Ride Studio Business Operations Manager
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10117436 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Apr. 18, 2025Job Summary:
About the Role & Team
Walt Disney Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, production, project management, and research & development arm of The Walt Disney Company. Its talented Imagineers are responsible for the creation, from concept through installation, of all Disney Resorts, theme parks, and attractions. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals who bring together the best aspects of creativity, innovation, and passion.
The Ride Studio Business Operations Manager will partner with the Studio Leader, department executives, and individual project leaders to develop and implement business plans for the studio operation as well as for projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing financial guidance and collaborating with Ride executives on operating and financial strategies.
Responsibilities span a number of traditional roles, including Project Manager, Finance, Engineering, Planner, Producer, Business Development, and ultimately involve planning for the short and long-term strategic growth of the Ride organization as well as tracking our progress towards those goals.
This role will report to the Ride Engineering Studio Executive.
What You Will Do
Lead development and execution of annual operating, financial, and resource plans, FYP, monthly forecasts, etc., that support the high-level department goals.
Provide financial guidance that improves spending towards the achievement of strategic goals and guides decision-making towards a sound financial perspective.
Understand, consolidate, and review capital costs to provide an overarching view of spending compared to plan.
Produce ongoing financial, risk, and development reports on the health and progress of each project towards its goals in partnership with Finance and key Walt Disney Imagineering partners.
Ensure studio transfer rates are achieved, operating budget targets met, Operational Improvement Projects completed, and capital expenditures properly distributed.
Develop business models for potential new lines of business and communicate value to company collaborators.
Assist with the development of practical work plans that move internal projects efficiently towards successful completion. Organize a sophisticated or minimally defined scope into implementable phases.
Own the work-plan process for internal projects (development, submittal, approval, and tracking), ensuring the project focus, milestones, and spend are documented completely. Track progress against plan and align with department priorities/funding.
Actively identify and resolve risk elements that could affect schedule and budget.
Prepare and deliver executive presentations that represent the financial goals and strategies of the Ride studio
Work with functional managers to develop department resource plans that advise future hiring strategies.
Work with Project Engineers to project financial trend analyses and Earned Value reports.
Partner with Disney Finance groups across the enterprise. Contribute to financial communications with executive stakeholders.
Partner with Sourcing & Procurement department to establish and maintain vendor contracts.
Develop and mentor others in the department.
Required Qualifications & Skills
7+ years of experience in business management, finance, and/or operations-related positions
Proven track record of translating high-level vision/scope descriptions into actionable plans and influencing strategic direction with Senior Executives.
Possess a high degree of business acumen as well as knowledge of Walt Disney Imagineering and its essential functions.
Experience working with development teams and prototype products.
Ability to distill complex information, including financial details, into engaging high-level messages accessible to a wide audience.
Desire to learn about scope and tools outside previous experience.
Ability to develop, maintain, and improve process and planning tools.
Ability to excel in a creative environment with changing priorities.
A strategic problem-solving mindset with the ability to synthesize and present information to advance business strategies, applying strong analytical skills.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related strategy-based discipline required. MBA preferred.
Additional Information
This role is located on-site in Glendale, CA.
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Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.
The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $ $147,300 -$202,500 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.
About Walt Disney Imagineering:
Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.