Illusion Production Manager

Job ID 10112953 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Feb. 13, 2025

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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 https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

#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 Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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