Manager, Studio Design & Development

2 Months ago • 5 Years + • Operations

Job Summary

Job Description

The Manager, Studio Design & Development at ESPN leads studio/scenic projects from conception to execution, working under the Director, SD&D. Responsibilities include contributing to production design and logistics, ensuring timely and budget-conscious project completion. The role requires strong communication and multitasking skills, leadership abilities, and collaboration with production, directing, creative, and operations teams. This includes vendor contract management, budget creation and supervision, interdepartmental coordination, and development of procurement skills. The position involves working with traditional scenery and virtual production environments, managing project spending, and adhering to ESPN's performance standards. Travel to off-site productions, vendor locations, and special events is expected.
Must have:
  • 5+ years design/project management experience
  • Studio and field production experience
  • Strong communication skills
  • Budget and contract knowledge
  • Leadership qualities
  • Detail-oriented
Good to have:
  • Understanding of studio show execution
  • Virtual production (AR/VR/xR) knowledge
  • Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Job Details

Job Summary:

The Manager, Studio Design & Development position will work under the supervision of the Director, SD&D to lead basic studio/scenic projects from inception through execution. In addition, the role includes contribution to production design and logistics management to ensure timelines/budgets are met.  The Manager, Studio Design & Development must have strong multi-tasking and communication skills, plus leadership qualities.

Responsibilities:

  • Evaluates and participates in developing responses to set/scenic design project requests including traditional scenery and virtual production environments. Work will be checked periodically for completeness and quality by Manager.
  • Participates in, sometimes leads, meetings with Production/Directing representatives to develop set/scenic design and works with creative & operations groups to achieve intended results.
  • Works with Manager to supervise vendor contracts and accounts.
  • Works with Manager to create and supervise project/show budgets.  Recommends project spending (including, but not limited to, areas of set design, display technology, lighting, studio equipment).
  • Coordinates the communication between departments and/or vendors for projects.
  • Begins to develop abilities in the company's procurement and/or purchasing modules.
  • Works closely with Manager to learn new leadership, project management and studio/scenic design skills.
  • Practices and maintains the ESPN Directing/SD&D Department performance standards as they apply to leadership, communication, operations, personal development and productions, and consistently performs all the duties and functions required of the role.  Demonstrates strong leadership qualities in all interactions and decisions.
  • Travel can be expected, including off-site productions, vendor locations, special projects or outdoor events.  Business meetings, training opportunities should be expected.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 5 years of design/directing/project mgt or related experience.
  • Comprehensive experience with productions in the studio and in the field.
  • Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of contracts and budgets.
  • Hard working, detail oriented, passionate about production, interested in technical areas and continually offers creative ideas.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Basic understanding of studio show execution in Bristol, at outside facilities and in the field.
  • Understanding of virtual production environments in including AR/VR/xR volumetric technologies.
  • Bilingual language skills (Spanish/English) preferred.

Required Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

#ESPNMedia

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