Sr Technical Program Manager

Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology

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 for Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology

• Building the future of Disney’s media business: DE&E Technologists are designing and building the infrastructure that will power Disney’s 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 execute groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms and enhance how audiences experience sports, entertainment & news.

Business Operations is responsible for global program and project management, capital and portfolio management, resource prioritization, tracking and communication of performance, administrative services, AOP & LRP Planning, Space Management, and other key functions critical to the operation of DE&E Technology division. This position is part of the Global Program Management team which manages the execution of DE&E Technology programs, including scope, delivery schedules and budgets in addition to identifying dependencies, managing risks and quantifying business impact. This role collaborates with Product, Engineering and QA to understand and rationalize strategic roadmaps while providing easy to understand, transparent reporting to leadership during delivery.

Job Summary:

Within the Business Operations organization the Technical Program Manager is responsible for managing small through large-scale, complex projects in the Software Engineering area from initiation through closure. These initiatives will involve daily hands-on management of technology activities utilizing Agile and Scrum based software development practices; and may include working with other technical teams to effectively deliver business solutions. This role requires a wide range of leadership competencies, technical (PM) experience and communications skills. Responsible for managing projects using DE&E Technology processes, tools and methodologies, which includes the development of the scope of work and the management of time, cost, risk, and communications.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:

• Accountable for driving execution and delivery of multiple technical product or software development projects from start to finish.
• Have experience executing both Agile and Waterfall software development methodologies.
• Have experience with industry-standard project management tools such as JIRA and Confluence.
• Responsible for managing team dynamics, morale and motivation while building a culture where all members and points of view are respected.
• Identifies project risks; analyzes and communicates prioritized mitigation plans to stakeholders; anticipates problems and roadblocks before they occur.
• Develops and manages project plans comprised of complex activities and dependencies.
• Communicates status, updates and project summaries via presentations, e-mail and direct communication with key stakeholders and leadership.
• Have excellent professional writing skills and can provide verbal explanations of status and technical issues with precision and accuracy.
• Excel at working with project stakeholders to define project scope and objectives, and effectively communicate requirements to development teams.
• Excel in leading effective meetings (keeping teams on track), document decisions and follow up.
• Display initiative, take a proactive approach, and can start the conversation.
• Negotiate with skill and can identify a solution path for various competing requirements or stakeholder preferences.
• Learns quickly and enthusiastically, particularly about technical systems and issues.
• Constantly evaluating process and seeking for ways to improve at every iteration.

Required Education, Experience/Skills/Training:

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Have 5+ years of technical project management experience working directly with engineers.
  • 4+ years of hands-on experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies developing software applications, playing the role of scrum lead.
  • BA/BS or equivalent experience required.
  • Extensive knowledge and experience with the software development lifecycle.

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • CSM / CSP Certification preferred.
  • Experience in streaming media software and digital technology.
  • Experience with backend systems, machine learning, and personalization a plus.
  • Have some technical proficiency demonstrated in any number of ways, ex. coding skills, quality assurance experience or technical writing background or similar.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $124,000.00 to $166,200.00 per year and in Seattle, WA is $129,900.00 to $174,100.00 per year and in New York, NY is $129,900.00 to $174,100.00 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.