Director, Production Services (Disney Entertainment Television)

This director level position leads a team of 6 professionals who provide “backlot” services to Disney Entertainment Television’s (DET) internal productions, including: asset management, set rentals, storage and shipping solutions, and logistical & planning support for series/season launch & wrap.  This leader is the primary point of contact for internal production executives related to these shared services and liaises with line producers and HODs on shows to identify and implement solutions. 

The position oversees the operations of a 135,000 square foot warehouse in North Hollywood and determines strategy for additional storage solutions around Los Angeles and in other locations where DET films. The role builds and maintains relationships with vendors across the country and in locations outside of the US where DET produces content.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership – provide leadership and direction to three employees (2 managers, 1 administrator) and their teams.  Work with them to set goals for their respective areas: sets, assets, warehouse management.  Provide ongoing feedback and guidance and support the managers in developing their employees.  Lead regular team meetings, sharing relevant business information with team members.  Act as part of the “senior team” within Production Shared Services along with Director of Transportation and Director of Sustainable Production.

• Strategy – in conjunction with VP Production Shared Services, set the strategies for the warehouse businesses.  The role focuses on providing consistent services to DET shows and production teams, providing savings to our shows, and operating sustainably both from an environmental and financial perspective. Strategic decisions will include tradeoffs for how best to use warehouse space, liquidation versus reuse of assets, optimal amount of set inventory to keep in open stock, and best vendors to leverage outside of Los Angeles area.

• Studios Point of Contact – this role serves as a point of contact for Production Executives and Production Finance Executives on their assigned projects.  The Director should check in regularly with production executives to keep them apprised of work being performed in support of their projects and to help develop solutions to problems as they arise.

• Show Point of Contact – the Director, Production Services will work with the Line Producer and/or UPM on the DET shows to make them aware of asset management, set inventory, storage and shipping solutions.  The Director will also work closely with the Line Producer as season or series wrap plans/budgets are developed.

• Sustainability – the Director Production Services will work closely with the Sustainable Production team in DET to ensure that the warehouse’s operations follow the Sustainable Production Policy with respect to reduction of emissions, reduction of waste, and materials sourcing/reuse.

• Operations – oversight of inventory recording and control of production assets for DET including but not limited to sets, construction items/equipment, set decoration, props, production office items, post items, camera equipment, and show purchased vehicles for the purposes of properly securing and auditing each purchase, to repurpose those assets where possible in serving DET productions worldwide. 

• Storage – Support Production and Post Executives concerning assets, promotional item tracking/return, relocations, audits, startup, wrap.  Locate, negotiate, and secure real property or temporary location storage for production needs worldwide.  Establish and maintain a network of shipping and strategic holding areas for assets to be reused or repurposed.  Respond to Production Finance inquiries concerning assets, audits, and budgets/spend on storage, shipping, relocation, wrap.

• Enterprise Liaison – Production compliance and liaison to TWDC Corporate Departments including Archives, Sourcing & Procurement, Customs Management, Management/Production Audit and Studio/Craft Services.

Basic Qualifications: 

• 5 years production or production related experience working on scripted television in either a studio or show-level capacity.

• 2 years’ experience (direct reports at Manager level +) managing/leading professional staff members required.

• Experience on two or more shows partnering with or fulfilling one of the following roles on a television production: line producer, UPM, Production Office Coordinator, or Construction Coordinator.

• Experience with television show budgets and production wrap processes.

• Experience with Import/Export worldwide and shipping across state or country borders.

• Experience utilizing/managing large database systems to organize and maintain high volume of information.

• Must live within a commutable distance to Warehouse in North Hollywood CA.  This role will require someone onsite 4+ days a week. 

• Will have to travel between locations from time to time. Locations are within a 10-mile radius.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in commercial real estate with understanding of leases, service agreements, and warehouse storage business.

• Strong business acumen and communication skills to interface with executives within the TV studios at Disney and with show leadership.

• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, vendors, internal stakeholders, and show crew to influence decision-making on our shows.

• Analytical skills to evaluate business options for pricing, practicality and show preference.

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in business or equivalent field of study.