Technical Operations Manager, REMI Ops

About the Role:

The REMI Technical Operations Manager is a skilled, hands-on technical contributor responsible for the planning, configuration, and execution of live event productions using non-traditional and remote integration (REMI) production models. In a technology-driven, sports media environment, this role is responsible for understanding and implementing complex technical workflows that connect fixed facilities with remote sites to deliver extraordinary live viewing experiences for fans.

Responsibilities:

This role provides expert operational support for live events by developing and implementing complex technical workflows across production control rooms, mobile units, and remote productions. The REMI Technical Operations Manager partners closely with Media Engineering, Operations, and Production teams to shape efficient workflows, contribute to new technology implementations, and mentor operators on best practices. As an independent worker and effective problem-solver, this role helps protect the on-air product, influences workflow development, and supports technical innovation in a dynamic, innovative ESPN environment.

•        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 key technical resource for 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 to quickly diagnose, escalate, communicate, and resolve complex technical issues while maintaining the integrity of the on-air product.

•        Participate 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.

•        Assist in developing and implementing efficient workflows using existing systems and technologies, contributing to continuous improvement of REMI Operations.

•        Drive cross-functional projects, aligning work with organizational goals and ensuring clear communication of status, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders.

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

•        Apply an 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.

•        Contribute to 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, assist in resolving complex technical issues, and follow up with support groups on persistent problems within the facility.

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

•        Monitor the educational needs of Production Operations staff, provide mentoring, and support one-on-one and group training to elevate technical proficiency and consistency.

•        Assist in creating and refining Standard Operating Procedures and training strategies that promote consistent, efficient use of operational resources in assigned areas.

•        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.

•        Participate in capital project initiatives, representing Content Operations’ interests to influence the design, implementation, testing, and deployment of new systems and facilities.

•        Demonstrate ability to work independently and make strategic decisions that protect the on-air product.

•        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:

•        Strong proficiency in technical broadcast operations for live event production using REMI or similar non-traditional production models, with the ability to work independently and solve complex problems.

•        In-depth 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.

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

•        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 perform under tight deadlines, manage multiple concurrent technical efforts, and act as a resource for colleagues.

•        Strong problem-solving and communication skills, capable of interpreting complex technical information and explain it clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

•        Ability to mentor and coach operational staff, contributing to training programs and knowledge sharing to improve team capability and consistency.

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

•        Minimum 5 years of experience in content production, technical operations, or related live event support roles.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

•        Minimum 10+ years of operational or related experience in technical broadcast operations or live event support.

•        Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish.

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

•        Subject matter expertise in broadcast video, audio, and communications equipment and a deep understanding of remote event workflows and terminology.

•        Ability to provide exceptional customer service to internal partners and external stakeholders in a fast-paced live production environment.

Required Education:

High School Diploma

Preferred Education:

Bachelors Degree

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $97,000 to $130,000 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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