Sr Technical Operations Manager

About the Role:

The Senior REMI Technical Operations Manager is a subject matter expert and hands-on technical leader responsible for the planning, support, and execution of live event productions using non-traditional and remote integration (REMI) production models. This role is responsible for understanding, designing, and implementing complex technical workflows between fixed facilities and remote sites, ensuring reliable, innovative, and technology-driven live experiences for fans in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

In the Senior REMI Technical Operations Manager role, you will lead technical and operational planning for REMI-based live events, serve as a skilled problem-solver and escalation point during live productions, and act as a trusted partner to internal stakeholders and external clients. You will mentor and guide individual contributors, drive cross-functional projects, and continuously refine workflows and technologies to align with ESPN’s strategic goals. Success requires being an experienced subject matt

er expert, a collaborative team player, and a resilient leader who can manage multiple concurrent initiatives while protecting the integrity of the on-air product.

•        Plan, support, and execute all technical and operational requirements for live event productions executed in non-traditional and remote integration production models, ensuring consistent, high-quality output across platforms.

•        Serve as a subject matter expert on complex technical workflows within fixed facilities and their interconnectivity with remote equipment and sites, including production control rooms, mobile units, and remote productions.

•        Lead troubleshooting efforts during live productions, acting as a primary escalation point to quickly diagnose and resolve complex technical issues while maintaining the integrity of the on-air product.

•        Own the development and continuous improvement of operational workflows, identifying process enhancements and innovative solutions that ensure consistency, scalability, and alignment across remote and studio-based production environments.

•        Lead in the installation, configuration, implementation, and operational support of new equipment and workflows, contributing operational insight to ensure systems are configured for live production needs.

•        Collaborate with Media Engineering, Production, Directing, and Operations to design, implement, and refine technical areas and operational workflows that support current and future REMI capabilities.

•        Lead cross-functional projects from inception through completion, aligning work with organizational goals, managing dependencies, and ensuring clear communication of status, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders.

•        Coordinate operational readiness activities for new technologies, equipment, and workflows, including evaluation, configuration, testing, documentation, and transition to live production support.

•        Apply an advanced understanding of network architecture and security to diagnose and resolve connectivity and signal path issues between fixed facilities and remote sites.

•        Utilize productivity tools such as Microsoft 365, Smartsheet, JIRA, and Confluence to track work, document workflows, and support operational reporting. Develop business processes to increase efficiencies across production planning and tracking efforts.

•        Drive the planning and integration of operational hardware, helping shape workflows that ensure smooth and efficient operations for live events.

•        Participate in emergency activities resulting from equipment failures and drive follow up with support groups on persistent problems within the facility.

•        Coordinate system change efforts by effectively representing operational experiences and production requirements and prioritizing most impactful change requests.

•        Provide in-depth operational training, mentoring, and guidance to technical staff; design, develop, evaluate, and document new equipment workflows to support continuous learning, operational readiness, and superior execution.

•        Create and refine Standard Operating Procedures and training strategies that promote consistent, efficient use of operational resources across all operational areas and disciplines.

•        Assign, track, and manage departmental physical equipment, contributing to the logistics planning, deployment, and integration of broadcast systems to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

•        Maintain awareness of industry trends and emerging technologies, including cloud-based workflows (AWS, Azure, GCP), and recommend appropriate solutions to enhance remote and studio-based operations.

•        Collaborate in long-range capital project planning and technology initiatives, representing Content Operations’ interests to drive the design, implementation, testing, and deployment of new systems and facilities.

•        Work independently to manage multiple concurrent projects and make timely decisions under pressure, balancing innovation with risk management to protect live broadcasts.

•        Problem-solve and troubleshoot using clear, effective communication to convey issues and resolutions to stakeholders across ESPN and Disney.

•        Perform required administrative tasks, including effective use of Disney and ESPN software-based applications, and actively engage in company initiatives such as meetings, feedback processes, and employee surveys.

•        Participate in training and development programs for self and others, embrace company initiatives, and model Disney values by fostering an innovative, collaborative, and inclusive team environment.

Required Qualifications:

•        Proven subject matter expertise in technical broadcast operations and remote integration production models, with the ability to lead complex live event workflows across multiple platforms.

•        Expert-level understanding of production control room, mobile unit, and remote production systems, including broadcast communication equipment, replay servers, graphics engines, telestration systems, all-in-one production units, signal conversion, and video router infrastructure.

•        Advanced understanding of broadcast standards such as ST-2110, JPEG-XS, HEVC, NDI, REC.709, and BT.2020.

•        Advanced understanding of network architecture and security as it relates to live broadcast and remote integration environments.

•        High-functioning computer background and experience using Microsoft 365, Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence, and other business productivity applications.

•        Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent technical projects from inception to completion, perform and lead tasks under tight deadlines, and work both independently and as a collaborative team player.

•        Skilled problem-solver with strong communication skills, capable of interpreting complex information, explaining difficult concepts, and negotiating with others to adopt new approaches or workflows.

•        Experience mentoring, training, and guiding technical staff, including designing and delivering one-on-one and group training to improve operational competency and performance.

•        Ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment, work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to support live events and departmental goals.

•        Minimum 8 years of experience in content production, technical broadcast operations, or related fields at the regional, large market, or network level.

•        Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Studio Production, Journalism, or a related field, and/or vocational school certification in a relevant technical discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

•        Minimum 12+ years of operational or related experience in technical broadcast operations, live event support, or remote production environments.

•        Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish, with the ability to support diverse partners and stakeholders.

•        Experience with cloud-based workflows and platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, particularly in support of media production.

•        Demonstrable subject matter expertise in broadcast video, audio, and communications equipment and a deep understanding of remote event workflows and terminology, with a strong focus on exceptional customer service to partners.

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Charlotte, NC is $99,040 to $136,180 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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.

This position is with ESPN Productions, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

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ESPN Productions, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. 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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