Position Summary: 

The Supervisor, Production Operations will supervise a team of technical operators working on live events utilizing a Remote Integration (REMI) production model. The Supervisor will be responsible for the planning, support and execution of all operational requirements of all live event productions executed in a REMI 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 as assigned. 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 develop and implement processes and workflows that drive efficiency in workflows, operation and cost. They will be expected to coordinate troubleshooting efforts with workflows or equipment and communicate with teams across ESPN, Disney and external clients and partners to fix and troubleshoot technical issues.  

The Supervisor will build relationships within Production Operations and across ESPN and Disney. Partnering with key shareholders and departments including but not limited to Production Operations, Content Production, Directing, Creative Studio and Engineering, they will drive collaboration, development and problem solving to best support each production and the business.   

A skilled leader, they are expected to create and lead development and training initiatives, evaluate performance and conduct quarterly reviews, partner in the management and scheduling of personnel and facility resources, plan and manage personnel crewing for productions, resolve employee conflicts, communicate efficiently and accurately, hire exceptional talent, enforce departmental SOP’s and company policies as well as support ESPN and Disney initiatives. 

Responsibilities: 

• Supervise daily business, operational and technical support of team and department. 
• Responsible for the technical and operational planning, execution and support of all live event productions executed in a non-traditional production model.  
• Provides expert operational support to Production 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.    
• Advanced understanding of remote production and mobile unit workflows and equipment.  
• Set priorities for and coach team members to ensure deadlines and operational readiness are met. 
• Impacts the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of own team and its contributions to the larger organization. 
• Uses judgment to identify and resolve day-to-day technical and operational problems. 
• Uses tact and diplomacy to exchange information and handle sensitive issues. 
• Applies understanding of how the team relates to other closely associated areas in order to improve efficiency of the team. 
• Required to remain current in their respective technical areas of responsibility as well as expand knowledge for support and coverage of other functional areas.   
• Responsible for teaming with production management to meet the business and programming requirements, working closely to schedule, troubleshoot, and monitor the physical facilities and staff assignments. 
• Requires full understanding and application of procedures and concepts within own specialty and basic knowledge of other specialties. 
• Responsible for developing quality control initiatives and supporting efficiency in operations.  
• Evaluate the performance of all assigned employees, conduct quarterly performance assessment and administer annual reviews for assigned staff members.  
• Make recommendations regarding corrective measures and adjust the personnel and facility schedules to satisfy changing programming demands while maintaining maximum efficiency and flexibility.   
• May be asked to supervise the implementation, installation and integration of new equipment and workflows.  
• Implement training programs to improve efficiency and competency of the operating staff.   
• Ensure adherence of all departmental SOP’s and company policies and initiatives. 
• Lead operational triaging and documentation for issues affecting the on-air operation.  
• Interface with applicable Programming and/or Production representatives in the advance planning stages to ensure the efficient provision of facilities and personnel to achieve desired results.   
• Assists in developing and implementing the most efficient and effective workflows using existing systems and technologies.  
• Contributes to the planning and integration of operational hardware while shaping workflows to ensure efficient and smooth operations 
• 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.  
• Work with crews and staffing through late night shifts, weekends, and holidays.    
• Performs a variety of tasks and special projects as needed. 
• Any other duties needed to help achieve business objectives 

 Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 10 years practical Content Production or related experience at the regional to large market or network level.  
• 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.  
• 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  
• Effective communication skills.  
• Flexibility to alter shifts/days off and work overtime to accommodate projects and departmental goals including the ability to work nights and weekends.   

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Has in-depth understanding/background in Production Operations job roles in Studio, PCR, Network Control, and Editing.  
• Proficient in business protocol and procurement techniques, as well as in-depth research and development in specified areas of expertise.  

Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)  

 Required Education: 

High School Diploma or equivalent.  

 Preferred Education: 

Bachelor's Degree or Technical School degree in communications, electronics, television production or related field.  

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

Must be able to work nights, holidays and weekends.