d love working here:

1. Building the future of Disney’s media: Our Technologists are designing and building the products and platforms that will power our media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.

2. Reach, Scale & Impact: More than ever, Disney’s technology and products serve as a signature doorway for fans' connections with the company’s brands and stories. Disney+. Hulu. ESPN. ABC. ABC News…and many more. These products and brands – and the unmatched stories, storytellers, and events they carry – matter to millions of people globally. 

3. Innovation: We develop and implement groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms, and solve complex and distinctive technical problems.

Content Platforms & Operations is responsible for the development and ongoing advancement of the technical and operational functions driving the worldwide distribution and monetization of Disney’s linear networks and theatrical content. This includes Disney’s media supply chain and storage, network and theatrical distribution operations, media localization, network transmission and origination, and more. The global team also plays a critical role as the primary collaboration point for Product & Technology with Disney’s EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regional business teams.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President Network Origination & Media Operations, this position is responsible for overseeing the Network Control and Media Operation teams for ESPN’s linear broadcast and cable networks and other digital platforms as required. This includes managing all personnel and distribution concepts for server-based, live content and commercials, master control, feed acquisition and program prep as well as storage and transport workflows.  This role is for a highly operational people leader and involves implementing new systems, aligning workflows, procedures, and teams across multiple facilities under a unified vision for future development.

The Director will lead a team of managers to assess future needs, create and implement standard operating procedures, policies, and processes for assigned functions of the department. Additionally, this leader will successfully develop and align their team toward a strategic vision of the department aligned with their broader business priorities of The Walt Disney Company. This leader will ultimately oversee quality control and follow-through procedures for reports, technical troubleshooting, and workflow efficiencies. The position also involves responsibility for hiring, training, scheduling, and overall management of staff and facilities.

Responsibilities:

• Acts in a leadership capacity to develop the strategic direction of the Network Origination and Media Operations organizations for the Bristol, CT operation primarily supporting live sports broadcasts
• Lead a team of managers, supervisors, and technical operators in support of content distribution for Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product and Technology
• Implement and oversee new innovative approaches including, but not limited to systems, workflow, workforce and facilities
• Plans and coordinates with engineering business partners regarding the installation and implementation of new equipment 
• Evaluates headcount needs and organizational needs across a complex and dynamic organization. Evaluate overall team performance against organizational strategy and business priorities
• Coordinates and oversees technical operations and/or campus facilities to ensure efficient and smooth operations
• Participates in planning with various partners as well as other clients (Programming, Ad Sales, Disney Streaming, Human Resources, Affiliate Divisions, etc.) to ensure the adequacy of technical facilities and staff to achieve targeted results 
• Drives leadership team to develop and implement reporting procedures, technical troubleshooting and workflow efficiencies
• Leads team that creates and monitors training programs in preparation for evolving workflows and technologies

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of 12-years experience and a minimum of 5-years management experience.
• Previous Master Control and/or Media Operations experience
• In-depth knowledge of the technical equipment involved in multi-media operations 
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to gain consensus through personal influence
• Ability to lead multiple team members, including development and workload management
• Must demonstrate ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines, work independently and lead simultaneous projects.
• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)