Technical Operations Manager, REMI

Position Summary:

The REMI Technical Operations Manager will be responsible for the planning, support and execution of all technical and operational requirements of all live event productions executed in a non-traditional production model. They will assume oversight and lead teams across various business units to ensure success of all assigned production units, to include special productions and special projects. They are responsible for understanding complex technical workflows within a fixed facility as well as interconnectivity with remote equipment and sites. They will be expected to lead troubleshooting efforts and communicate with teams across ESPN, Disney and external clients and partners to fix and troubleshoot technical issues.  

The REMI Technical Operations Manager acts as a liaison between Media Engineering, Support, Production, Directing and Operations. They represent and safeguard operational interests in capital projects and initiatives, aid in the design and implementation of new technical areas, help to develop workflow, and coordinate Content Operations’ configuration and testing of all equipment, systems, and workflows.  

Technical Operations Managers offer in-depth operational training in all technical and operational production areas. They are expected to work with operational staff to design, develop, evaluate, and document all new equipment and workflows to improve overall operational efficiency and innovation. 

The Technical Operations Manager must be a strong communicator and multi-tasker, they will be expected to create both immediate and permanent solutions to technical issues that occur in live productions. They recommend implementation strategies for innovative technologies and support the remote and studio-based operations wherever critical operating points are necessary to sustain the integrity of network integration and production. 

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the technical and operational planning, execution and live production support of all live event productions executed in a non-traditional production model.
• Provides expert operational support to Content Operations and partners.
• In-depth understanding of the workflows and equipment associated with production control rooms, mobile units, and remote productions. Including but not limited to broadcast communication equipment, replay servers, graphics engines, telestration systems, all-in-one production units, signal conversion and video router infrastructure.  
• Superior understanding of remote production and mobile unit workflows and equipment.
• Assists in developing and implementing the most efficient and effective workflows using existing systems and technologies.
• Advanced understanding of network architecture and network support.  
• High functioning computer background (Microsoft 365, Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence, etc...)
• Contributes to the planning and integration of operational hardware while shaping workflows to ensure efficient and smooth operations.
• Expected to assign, track, and manage physical equipment the department utilizes.
• Advanced ability to manage multiple concurrent technical projects involving multiple departments from inception to completion.
• Participates in emergency activities resulting from equipment failures. Prepares technical operations reports. Follows up with support groups on persistent and serious issues within the facility.  Assists in resolving complex technical issues as they arise.
• Consistently monitors the educational needs of the Production Operations staff.  Provides mentoring, contributes to the development of training programs and conducts one on one and group training.
• Participates in the installation and implementation of new equipment.
• Maintains an awareness of technical developments and trends in the industry.  Keeps apprised of new technology and recommends appropriate solutions to the studio and remote based departments.
• Collaborates with Management in long range capital project planning providing operational and workflow expertise.
• Assists in the creation of Standard Operating Procedures and training strategies that ensure efficient use of all operational resources in assigned areas.
• Recommends and participates in training programs meant to improve the competency of the technical operations staff.
• Problem solves and troubleshoots using effective communication to best convey issues and resolutions.
• Participates in training programs, (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for self-career development and/or regarding any relevant equipment and workflow changes within the operation.
• Experience with business productivity applications including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence, etc.  
• Expected to influence system change efforts, share firsthand experiences, and offer best practice and/or training to complex workflow or system challenges.
• Must be highly skilled at interpreting and understanding complex information while disseminating it to proper personnel in a clear and concise manner.
• Participation in required administrative tasks including, but not limited to, the effective utilization of all Disney and ESPN software-based applications.
• Embrace company initiatives including town and/or departmental meetings, upward feedback, performance management applications and employee surveys. Encourage others to do the same

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years practical Content Production or related experience at the regional to large market or network level. 
• Expert knowledge of all Broadcast Production equipment and technology within assigned operating areas. 
• Knowledge of the workflows and equipment associated with broadcast studios and control rooms, including audio consoles, video switchers, cameras, routers, servers, UDCs, tie lines, etc. 
• Flexibility to alter shifts/days off and work overtime to accommodate projects and departmental goals including the ability to work nights and weekends.  
• Must demonstrate ability to perform and lead tasks under tight deadlines, work independently and lead simultaneous projects.  
• Deep understanding of workflow in other business units, including their impact and/or specific integration with Production Operations.  
• Organizational, efficiency and planning skills are required.     
• Must be willing and able to adapt to a constantly changing environment. 
• High functioning computer background (Microsoft 365, Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence, etc...) 
• Problem solves and troubleshoots using effective communication to best convey any issues needing resolution. 
• Seeks out and participates in training programs, (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for self-career development and/or regarding any relevant equipment and workflow changes within the operation 

Preferred Qualifications:

10+ years of operational or related experience 

Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish 

Demonstrable Subject Matter Expertise level knowledge of Broadcast Communications Equipment 

Deep level of understanding of Remote Event Workflows and Terminology 

Ability to provide exceptional customer service to our partners   

Required Education:

High School Diploma

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Studio Production, Journalism, or related field 

Vocational School Certification 

Related Experience 

Additional Information: (i.e. physical requirements, holiday, nights, weekend shifts, etc.)

Must be able to work nights, holidays and weekends.