Manager, Network Origination

Technology is at the heart of Disney’s past, present, and future. Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a global organization of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, data scientists, and more – all working to build and advance the technological backbone for Disney’s media business globally. 

The team marries technology with creativity to build world-class products, enhance storytelling, and drive velocity, innovation, and scalability for our businesses. We are Storytellers and Innovators. Creators and Builders. Entertainers and Engineers. We work with every part of The Walt Disney Company’s media portfolio to advance the technological foundation and consumer media touch points serving millions of people around the world.  

Here are a few reasons why we think you’d love working here: 

• Building the future of Disney’s media: Our Technologists are designing and building the products and platforms that will power our media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come. 

• Reach, Scale & Impact: More than ever, Disney’s technology and products serve as a signature doorway for fans' connections with the company’s brands and stories. Disney+. Hulu. ESPN. ABC. ABC News…and many more. These products and brands – and the unmatched stories, storytellers, and events they carry – matter to millions of people globally.  

• Innovation: We develop and implement groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms and solve complex and distinctive technical problems. 

  

Content Platforms & Operations is responsible for the development and ongoing advancement of the technical and operational functions driving the worldwide distribution and monetization of Disney’s linear networks and theatrical content. This includes Disney’s media supply chain and storage, network and theatrical distribution operations, media localization, network transmission and origination, and more. The global team also plays a critical role as the primary collaboration point for Product & Technology with Disney’s EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regional business teams. 

 

Job Summary: 

The Network Origination Manager will work rotational shifts to oversee a 24 hour / 7 day a week media network operations and ensure that all network feeds are aired as scheduled.  This position upholds accountability for department performance, workforce planning, escalation management and cross-functional alignment. The manager serves as a key decision maker for on-air operations with oversight of the control of the Disney Media Networks and their underlying systems while maintaining a close partnership with internal teams such as Resources, Marketing, Programming, Media Operations and Traffic.  This may include, but is not limited to, Disney Channel, Freeform, FX, National Geographic, ABC Television Network and owned ABC Television Stations. The Managers, in conjunction with On-Air Support Operators, are the primary owners of decision making affecting the on-air product. The Network Origination Managers balance the day-to-day protection of our high standard of quality while driving operational strategy, risk management and continuous improvement.   

The Manager should be familiar with all aspects of television operations.  Along with On-Air Support, the Managers will control communications between the network and affiliates and serve as a point of contact for all issues.  A successful candidate in this role must be able to maintain a high-level attention to detail across several streams and systems while being able to prioritize tasks and requests.  Strong leadership qualities are required as the Manager, in conjunction with On-Air Support, will be responsible for all decision-making processes affecting the on-air product and will interact with all levels of Management. Must be able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment.  

The Manager will have approximately eight direct reports ranging from entry level positions to experienced operators.    

 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead all network origination operations ensuring accurate and on-time delivery of programming across all networks. 
• Flexibility to work all shifts composing a 24/7 day including swing shifts, overnights, weekends, holidays and special events is a must.  

• Own escalation and decision-making for critical on-air and operational issues impacting revenue, quality, or delivery. 
• Lead teams to establish and enforce operational standards, policies, and procedures aligned with legal and compliance requirements. 

• Lead forecast planning for complex operations regarding regionalization, workflow, distribution patterns, personnel and resource allocation 

• Drive continuous improvement through process optimization, workflow automation, and SOP development. 

• Partner cross-functionally prioritizing relationships and professionalism in all interactions. 

• Oversee communication with network affiliates during live events, breaking news, and critical programming updates. 

• Provide strategic oversight of live event workflows, timing decisions, and issue resolution. 

• Lead incident response and recovery efforts to minimize business and revenue impact. 

• Responsible for workforce planning, staffing models, and scheduling strategy for a 24/7 operation while prioritizing the business needs. 

• Plan and execute technology roadmap initiatives and operational readiness for system enhancements and upgrades, prioritizing team development and involvement during such initiatives. 

• Perform continuous impact and risk assessment of program release. 

• Set priorities for and coach team members to ensure deadlines and operational readiness are met. 

• Maintain team accountability in relation to network policies and procedures during critical situations, including ensuring all rules and regulations pertaining to legal requirements, standards and practices are being met. 

• Represent the network origination team during internal and external business customer requests and assure they are executed with high level of accuracy while maintaining consistency in decision making. 

• Remain current in their respective technical areas of responsibility for day-to-day support as well as to expand knowledge to provide workflow feedback during larger strategic initiatives. 

• Ensures resolution of day-to-day technical and operational problems as well as identify recurring issues that require workflow improvements. 

• Upholds professionalism using tact and diplomacy to exchange information and handle sensitive issues. 

• Lead the implementation of technological upgrades and projects furthering the vision of the Facility that drives scalability and operational efficiency. 

• Escalate technical and operational issues clearly to support, engineering and management through well written reports 

• Perform management administrative functions.  

• Assess and adjust the personnel and facility schedules to satisfy changing programming demands. 

• Lead, develop, and coach team members to drive performance management, talent development, and succession planning. 

• Evaluate the performance of direct reports, conduct performance assessments and administer annual reviews for assigned staff members. 

• Work constructively and respectfully with fellow team and department members to achieve a common goal while always upholding the values of The Walt Disney Company. 

  

Basic Qualifications: 

• A minimum of 8-years experience in television broadcast 

• Advanced proficiency in live television operations 

• Expert knowledge of television network operations that may include traffic planning and timing calculation, playlist automation systems, signal flow, measurement tools and signal elements 

• Experience with playout automation systems. 

• Solid understanding video formats (SD, HD, UHD, HD-HDR and video and audio standards (SMPTE). 

• Solid understanding audio formats such as mono, stereo, native 5.1 & 5.1 up-mix 

• Advanced understanding of video routing systems and analysis tools (waveform monitors, rasterizers and audio meters) 

• Solid knowledge and experience of live acquisition and remote workflows for live events and linear channels 

• Proactive problem-solving and critical thinking skills 

• Use of good judgment when making decisions or addressing issues 

• Ability to make decision based on business priorities 

• Must be able to communicate calmly and effectively to the team while working in high pressure and stressful situations 

• Must be self-motivated, organized and communicate clearly both verbally and in writing 

• Ability to understand and explain signal flow charts 

• Experience with VOD workflows and delivery formats 

• Understanding of Cloud-based and on-prem operations 

• Experience leading process improvement or operational transformation initiatives. 

• Advanced understanding of transmission signal flows inbound/outbound  
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with streaming media platforms (e.g., Netflix, Fire TV, Hulu, etc.) 

• Non-linear editing experience or experience with EVS, Evertz Dreamcatcher or other live edit platforms 

• Genuine interest in current industry technologies and developments 

• Familiarity with Disney Networks brands (Disney Channels, FX, NatGeo. ESPN & ABC) 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

• Solid Leadership skills 
• Bachelor's degree in a field related to media, broadcast, engineering, communications, computer science OR equivalent work experience

 

The hiring range for this position in The Woodlands, TX is $91,000 - $121,900 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.