Illusion Production Manager

42 Minutes ago • 5 Years + • Manufacturing • $113,800 PA - $152,500 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

The Illusion Production Manager at WDI leads production teams in the fabrication and assembly of Audio-Animatronics figures. Responsibilities include fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaborating with engineering and other departments, managing project schedules and budgets, and providing cost estimations and forecasting. The role requires strong leadership skills, deep knowledge of manufacturing techniques, and experience with project management tools. The manager will also mentor and coach direct reports, ensuring projects meet the highest quality standards while adhering to deadlines.
Must have:
  • Lead production teams
  • Improve quality & efficiency
  • Collaborate cross-functionally
  • Manage project schedules & budgets
  • 5+ years leading production teams
  • Deep knowledge of manufacturing
Good to have:
  • Experience with procurement
  • PMP Certification
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
  • Familiarity with design process
Perks:
  • Health and savings benefits
  • Educational opportunities
  • Disney extras

Job Details

Job Summary:

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the master planning, creative design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of Disney's Parks and Resorts business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its experienced teams of Imagineers are managing the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships and new media technology projects

About the Role & Team

The Show Systems studio is where we produce, make, and build the magic. Our processes and tool sets take us from concept design or mock-ups all the way through to full-on production, assembly, and installation. Our Production team plays a vital role in this process by leading the manufacturing phase of our project across a variety of disciplines and methods, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality while maintaining schedules and budgets.

What You Will Do

  • Primarily responsible for leading the Production teams focused on the fabrication and mechanical & electrical assembly of Audio-Animatronics figures
  • Lead the charge to build a culture of continuous improvement within the team, constantly identifying and actioning opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and cost
  • Partner closely with mechanical and electrical engineering leaders to build relationships across organizations to foster standard practices, collaboration and feedback between groups
  • Work cross-functionally between engineering, procurement, scheduling, and project management teams to communicate progress and develop/maintain schedules for all of the projects supported by the Show Systems studio
  • Support the financial performance of the organization by developing and executing systems for project estimating, cost forecasting & tracking, and communicating earned value
  • Engage in the early stages of product development to provide guidance and steer on the feasibility, cost, and risk of designs from a production perspective
  • Mentor and coach direct reports in their career growth by developing and facilitating a structure for cross-training both internal and external to production

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Minimum 5 years of experience directly leading production and/or manufacturing engineering teams in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment
  • Strong leadership fundamentals, able to positively motivate and influence a team to produce the best results possible. Able to provide effective feedback, coaching, and mentorship to cast members at all experience levels
  • Demonstrated experience in a collaborative and innovative work environment, able to communicate and collaborate with individuals and leaders across multiple technical disciplines both within and outside the organization
  • Deep knowledge of traditional and emerging manufacturing techniques, able to steer discussion and decision-making regarding production of various mechanical and electrical components/assemblies
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively. Demonstrated experience of driving significant change into a manufacturing organization
  • Basic familiarity with analysis techniques and tools used to compile and communicate data across disciplines (i.e. Microsoft Excel, SQL, Tableau, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong familiarity supporting the design and production of new products, able to offer guidance and perspective during the design process as it relates to quality, cost and/or risk in the production process
  • Direct experience managing procurement and/or production control teams, ability to independently plan, schedule, analyze, and lead the execution of multi-year projects across a variety of value streams
  • Experience with establishing and driving adoption of effective standards for production performance, including safety, quality, delivery and cost

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Logistics, or Supply Chain disciplines required
  • PMP Certification and/or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred

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 .

#LI-BC1 #DXMedia


The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $113,800.00-$152,500.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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About The Company

From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started!

The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of…

What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!

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