Director, Entertainment Operations

As a Director, Entertainment Operations for Disney Cruise Line, you will play an essential part in the day-to-day delivery of entertainment experiences by leading, collaborating and empowering leaders at Disney Cruise Line and other Disney Signature Experiences partners to deliver and sustain the best entertainment experiences in the world.

You will serve as the primary partner for all of Disney Cruise Line’s Shipwide Entertainment and Character operation teams and functions (ship and shore). Safety and security of our guests and crew is our priority.  You will develop, execute, and sustain the operational vision of Shipwide Entertainment and Character Operations, leveraging the overall strategic vision of Disney Cruise Line Entertainment. Your responsibility will be to translate and integrate the vision into strategic operating plans focused on innovation and continuous process improvements. Plans should drive enhanced Guest, Crew/Cast safety features, overall experience and financial results within Shipwide Entertainment and Character Operations, considering the current competitive environment and growing expectations of our fleet.

This position reports to the Vice President – Entertainment Operations

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external partners and departments to define a clear vision and establish strategic and operational goals.

• Partner with other Disney Cruise Line Operational leaders including, Hotel Operations, Marine & Technical Operations and Operations Integration to foster collaboration and ensure the success of Entertainment experiences.

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships and serve as a communication hub with all LOB executive leadership connected to the daily operation of DCL Entertainment. Strong collaboration with critical partners throughout the company such as Disney Live Entertainment, Costuming, Finance, Commercial, Marketing, Consumer Insights and Walt Disney Imagineering,

• Translate and integrate the vision into strategic operating plans focused on innovation and continuous process improvements while motivating others in a positive way to achieve desired results in support of DCL Entertainment Operations.

• Drive enhanced Guest and Crew experiences, considering the current competitive environment and growing expectations of our Guest and Crew.

• Partner with Guest Communications to follow up on Guest issues and suggestions.  Carefully review Guest Comment Cards, Guest Service Measurement comment summaries, and Guest Service Measurement results and communicate resolution.

• Interpret and utilize metrics and operational indicators to measure, motivate and enhance performance.

• Evaluate entertainment product show quality and brand integrity and provide recommendations for future planning and the strategic development of entertainment product.

• Ensure consistent operation and appropriate staffing levels over a wide spectrum of entertainment offerings. Responsible for staffing assignments, performance assessments, clear career paths and succession planning for senior level leaders.

• Responsible for all financial profit and operating expenses including revenue generation, cost containment and resource optimization for Entertainment Operations. Oversee budgets, labor management, reporting, and preparation of the annual operating plan, 5-year and capital pln.

• Serve as a change agent, taking calculated risks to integrate processes, remove barriers and align performance goals.

• Serve as a representative and agent of the Disney brand with an understanding of how to leverage Disney history and heritage to drive innovative business solutions.

• Safety Management System - Responsible for upholding the general safety management responsibilities in the Safety Management System within the areas under their control.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in high volume operational leadership and/or show production

• Highly motivated self-starter able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment

• Demonstrated strong verbal, written and presentation skills

• Demonstrated strong negotiation, delegation, and partnering skills

• Demonstrated problem solving and continuous improvement process skills

• Proven ability to initiate, organize, prioritize, take and provide direction, and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner

• Demonstrated strong coaching and mentoring skills

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with strong interpersonal skills and positive demeanor

• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including travel, weekends and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 6 year's theme park or cruise industry entertainment leadership experience

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Entertainment/Theatre, Hospitality or related work experience