Project Manager (Project Hire)

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology, inventing new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.

The Project Manager reports to the Senior, Principal, or Executive Project Manager and is responsible for scope development, planning, budgeting, contracting, construction, and closeout activities as they relate to the project.  Under minimal supervision, they lead the implementation of project documentation and deliverables and are responsible for timely communication with business partners and executive leadership. This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.

You Will:

On any given day, as a Project Manager, you might:

• Provide directional leadership to the entire project team across all studios with respect to scope, schedule, budget, quality, and execution under minimal supervision

• Provide direction and set priorities for the project team

• Help to develop the integrated project delivery strategy

• Lead development of budgets, scheduling, and resource planning for projects                                                                                                                   

• Manage the implementation of a change management program, develop change mitigations, and determine the validity and disposition of project changes

• Responsible for the development and update of the project risk register, including completeness, impact assessment, mitigation strategies, and contingency requirements

• Prepare or approve contract documents for bid packages

• Negotiate basic contracts and changes 

• Manage contractor compliance with terms and conditions

• Work with suppliers and subcontractors to influence schedule plans, mitigations, and acceleration and support negotiation of project change orders                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

• Develop the Capital Authorization Requests                                                  

• Ensure project documentation and deliverables are tracked and completed with requisite quality

• Contribute knowledge to team including training and apply lessons learned

You Will Have:

Here’s what you need to be successful at this job:

• Adapt to changing project demands, collaborates with diverse project teams and meets milestone schedule expectations/deadlines

• Demonstrate strong meeting facilitation, presentation, and collaboration skills to keep all members of project team aligned and to develop integrated and fully supported project strategies

• Contribute to project leadership meetings and serve as a trusted source of information and reliable analysis

• Produce formal contractual communications with vendors, consultants and other WDI partners

• Effectively summarize communications for executive management

• Guide project team towards resolution of issues through strong facilitation skills

• Influence senior management in decision making regarding complex issues

• Maintain positive relationships with studios, WDI partners, vendors, and consultants

• Influence commercial and schedule issues through clear identification of critical issues and drivers, thoughtful analysis, and well-articulated positions

• Work with suppliers and subcontractors to influence schedule plans, mitigations, and acceleration and support negotiation of project change orders

• Provide input and influence project casting, including participating in the interviewing process

• Supervise, mentor, and train junior staff

Required Qualification & Skills:

• 4-year undergraduate degree, preferably in a technical field such as engineering, architecture, construction management, or equivalent work experience in project management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience

• Themed entertainment experience

Additional Information:

• Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.