Senior Manager, Research Operations (Disney Entertainment)

Disney Entertainment’s Research, Insights and Analytics team fuels the art of storytelling through data and advanced analytics solutions. Harnessing first, second-, and third-party data to experiment and innovate, RIA helps drives decision-making for TWDC’s Entertainment Brands and Content, deeply studies the marketplace and competitive landscape, and supports driving monetization through advertising and distribution. RIA works with many teams across Disney, including but not limited to Networks & Distribution, Strategy, Creative, Finance, Marketing, Business Operations, Streaming, and PR – to deliver data insights that help inform and guide business decisions and strategy.

Job Summary:

The Sr. Manager, Research Operations will collaborate cross-team (for Research, Insights & Analytics) and cross-functionally with groups and stakeholders from business units across Disney Entertainment to lead and organize general administration of a portfolio of research projects, assist in managing departmental operations, and help elevate industry and strategic business insights for executive decision support.

The Sr. Manager, Research Operations will coordinate and support multi-disciplinary research teams to lead the startup and ongoing program / project management of ad hoc and recurring research initiatives and reporting. Lead design and implementation of strategic resource planning and analysis, including tracking of RIA research budgets and personnel time allocation, and manage consolidation of insights into executive deliverables, in support of Executive Vice President of RIA’s departmental planning and functioning. They will collaborate cross-functionally to cohere and synthesize business-oriented, research-driven insights for executive decision support.

Responsibilities:

• Provide high level project management support to Research leads across Content, Consumer, and Marketplace Research

• Assist in implementation of best practice program management processes, initiate and run project events (kickoffs, research collaboration meetings, workshops, socialization planning)

• Own project documentation and records; review and communicate risks, issues, and progress to reach program / project deadlines to executive sponsors and stakeholders; act as primary project point of contact and ensure RIA project portfolio is actively socialized 

• Define existing team processes and identify areas needing improvement. Introduces new business processes and produces documentation, tools, and training to support adoption.

• Implements the tools required to collect and measure relevant data, identify key team performance indicators, and produce data-driven analyses of critical functions and capacity.

• Introduces new business processes to the organization and produces documentation, tools, and training to support adoption.

• Creates rubric and departmental process for assessing current research vendors and exploring / evaluating new vendors that are innovative in their approach to multiplatform insights

• Creates narrative presentations for departmental operations (budget, goal planning, etc.)              

• Strong analytical thinker capable of translating complex data outputs and entertainment and media distribution industry analysis, linkages, and trends into senior executive-ready insights

• Draft executive memos and reports with authority, business purpose, and data-driven narrative, with deep understanding of our business models and outcomes

• Monitor industry landscape research and news, supervise industry-focused analyst           

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 8 years media data analysis, research and project management experience

• Background in Entertainment, Measurement, Consumer Research in large, matrixed consumer product or services company or Management Consulting

• Expertise in project management software tooling e.g. JIRA, Smartsheet, Airtable.

• Must live within a commutable distance to 77 West 66th St., NY. Position requires someone onsite 4+ days a week.

• Substantial experience in project management and operational / process design

• Strong communication and project organization skills with internal team and external stakeholders

• Oriented towards advanced planning, organizing, directing and facilitation skills – resourceful and diplomatic

• High proficiency with Excel & PowerPoint

• Excellent data interpreter and business communicator with accuracy, persuasion, and polish (both verbally and in written / visual materials intended for distribution)

• Highly organized, strong facilitation and soft influence skills with senior level colleagues

Preferred Qualifications:

Management Consulting media focus / intrapreneurial consultative problem-solving experience

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Education:

MBA or Masters in Applied Analytics, Operational Management