Lead Program Manager

On any given day at Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, we’re reimagining ways to create magical viewing experiences for the world’s most beloved stories while also transforming Disney’s media business for the future. Whether that’s evolving our streaming and digital products in new and immersive ways, powering worldwide advertising and distribution to maximize flexibility and efficiency, or delivering Disney’s unmatched entertainment and sports content, every day is a moment to make a difference to partners and to hundreds of millions of people around the world.

A few reasons why we think you’d love working here:

• Building the future of Disney’s media: DE&E Technologists are designing and building the infrastructure that will power our media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.

• Reach & Scale: The products and platforms this group builds and operates delight millions of consumers every minute of every day – from Disney+ and Hulu, to ABC News and Entertainment, to ESPN and ESPN+, and much more.

• Innovation: We develop and implement groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms and enhance how audiences experience sports, entertainment & news.

Business Operations is the glue of DE&E Technology, with a persistent focus on connecting all the pieces of the business. All the components that make up the organization – engineering, product, design, operations, support and more – come together and move the business forward with oversight, effective prioritization, and guidance. This team synthesizes information from across the business to ensure leaders are armed with all the necessary data before making strategic and financial decisions. From forecasting, funding, tracking, and reporting on projects, to ways of working, and resource management, Business Operations has transparency and input into all aspects of the team.
 

Within the Business Operations organization, the Lead Program Manager is a senior-level role focused on driving efficiency and coordination across cross-functional programs. This position is responsible for overseeing internal programs to ensure they are managed efficiently and communicated effectively, while aligning with the organization’s strategic goals. The Lead Program Manager will collaborate closely with various departments, stakeholders, and executive leadership to coordinate initiatives that achieve business objectives. If you excel in collaboration, mentoring, and leading teams, this role offers a dynamic opportunity to make a significant impact.
 

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Management:

• Own the Technology Headcount Program, including leadership reporting.

• Foster team dynamics, morale, and motivation, promoting a culture of respect and collaboration.

• Demonstrate leadership through collaboration, work ethic, creative thinking, and inspiring others.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Act as a Product Owner for the internal Workforce product, driving strategic improvements.

• Lead Operational Process Management, collaborating with Strategic and Business Operations teams.

• Influence direction, reduce complexity, and drive alignment across cross-functional teams.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with cross-functional leaders to support their roadmap, vision, and strategy.

• Coordinate with external vendors when necessary.

Communication and Negotiation:

• Communicate effectively across the organization at the executive level and beyond.

• Skillfully negotiate solutions for competing requirements or stakeholder preferences.

Process Improvement and Learning:

• Constantly evaluate and improve processes with every iteration.

• Display initiative, take a proactive approach, and quickly learn new systems.

Basic Qualifications:

• Established in Program Management with 7+ years of experience

• BA/BS or equivalent experience required

• Proven track record with Agile project management in a hands-on role as a Program Manager, Project Manager, or Scrum Master teams

• Experience collaborating with product, design and other stakeholders to understand requirements, prioritize initiatives, and engage with engineering teams to drive projects forward

• Ability to identify, analyze, prioritize, mitigate, and communicate risks to internal and external partners

• Proactive approach, able to initiate conversations and guide other program leads in process development, consistently evaluating and improving processes at every iteration

• Developed essential soft skills, including meeting leadership, communication, teamwork, collaboration, flexibility, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP Certification or similar preferred

• Expertise in delivery management tools (Jira, Confluence, Airtable, etc.)

• Experience with headcount and/or resource management

The hiring range for this position in Seattle, Washington and New York City is $129,000 - $172,900 per year and in Glendale, California is $120,000 - $165,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered