Director, Studio Operations

Job Description

The Team

Animation is one of the fastest growing and most creative content categories today in the entertainment industry, with an innovative and talent-rich roster boasting some of the most accomplished writers, producers, and artists. Home to classic shows such as Looney Tunes Cartoons, Animaniacs, and originals such as Adventure Time, Craig of the Creek– Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios create award-winning animation and lead in the development and production of kids & family and young adult entertainment.

The Director, Studio Operations is responsible for facilities and aspects of operations at Cartoon Network Studios. As head of the Facilities Management team, this Director will partner closely with WarnerMedia Corporate Real Estate and WarnerMedia Global Security teams, as well as all departments across Cartoon Network Studios including Production, IT, HR, Finance, Legal, and Development. The Director is charged to provide best-in-class operational support to all artists and executives at the Studio on a daily basis and develop tools and processes to drive efficiency for productions and improve employee experience. We seek a versatile, proactive and service-oriented leader who is passionate about creating the best possible work environment and culture at our iconic Burbank facilities and for those working hybrid from home.

The Job

The Director, Studio Operations will lead the facilities team and assist with aspects of studio operations at Cartoon Network Studios, as a member of the studio executive team. Reporting to the VP, Studio Business Operations, the Director will oversee key operational functions such as facilities management, security, guest services, real estate & construction, purchasing, shipping and receiving, vendor management, and events by leading a dedicated team and partnering with WarnerMedia corporate groups for support, expertise and resources. The Director will also assist the VP with other aspects of studio operations, as assigned. The ideal candidate will have extensive management experience, strong understanding of all aspects of animation production and studio operations, and a track record of building strong cross-functional relationships.

The Daily
• Oversees the in-house Facilities Management team and third-party vendors across all facilities functions at Cartoon Network Studios, including space planning, security, cleaning, repairs, shipping & receiving, purchasing, landlord relations, compliance, guest services, employee engagement, and events
• Responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, friendly Studio environment while driving efficiencies, process improvement, creativity, innovation, diversity, and inclusion
• Partner with Production, HR, IT and Finance on production/workspace planning, setup, design, furnishing, moves, cleanups, and other processes in onboarding and offboarding employees
• Work closely with WarnerMedia Corporate Real Estate and Security teams to ensure best-in-class facility standards, processes, execution, documentation, and team management in accordance with corporate plans and guidance
• Staff and supervise the team to provide logistics, facility and operational support to all artists and executives at the Studio, presenting creative solutions to meet specific needs as appropriate
• Drive the planning and execution of COVID-compliant, hybrid-friendly Studio events/activities
• Manage department budgets, including capital, maintenance, and repairs. Oversee annual forecasting as well as scoping of special projects. Make recommendations/manage implementation for service improvement opportunities across the facilities
• Partner with functional leaders across the Studio to fully understand and manage specific facility and operational needs, develop execution plans in concert with IT and other stakeholders
• Interface with landlords regarding all building-related issues in accordance with WarnerMedia guidance, including leases, repairs, renovation, trash management, parking, restrooms, etc.
• Manage and establish vendor relationships; oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of facility projects (including RFPs, proposals, contracts, construction, payment, etc.)
• Take on significant leadership role in designing and implementing a new hybrid-friendly work model that provides safety, flexibility, and structured support, including the development of new Covid-compliant processes, communications, employee engagement and culture
• Prepared to be on call 24/7/365 for building emergencies
• Partner closely with VP to identify, scope and drive strategic, high-leverage operations projects
• Assist VP with other aspects of studio operations, as assigned
• Be creative and entrepreneurial, constantly think about new ways to improve overall Studio operations and employee/artist happiness

The Essentials
• 10+ Years of experience in operations, facilities management, or general management
• Quick learner, resourceful, mature, collaborative, and extensive people management skills
• Strong understanding of entertainment and/or production operations
• Experience with budget responsibilities, vendor management, and strategic planning
• Ability to align, motivate and lead a team including creating accountability
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills
• Demonstrated success in standing up new processes and/or improving existing ones
• Excellent business acumen, problem solving and organizational skills
• Bachelor's degree or higher; master's degree a plus
• Strong passion for animation and Cartoon Network Studios content

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gxop0z-18-223-172-252-42 in your application.