Production Manager

The Walt Disney Company (Germany) GmbH; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in family entertainment seeks a dynamic Production Manager to lead its Toronto team. This role involves overseeing rehearsal processes, collaborating on creative decisions, and managing production budgets. With a focus on creating magical experiences, the Production Manager will ensure that all operations run smoothly, from scheduling to team leadership. If you are passionate about entertainment and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant and creative setting.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in entertainment management or production support.
• Proven leadership and performance management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Toronto Production Team and oversee rehearsal production processes.
• Collaborate with HR and Safety leaders on training and strategic planning.
• Manage production budgets and maintain relationships with various teams.

Skills

Entertainment Management

Leadership Skills

Scheduling

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Performance Management

Ability to Manage Priorities

Education

Post-Secondary Education in Entertainment Stage Management

Job description

Disney Cruise Line (DCL), a division of The Walt Disney Company, operates a five-ship fleet of premium class cruise liners and is the industry leader in family vacations at sea. DCL Entertainment (Toronto) is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company Canada and serves as the rehearsal headquarters for DCL’s award-winning theatrical productions. Within a state-of-the-art entertainment rehearsal facility, DCL’s production teams pride themselves on creating memorable family entertainment that is both enchanting and magical – delighting the young and young at heart with legendary Disney storytelling.

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and reporting to the Senior Manager, Entertainment Operations, the Production Manager leads the Toronto Production Team and DCL Casts – overseeing all Toronto rehearsal production processes and functions. Partners with HR and Safety leaders on training requirements, and strategic planning for future rehearsals, training and production development within the DCL fleet.

Responsibilities

• Manage team of Production Supervisors and Assistant Production Supervisors, including DAchieve - development implementation and evaluation, leadership expectations, scheduling and vacation planning.
• Collaborate and support Senior Manager, Entertainment Operations and Director, Artistic and Production regarding creative and operational decision-making.
• Strategize master planning of fleetwide rehearsal and shipboard contract dates.
• Partner with Revenue Management in forecasting and confirming fleetwide technical installs (“crossovers”).
• Plan and manage cast contract scope commitment deadlines working closely with Resident Directors, DCL Ops, DLE and shipboard partners ensuring annual budget planning targets.
• Manage and distribute confirmed cast rehearsal and shipboard contract dates meeting deadlines for all relative partners.
• Partner with Senior Manager Entertainment Operations in managing the annual production budget.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with HR, Shipboard Teams, DCL Ops, DLE Project Teams and Production Vendors.
• Work with Global Casting conducting alumni contract offers and offer record submissions for multiple casts, tracking contracts and rates for each performer.
• Conduct regular Team and 1:1 meetings with Production Supervisors and Assistant Production Supervisors.
• Provide feedback and job performance evaluations on a consistent basis offering leadership, guidance and support to assist in meeting team and company goals.
• Partner with Company Manager and Cast Coordinators on cast fittings logistics and solutions.
• Partner with Resident Director, Production Supervisors and Character Manager on cast performance issues.
• Ensure the Cast receive information pertaining to Company Policies and Procedures including but not limited to company updates, expectations and dry docks.
• Be an active participant on the DCL Toronto leadership team to ensure creative and production goals are met.
• SMS and LOG responsibility for creating, contributing and upholding the general safety and operating guidelines in Toronto as specified in the Safety Management System within DCL Entertainment.
• Act as a Production Supervisor as necessary.
• Some travel to ships may be required for crossover support, project installation, stage manager and show quality sustainment and audits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in an entertainment management/production support role, with cruise industry experience considered an asset.
• Proven experience and understanding of Disney Character & Theatrical operations.
• Broadway and/or National Tour stage or company management experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated scheduling, performance management and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to assess and manage competing and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and capable of building and leading a team.
• Able to work with a flexible and fluid production schedule including weekends and long days during busy periods.

Education

• Post-Secondary education or equivalent experience in entertainment stage management or production / theatre related position.

Our Company proudly provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We welcome and encourage applications from persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process.