Senior Production Manager (FTC - 12 Months)

Job Summary
 

We are looking for an experienced Production Executive, well-practiced in delivering High-End Television scripted content.    

This is a senior role which will require you to work closely with the VP of Production Management and the Commissioning Executives from script to screen as well as liaising with the independent production companies/3rd party producers/local service providers to deliver high-end programming on budget and on time, which will drive ratings and reach for our global streaming service. 

You will support the strategy for scripted content to ensure that it remains consistent with our overall strategy and vision for Disney + and manage appropriate communication, education and implementation of our policies, processes and procedures. 

This is an office-based role. 4 days working in the Hammersmith, London office with 1 day working from home (Monday or Friday).

The Opportunity & Responsibilities:

Production: 

• Increase awareness, understanding and standard of key production management industry best practices as well as reinforcing the Disney + core values; diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility; health & safety; safeguarding; health & well-being; training; environmental and sustainability matters; content and physical security 
• Work closely with Business Affairs, Commissioning Execs; Production Management teams and Finance to ensure the conditions for greenlight are met 
• Risk analysis and mitigation in all aspects of production from financial, physical operational and welfare 
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to effect production solutions to increase use of internal resource where these represent best value (eg: procurement, insurance, H&S, tech solutions, marketing, press & promos, localisation); and ensure smooth onboarding of indies/3rd party partners 
• Raise awareness, understanding and standard of all up-to-date broadcast and production knowledge and technology within the team and continue to build experience of new industry guidance to instil best practice in all our original commissioned productions 
• Draw up internal budget analysis and tracking documents as required 

Leadership and Management 

• Be responsible for delivering effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders (Editorial, Business Affairs, Legal, Finance, Compliance, Content & Physical Security, H&S, Procurement, Compliance, Marketing & Press and Post Production) 
• Work seamlessly with unscripted teams to deliver shared goals and objectives and develop cross-genre learnings 
• Manage, motivate and develop the best production management teams for the job. 

Indie/3rd Party Management 

• Ensure the cost of each commission is agreed with Editorial, Commissioning, BA and Finance and work closely with Director of Post Production to ensure that delivery is feasible within the proposed timeframe 
• Lead budget negotiations with indies/3rd party producers, ensuring rates are within the appropriate budget banding 
• Negotiate and offer production solutions, approve production technology, operational issues and production schedules including, if applicable returning series strategy; work closely with Director of Post Production to approve tech specs and tech workflows 
• Support and guide indies/3rd party producers through our internal greenlight process and liaise with them at all stages of production throughout development to delivery 
• Ensure best practice principles and protocols are implemented and adhered to across all genres, all EMEA 
• Ensure budgets are monitored by overseeing regular cost reports and progress reports; anticipate problems and advise VP Production Management, Commissioning Execs and Finance Exec when production and/or budgetary issues arise 
• Liase with indies/3rd party producers at all stages and have an overview on a large number of individual projects over multiple regions 
• Deliver clear, concise, accurate internal reporting of projects, pipeline, risks and goals and objectives delivery 

The Experience We Require From You:

• This role requires a high level of diplomatic communication and negotiating skills as well as strong editorial judgement and excellent written communication skills 
• proven experience of managing and delivering High-End TV programming at production executive, co-producer/line producer level 
• detailed knowledge of budgeting, scheduling and post-production 
• strong working knowledge and understanding of industry agreements; Pact, Equity, Bectu, WGGB, WGA, DGA, SAG, etc 
• able to demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of all broadcast and production technology as well as knowledge of key talent (writers, directors, other key creative HoD’s in the UK and beyond) 
• will be a highly self-motivated professional with a proactive and positive thinking approach who is willing to get stuck in and get the job done 
• will possess the use of initiative and be able to think and prioritise quickly under pressure 
• attention to detail is a key essential element for this role 

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance & dental care
• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
• Excellent parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided the necessary accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive all benefits of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.