About the Role & Team
Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations worldwide! This diverse team - representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers, and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers - brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle... and a dash of pixie dust!
The Manager, Technical Direction oversees Disney Live Entertainment's Technical Direction Department, guiding the team to deliver and sustain the technical aspects of live shows, parades, and events across Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. This role requires understanding design intent and ensuring successful project execution by organizing, budgeting, scheduling, and leading a team of Technical Directors through all project phases.
This is a full-time salaried role reporting to the Manager-Technical Production.
What You Will Do
Provide leadership oversight and strategic guidance of all DLE sustainment projects during blue-sky; concept development; feasibility (develop and validate scope, schedule, and budget); design development; production (bid package, bid process, vendor selection, construction/fabrication, and acceptance testing); technical delivery (installation, programming, test & adjust, commissioning, rehearsal, and turnover); comprehensive final documentation; and sustainment criteria
Direct Technical Directors in developing and executing plans for live shows, facility infrastructure, and ongoing project sustainment
Balance project scope, staffing, and resources to best meet creative and technical goals, ensuring "right fit" and that the needs of the projects will be creatively satisfied
Provide input on concept, feasibility, and design; review and approve technical budgets, schedules, and staffing plans
Monitor department and project budgets, focusing on labor usage and reporting
Ensure all projects comply with company standards and safety regulations, including Design Assurance and Hazard Assessment requirements
Identify and implement new technologies and workflow improvements
Liaise between Technical Directors and vendors to ensure Disney standards, compatibility, proper training, and accurate documentation
Maintain consistency and quality in technical design documents and project deliverables.
Coordinate with other disciplines and ensure compliance with safety and legal requirements (OSHA, ADA, permitting, etc.)
Participate in research and development of new theatrical and entertainment technologies within the company
Support the ongoing training of technical staff as needed
Lead periodic reviews of existing shows to ensure they meet original creative intent and quality
Stay current with industry trends and maintain up-to-date show documentation and contact databases
Required Qualifications & Skills
Minimum of 7 years of experience in the entertainment industry, specifically in show development and/or live show operations
Comprehensive knowledge of state-of-the-art technology and industry standards for a broad range of live show entertainment systems, including audio, video, broadcast, special effects, lighting, lasers, controls, scenery, automation, rigging, and facility infrastructure
Demonstrated expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and partnership development
Highly detail-oriented with exceptional organizational capabilities and the ability to prioritize objectives effectively
Strong financial acumen with experience managing both capital and operating budgets
Advanced troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure situations
Ability to support the creative process through effective collaboration with designers, directors, and producers
Experience in contract negotiations with consultants to define project scope and value
Proven background in facility design, engineering, and construction
Track record of successfully delivering projects within established scope, schedule, and budget parameters
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate creative concepts
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD, and industry-specific software applications
Willingness and flexibility to work varied hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional travel
Preferred Qualifications
Excellent understanding of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Epcot Building Codes, and all other applicable regulatory agencies
Proven knowledge and proficiency in the following engineering disciplines: structural, mechanical, electrical, software, and safety
Experience in live show development with The Walt Disney Company
Working knowledge and understanding of the Walt Disney culture
Required Education
College degree or equivalent professional experience with a focus in theatrical design, technical production, and/or project management
Additional Information
Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits .
DLEJobs
LI-CL5
Job ID: 10128128
Location: Kissimmee,Florida
Job Posting Company: Walt Disney Imagineering
The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.
